The Best Food Markets Near To Our Stores

More and more food markets have been popping up across Britain’s cities over the past few years, and we’re here for it! It’s the only way that you can sample such a huge variety of different dishes and food types all in one place.
 
They’re also great places for budding chefs, entrepreneurs and restauranteurs of the future to peddle their wares without having to pile huge sums into bricks and mortar operations. This means that they’re often the spots to find the freshest new cuisine.
 
Many household names started out as food market hotspots - Honest Burger, Pizza Pilgrims and Breddo’s Tacos to name but a few.
 
Food markets also tend to offer better value for money than sit-in restaurants due to lower running costs, less staff and the need to shift all their ingredients pronto! All in all, I think we can agree that they’re a good thing.
 
Here we take a look at the best food markets within a close proximity to our barber shops, that way you can follow your grade A trim with some grade A grub!
 
 
Shoreditch - Boxpark

 
One of London’s OG modern food markets, Boxpark first opened its doors next to Shoreditch High Street station to mass acclaim in 2011. The fact that it was constructed from industrial shipping containers meant that it was revolutionary at the time.
 
The brain child of a fashion label owner, it was initially only meant as a temporary fixture with a maximum shelf life of five years. However, it’s still very much open and as popular as ever, having spawned further sites in Croydon and Wembley in more recent times.
 
There are currently 19 food outlets on the first floor positioned around three central courtyards. The food offering has varied greatly over the years including legendary vegan pioneers Cookdaily, jerk officianado’s Rudie’s and fried chicken messiahs Coqfighter. However, when one fave vacates (often to a bigger premises) then the next big thing is right behind it firing up the grill.
 
 
Marylebone - Marylebone Farmer’s Market

 
There is only one single piece of bad news regarding the incredibly popular Marylebone Farmer’s Market - the very limited opening hours. Some of the finest food artisans from the capital (and beyond) take residence in this well heeled location for just four hours weekly, on Sundays between 10 and 2, so set your clocks!
 
Now that we’ve got the bad news out of the way everything else is pure gold. Start with a hot mushroom sandwich from Mushroom Table and then give yourself plenty of time to peruse the amazing produce on display.
 
The stalls change regularly but stalwarts include Heritage Cheese, Buck Star Beers, Exeter Street Bakery and Chegworth Fruit Juices. The focus here is on picking up ingredients to cook up yourself at home, but there are numerous takeaway options available.
 
Alternatively, if you do want to take something home but cooking isn’t really your thing then pick up possibly the world’s most bougie ready meal courtesy of Madame Gaultier.
 
 
Soho - Berwick Street Market

 
Berwick Street Market is one of the oldest in the city, dating back to 1778. I would imagine that the area has changed a fair bit since then, as too have the delicacies on offer here.
 
Whilst the traditional fruit and veg stalls and florists are still in situ, there is now an exciting and diverse street food offering available every day bar Sunday.
 
You could pretty much travel around the culinary globe when you pay a visit here - falafel from Jerusalem Falafel, souvlaki from Greek2Go, Mexican fare from Freebird Burrito and Egyptian pittas from Wow Shees are but a handful of options from the excellent roster of vendors.
 
Soho has often been described warmly as a melting pot of styles and cultures, so it great that there’s a food market to reflect this. 
 
 
Edinburgh - Stockbridge Market
 
In a charming riverside location, Stockbridge Market offers crafts, artwork, organic groceries from some of the city’s best artisans. Operating on Sundays since 2011, and in an area flanked by excellent independent shops, it makes a great day out. However, the street food could be its trump card.
 
The paella stall here is renowned throughout Edinburgh, and the constant queues are living proof of this, but if you’re not in the mood to wait in line then there is a plethora of other options. Good shouts include the African delights of Knights Kitchen and the Tanzanian curries of Ma Robert’s. 
 
Why not pick up a sublime flat white from The Bearded Barista whilst you mull over your options, or pick up some provisions from Tay Valley Fruit and Veg and The Artisan Pasta Maker to take home with you.
 
 
Covent Garden - Seven Dials Market

 
Situated in the heart of Covent Garden, Seven Dials Market is a sleek and modern food market which opened in 2019 following the careful renovation of a former warehouse building.
 
Beneath the cast iron beams, brick arches and a sweeping staircase, vibrant and exciting food can be found alongside bars, an events space and even a bookshop.
 
Founded by Kerb, a membership programme of London’s most promising street food vendors, each kitchen is hand picked to showcase their talents at the market. This results in consistently excellent food from a wide variety of cuisines.
 
There are falafels and flat breads from Shuk, Thai noodles and spices from Yuuk Yuuk or guava glazed Latino wings from El Pollote amongst a host of mouth watering options. Grab a pew and take your pick, chances are you won’t be disappointed.