Greenwich Market

Entrances on Greenwich Church Street, College Approach,
King William Walk and Nelson Road
Food court on Durnford Street
www.greenwichmarketlondon.com
Rail: Greenwich
Twitter: @greenwichmkt
Mon-Tues, Fri (vintage, art and crafts, street food), Wed (Crafts and food), Thurs Vintage & Food, Sat-Sun (Arts and crafts & food)

This covered market in the heart of Greenwich is one of London’s oldest, having acquired a royal charter in 1700 – although in those days it traded wholesale in fruit and veg rather than the arts, crafts, collectables and fine food that are sold here today.  The buildings around the central courtyard compliment the market and the cobbled stones and original paving give this place a real old world charm.  Somethings have changed over the years with the addition of glass roof that has been keeping out the elements since the 1980s and the recently built modern food court just off Durnford Street.

 In recent years the street food part of the market has really taken off with about a quarter of the market now dedicated to foodie delights, with lots of street food traders at the College Approach entrance to the market and a further new food court just off Durnford Street offering anything from hefty beef sandwiches to freshly prepared vegan food.

 At the weekend the market is a really good mix of genuine craft goods with unique bags, plant pots, clothing, soft toys and art work.  Some of the larger markets in London can be a bit generic, but at Greenwich there are lots of original things – most of them sold by the designer makers. A recent visit found a succulents seller who actually grew her own plants and made the pots they were sold in, a young trader selling bags from recycled material that she had expertly sewn and a clothing designer offering a great selection of original skirts and tops in a range of sizes.  Amid all this youthful enthusiasm there is an elderly gent called Kurt, who has been selling leather goods here for donkey’s years, but recently added a great choice of second-hand books to his stall which attracts a good deal of attention from passing bookworms.

   While this market is at its busiest and best at the weekend, it trades throughout the week – the Wednesday craft market and Thursday vintage market are particularly good and well worth a visit if you fancy a slightly less hectic shopping experience.

This is a feature taken from our forthcoming book:
London's Markets 
by Andrew Kershman