NOTE: Westgate St. Market has been on pause recently due to issues with the council – please check here for updates.
Teacher, teacher – there’s a pack of foodies quaffing natty wines in our playground.
Or so the pupils of London Fields Primary might say if they were ever in school on a Saturday. From 9am to 5pm. And they’re clued up oenophiles.
But fortunately they’re not, because that’s when Westgate St. Market takes over this Hackney schoolyard, transforming it into one of the coolest culinary spots around with about 20 independently owned stalls.
It was launched in 2020 – just down the road from Netil Market, an equally worthy stop – and focuses on makers of natural wine and street-food residences from top local chefs.
The school setting is nostalgic and there’s a definite summer fête vibe to the layout (particularly during the summer, naturally) with picnic benches, gazebos and A-boards. Good weather also brings the chance to spread out on a picnic blanket. The only thing missing is a coconut shy and tombola…
The line-up here changes regularly, but it’s worth looking out for the natural vinos from Wingnut Wines and artfully brewed craft beers from Macintosh Ales. There’s also apple-y goodness made with 100% British fruit at Luke’s Cider and Mexican cocktails at PaPo’s mobile tequila bar.
In terms of food you’ll find an oft-rotating collection of the finest culinary minds in the area. Good reason to return every weekend. Previous guests include La Chingada, for tortilla-ly authentic tacos; Hot 4 U, the lockdown delivery success from chefs Matthew Scott and Eddy Tejada; and HOKO, selling Hong Kong French toast and milk tea from their cafe-kiosk.
And once you’re done eating, there’s more to explore with stalls selling artisanal products, stylish homeware and fashion garments. It’s all wrapped up nicely by an ever-changing roster of musical accompaniment – jazz heads and brass fans will be particularly happy.
That’s right, Westgate St. Market is for the cool kids in class…
NOTE: Westgate St. Market has been on pause recently due to issues with the council – please check here for updates.
Westgate St. Market | London Fields Primary School, Westgate Street, London E8 3RL
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