On any other day, you would walk straight past Lewisham College carpark – but on Saturdays, you’ll hardly recognise the nondescript slab of tarmac, transformed into a bustling market with a high-quality food offering.
Brockley is known for its slightly bohemian vibe thanks to influences from local artists attending nearby Goldsmiths University. While the pace of gentrification has been gathering speed since the 60s, the always on-trend Brockley Market stays put.
Local traders are the focus of this southeast London institution. You’ll find bunch-loads of fresh fruit and veg alongside small-batch cocktail mixes. Elsewhere, don’t miss the piles of flaky pastries from Astons Bakehouse, or the wax-sealed wheels sourced by affineurs Mons Cheesemongers.
For instant satisfaction, there’s myriad options here. Visit Chubby Dumpling, run by a father-daughter duo who cook up Chinese-influenced dumplings from an old fire engine (don’t hold back on the tastebud-tingling Chubby Chilli); while Brockley Market mainstays Mike + Ollie churn out moreish flatbread wraps, crammed full of organic ingredients and flavours such as chargrilled rainbow carrot with raw milk feta, organic honey and punchy harissa. There’s also the florid-looking Jhalmuri Express, decked with marigold garlands and sunshine-yellow signage drawing punters in to try delicately spiced Kolkatan street snacks.
Once you’ve chosen your foodie fix, grab a table and feast on your haul, which should also include a caffeine hit from the mobile version of tried-and-true cafe Browns of Brockley. The giddy smell from your cup of java is courtesy of Square Mile Coffee Roasters.
Which ironically, is the best for miles around.
NOTE: Brockley Market is open from 10am-2pm on Saturdays. You can find out more HERE.
Brockley Market | Lewisham College Carpark, Lewisham Way, Brockley, SE4 1UT
Love street food? Check out our guide to London’s best food markets