Where are the best food markets in the UK? What makes them so special? We’ve listed some fab foodie markets across England, with more in Wales, Scotland and Ireland to come!
What makes food markets special?
One of the best things about artisan markets is the food. Whether it’s street food, a cheese stall amongst a craft market, mulled wine and mince pies at a Christmas Market, a Farmer’s Market or a dedicated food market, there’s usually something delicious to be found at a market!
You may have noticed that independent food markets are making a bit of a stir in recent years. You may have also noticed that a lot of big chains that were once the darlings of the high street are starting to close (think GBK and more recently Jamie’s Italian – even Zizzi’s have been in trouble).
The thing with food markets is that they’re so much more personal. Unique food, often specialist items, and locally sourced so that they’re more eco-friendly too – there’s lots to love about them.
As independent food markets become more and more popular, we thought we would give you the low down on some of the best independent food markets to check out.
The Top 10 Independent Food Markets in the UK
Be The Future Markets – Stroud Green & Stoke Newington, London.
With markets in Stroud Green and Stoke Newington currently, Be The Future focus on a vegan ethos, with stallholders promoting a vegan lifestyle – be that in terms of food, drink, homewares or other products. As their markets, there’s plenty of delicious vegan products to be discovered.
If you’re interested in the vegan lifestyle, check out our blog that delves deeper into vegan markets and stallholders.
Mercato Metropolitino – Elephant & Castle, London.
We loved our visit here – read more about our experience of this market here. The Turkish platter and passion fruit mojito was spectacular and we will be returning soon to taste test some of the other cuisines!
The marketplace is where selected food suppliers and trading partners connect with visitors to breathe life into healthy living, that helps local communities grow strong together. With diverse food practices and ingredients from different countries, this market brings together various cultures and traditions into an urban environment. The space itself is a place of social gathering, eating and enjoying time with friends and family. Crafty Fox, the event organisers, are looking to emulate this in new locations soon, so watch out for that!
The Crafty Fox Markets also host other regular events here, which are definitely worth a trip to combine the markets and experience the quality handmade stalls and great food at the same time! Grab the mojitos everyone – cheers!
Brixton Village Market – Brixton Station Road Market, London
Brixton Market is more than a food hall, but we wanted to share it with you. The once rather down-trodden arcades have been replaced by vibrant spaces full of quirky independent shops and, crucially, independent food stalls and restaurants. There’s literally every type of food under the sun in Brixton; lots of Caribbean food, as you would expect, but there’s also amazing French, Italian and Brazilian delights that need to be sampled!
Baltic Market – Baltic Triangle, Liverpool
This was Liverpool’s first and finest street food market – and the residents are still loving it. It’s also worth visiting the market hosted in Cain’s Brewery.
Bustler Market – John Street, Derby
This market is going from strength to strength. Event organisers Northern Craft have previous hosted a craft market alongside this food market, and we could expect to see more collaborations like this.
Peddler Market – 92 Burton Road, Sheffield
Peddler Night Market serves up a tasty mix of street food, craft beer, cocktails, live music and art, all under one roof. Not to be confused with us here at Pedddle (we have 3 d’s!). This is a hot market to be a part of, it’s all about the best of the best and is well curated. You’ll find passionate people making really good stuff! Head down to 92 Burton Road for this one.
Mackie Mayor – Northern Quarter, Manchester
Mackie Mayor in Manchester was once Europe’s largest fresh produce market. After laying derelict for years, Mackie Mayor’s is now home to a great independent food hall serving everything from artisan pizzas to beef short ribs on toast and scrumptious chocolate goodies. The vaulted ceilings and ornate décor make this a truly memorable and unique experience.
Kirkgate Market – Leeds
Back in 2017 over 400,000 visitors came to Kirkgate Market, and it’s been growing ever since. You’ll find their infamous Yorkshire Pudding Wraps as well as jerk chicken that is to die for. You’ll also find great artisan beers and independent wine sellers at this market – so much great food!
Shrewsbury Market Hall – Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury Market used to be a standard market but is now a treasure trove of amazing independent food (and other) stalls. The Indian street food here is amazing and you can also eat incredibly authentic tapas and Dim Sum. Like most independent markets, there are no reservations, but we often feel this adds to its charm.
Alty Market House – Altrincham
The Mancunian’s seem to be leading the way when it comes to independent markets! Altrincham is one of the originals. The choice of food on offer at Altrincham is probably not as extensive as some of the other markets, but what is there never fails to impress. Tender Cow, as you would expect, is great if you love all things meat. The Great Northern Pie company offer just that – great pies.
This space is also accompanied by an adjoining market- Altrincham Market (operated by Alty Market team) and it is where you can find a host of fabulous creatives, from our fave vintage duo Vintage Honey Interiors (who hold a regular spot here), to various Pedddle members such as Eggbert & Daisy.
There are so many smaller food markets to be discovered all over the country too. Check out Harewood House in Leeds, who run a food, drink and craft market, with various events throughout the year. There’s also the Taste Cheshire Food & Drink Festival, and Coventry’s FarGo Village recently held a vegan food festival, with more events like this set to come.
For bigger venues which offer regular events, look out for Hatch Manchester, Boxpark in Shoreditch, GRUB MCR in Manchester, and Seven Dials Market and Street Feast in London.
We hope you have found this short guide to some of the best independent food markets useful. If you love independent markets (food and otherwise), visit Pedddle to see what’s on near you. Pedddle is a platform that brings independent markets, stallholders and customers together, and we’d love you to be a part of our community.
Please note that all content in this blog is opinion only, for full details on each market please click through the individual organiser’s own website or visit their Pedddle page for information. Covid restrictions dependent.