If there’s anything more wholesome than visiting a farmers’ market at the weekend with your canvas tote in tow, then we’re yet to discover it. Swap your usual supermarket shop for a lazy afternoon wandering the stalls. Browse local produce like handmade preserves, organic bakes, farm-fresh meat and dairy, and a rainbow of seasonal fruit and veg hot from the ground. There’s never been a better way to give food miles the green finger – and there’s no fussy plastic packaging or preservatives to contend with either.
When you’re stocked up for the week, refuel with some of the freshly-prepared fare on offer before heading home. Ready for a feel-good shop? Browse our pick of the best farmers’ markets around London and find your new local today.
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On a sunny day, there is no more enjoyable market in London. Be it fresh fruit and vegetables, seafood, cheese, bread, juices or delicious, freshly prepared grub, Ally Pally has it all - so make sure you've got your sturdiest Jute bag in tow. For the creme of the crop arrive early - that way you'll beat the mid-afternoon vegetable rush.
Most Sundays, 10am-3pm
Running since 2000, this Sunday market is something of an institution. Each week, farmers rock up to the carpark-turned-market to share their wares; Norfolk-caught shrimp, raw milk and local honey are all on the menu. Keep an eye out for Perry Court Farm, a long-time favourite and purveyor of all things fruity – including delicious baked apple and pear crisps. De-lish.
Every Sunday, 10am-2pm
Located in Lewisham College car park, this friendly weekly market makes a great place to pick up some quality groceries. The focus is on locally-sourced seasonal food, whether that’s a joint for your Sunday lunch, your basic supply of fresh fruit and veg, or cakes, artisan breads, cheese and charcuterie for a special occasion. Highlights include free-range poultry from Fosse Meadow and excellent Spanish cheeses and chorizo from Flavours of Spain.
Every Saturday, 10am-2pm
This long-running market will take you on a culinary tour of England without stepping foot out of West London. Shop fresh fish from Dorset, heritage apples from Essex and tomatoes from the Isle of Wight. Well behaved pooches are welcome, and well-behaved kids can be whisked off to Deans Gardens park next door for a runaround.
Every Saturday, 9am-1pm
Buy your eggs, dairy, meat and veg here on a Saturday, and you’ll eat through the week smug in the knowledge that every meal supports small, sustainable farms. As you might expect from the UK’s first, 100% organic market, there’s a huge choice of seasonal produce, as well as more unusual ingredients like wild mushrooms, wild garlic, sloes and medlars. The farmers and growers are on hand to answer all your questions too, from best cooking practices to ‘What the heck’s a medlar?’
Every Saturday, 10am-2.30pm
Established in the ‘90s, the first ever London farmer’s market turns twenty this year, and it has plenty on offer, from fresh pasta and fruit to cream and artisanal cakes. Swing by Nigel’s Lettuces and Lovage for all your salad, plant and herb needs, then take your pick of the bunch with seasonal blooms from Grange Nursery.
Every Sunday, 10am-2pm
Sunday morning sees Marylebone mums and Waitrose types getting their weekly shop done before a posh coffee and croissant. There are around forty stalls all proffering fresh, seasonal goods, like April asparagus and sweet July cherries. Plus there's an assortment of celebrated regular traders, like funghi-sandwich-aficionados The Mushroom Table and classic French cuisine at Madame Gautier, who were voted Marylebone Farmers Market's favourite stall 2018.
Every Sunday, 10am-2pm
Unlike carnival, this weekly farmer’s market is one of Notting Hill’s best-kept secrets. Every Saturday, tucked away on the street behind Waterstones, locals patiently wait for the stalls to open at 9am when they can get their hands on the freshest fish and veg around. Fancy something sweet for afters? Make a beeline for Bee Friendly’s stall and take home a sweet jar of local honey.
Every Saturday, 9am-1pm
After a ramble on Hampstead Heath and a photo on Parliament Hill, complete the holy trinity of Instagram opportunities with a trip to the local farmer’s market. Pick up organic veg from Eden Farms, sourdough bread from Levain Bakery and spuds galore at The Potato Shop. If you’ve been on a walk with your dog, leave them in the designated doggie area where they can make new friends with fellow Hamstead pooches while you shop.
Every Saturday, 10am-2pm
Peckham Farmers Market is a weekly affair run by the Urban Farmers Market – it's also a resident's fave. Step beneath the covered roof and you'll not only discover bountiful fresh produce, but a lively atmosphere guaranteed to put you in the shopping mood. Luckily, goods are reasonably priced, so you can go slightly off-piste without a trace of remorse.
Every Sunday, 9am-1pm
Here’s our pick of the very best markets in London, from Borough Market’s foodie stands to stalls filled with flowers on Columbia Road
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