A guide to Broadway Market in Hackney, London

There are so many hidden treasures in London that I love, all of which cater to a variety of budgets, especially when the food and drink department is involved. Whether you’re after the ultimate afternoon tea room (the oh-so amazing Sketch or even classier Fortnum & Mason) or suddenly decide that you fancy waffles on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower (did anyone say Duck&Waffle?), I can guarantee you will find something in London.

Being the food market lover that I am, I tend to be drawn to foodie hideaways and pop-ups that scream local and deliciousness all over (my guide to best food markets in New York says it all). The beautiful Camden Market, Borough Market and Brick Lane Market, although a favourite pit stop to many, are some of the most publicised markets in every London guide there is which, in return, has made them incredibly touristy and busy. A much less crowded but still trendy and buzzing hot spot is Hackney’s Broadway Market. Let’s get straight to the facts – this charming and vibrant market is a tricky one to resist if you’re after some locally sourced goods, delicious food, sustainable/vintage clothing and artsy books and homeware.

Tucked away between London Fields and Regent’s Canal and a stone’s throw from Hackney’s Mare Street (a totally enviable location), Broadway Market has quickly become a favourite among locals and East Londoners in general. And yes, it goes without saying it’s my favourite market across the whole of London too!

What’s not to like? Open on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm, Broadway Market is what I can only describe as a mix of cultures and flavours. Although it relaunched in 2004 with 40 stalls with a variety of produce, truth is people have been trading here since the 1890s and the market has now expanded to accommodate 135 stalls! Packed with everything from high quality freshly marinated olives, bright flowers and organic coffee to award-winning farm pressed apple and fruit juices, it’s an absolute HEAVEN.

The aromas and flavours from different parts of the world fill in the air, creating an authentic culinary atmosphere that’s felt as soon as you step into the market. Cheese from all over Italy, tomatoes grown on the Isle of Wight, French Creole/Cajun food, traditional Indian veggie dishes, Duck confit burgers (or if you have time, check out Patty and Bun just around the corner), Danish bread and pastries, Scotch eggs, Ghanaian, Argentine, Persian and Russian street food…the list of deliciousness and totally photogenic food goes on and on.

Got a sweet tooth? Then you’re in for some mouth-watering treats! Broadway Market boasts some of the most delightful cakes and pastries. I would definitely recommend swinging by Dark Sugars, Meringue Girls, Get Fudged and Bad Brownies (check out my alternative gooey brownie recipe) for some organic, vegan and vegetarian goodies. For those looking for gluten-free options, don’t miss Eat n’ Mess and Floris Bakery ‘s artisan gluten and wheat-free treats. Another must is our favourite doughnut shop, Crosstown Doughnuts, whose stall brings the most scrumptious doughnuts in town (including vegan!) all the way to Hackney.

One of the best bits about Broadway Market is you can get quality food at a really good price. With ethically sourced fresh produce in abundance and all sorts of goodies from across the globe, it’s an incredible place for vegetarians, vegans, meat and fish lovers. Plus there is a strict “no plastic bags” rule which makes it the perfect eco-friendly hot spot!

Potter along the stalls and grab a bite to eat before heading over to London Fields – which is also THE BEST place for a weekend BBQ in summer!

But it’s not all about food at Broadway Market. In fact, a good number of the stalls offer a wide variety of artisanal goodies to fill your basket with. With everything from vintage fashion, luxury leather goods, hand crafted jewellery and accessories to ethical and fair-trade gifts, curated unusual books, natural skin care and even an independent cat and dog shop (!), Broadway Market is by far one of the most enviable markets in London.

Both sides of the market are lined with gorgeous bookshops, totally cool independent boutiques (well worth the rummage) and cafés where you can pretty much make yourself at home. On top of that, the Cat and Mutton Pub offers a large selection of wines, beer on tap and bottles and warm homemade food.

Broadway Market is arguably one of the best markets in London. There’s not much more I can say about it other than it’s the absolute nirvana for those looking for organic produce, handcrafted products and generally a jolly good time! It’s, without a shadow of a doubt, a real treasure in the middle of Hackney.

Have you been to Broadway Market before? What other London markets do you like? If you loved our post, please leave us a comment and show us some love on social media using the buttons below 

G. x

Broadway Market | London, E8 4PH

Do you like exploring the UK? Then check:

• A Guide to Bath Christmas Market
• How to spend a weekend in Liverpool | TRAVEL GUIDE
• A Day Trip to Cambridge | TRAVEL GUIDE
• Things to do on a weekend in Bath | TRAVEL GUIDE
• Things to do in Oxford in a Day | TRAVEL GUIDE
• A Weekend in Brighton | TRAVEL GUIDE
• Barbican Conservatory, a Tropical Jungle in Central London
• Sky Garden, The Best Free Views of London
• Meet the Penguins at ZSL London Zoo

Follow Blushrougette with Bloglovin