I was challenged to write about a unique cultural experience in my hometown of London. I chose to visit Maltby Market, which is being hailed as the capital’s latest foodie destination…
Maltby Market is a place I’ve been hearing a lot about recently and curiosity finally got the better of me. I wouldn’t exactly say my London friends were shouting about it, more of a whisper of ‘I know this great place but don’t tell anyone in case it gets too busy’. It’s sometimes labelled the new Borough market but people-in-the-know tell me it’s a quieter and more personable foodie mecca now its predecessor has become too popular for its own good. The market is held every Saturday and Sunday and although Sunday is the less busy day to visit, on both days long queues are rare and the stall owners actually take the time to talk to you about their produce…or so I heard.
The market is located in Bermondsey – an up and coming area of South London which is not yet too cool for school but is home to more than a handful fancy loft apartments. It’s a pleasant 15 minute stroll from London Bridge underground station and as I approached I noticed how surprisingly quiet it was, perhaps I was expecting I don’t know, a little more hustle and bustle? This is one of Europe’s busiest capitals after all. Maltby market (situated along Ropewalk) seems like it’s in its own little bubble – a backwater oasis of gastronomic delights surrounded by a sea of silent grey streets and the odd railway arch turned antique shop.
Ropewalk is an avenue of handsome Victorian railway arches, strewn with colourful bunting and now housing an eclectic range of trendy pop up eateries; from Spanish tapas hero Pizarro to Zucca which serves up Italian fayre in stylish surroundings. Alongside these, there is a farmer’s market selling high-quality fresh produce, artisan food and the odd BBQ grill preparing a pesticide-free brunch for hungover hipsters.
On a Sunday the vibe is very relaxed with outdoor seating and musical accompaniment in the form of a mellow live band. The stall owners are friendlier than average and are clearly passionate about their products, tasting is also actively encouraged so we sipped, slugged and grazed our way down the street. There were around 30 stalls in total selling everything from hearty waffles, global cuisine from all over the world, homemade chutneys, a stall dedicated to delicious avocado-based dips, an organic wine bar which only serves natural and organic alcohol (without additives or sulphites), and even a stall selling giant Scotch eggs (stopping at this stand I opted for a tasty gluten-free vegetarian scotch egg made from vegetables, organic free-range egg and a little nutmeg).
Other stand out eateries include an American style Bea’s of Bloomsbury with their array of cakes and fancies and St John’s Bakery with their famous vanishing doughnuts (you have to be an early bird to catch many of them). Apparently flavours rotate on a weekly basis, but try their classic vanilla cream doughnut with a hint of lemon zest. Also prepare yourself for a little afternoon drinking – the gin cocktails at the pop-up Sparrow Bar put on by boutique London distillers Little Bird Gin are not to be missed!
I recommend you go now before everyone cottons on to what is arguably London’s best-kept secret. Maltby Street is home to one of the best up and coming foodie scenes in all of London and definitely worth the trip on a Saturday morning or a relaxed Sunday afternoon.
All words and photos by Becky
Also check out our 12 unique hotels in London.
19 Comments
Reza
4 November, 2019 at 8:02 amLooking forward to visit soon. However, I love to find food innovation everywhere.
Scott
14 May, 2014 at 4:38 pmThis is a great read, got to try it out one day!
Becky Moore
14 May, 2014 at 4:48 pmYes you definitely should Scott!
Emma
14 May, 2014 at 4:35 pmI haven’t been but now it’s on my list of things to do in London. I think I’m now going to have to taste the gluten free vegetarian Scotch egg!
Becky Moore
14 May, 2014 at 4:47 pmYou must it was delicious! 🙂
Dan @ A Cruising Couple
13 May, 2014 at 11:09 amSome of our favorite travel is done sitting down and enjoying really great food from all over the world! If we get to London one of these days you’ll definitely find us at the Maltby Market 🙂
Becky Moore
14 May, 2014 at 4:48 pmWhen you do get over come and say hi! 🙂
Shikha (whywasteannualleave)
13 May, 2014 at 6:57 amI live just a couple of miles away from here and yet have still never gotten round to seeing it! Hopefully in the next few weeks! I have had Bad Brownies though when they stocked at the greenwich food fest & were doing a bacon/maple syrup flavoured one at the time! Divine!
Becky Moore
14 May, 2014 at 4:49 pmThe Bad Brownies were incredible!
Hitch-Hikers Handbook
12 May, 2014 at 12:27 pmFascinating blog, guys! Thanks for connecting with us on Google+! Keep up the great work and travel safe!
Becky Moore
14 May, 2014 at 4:49 pmThanks you too!
Thomas Dembie
11 May, 2014 at 11:59 pmLooking forward to visiting this market when I’m in London in August! Between this and Borough Market it’s going to be a great food-focused trip!
Becky Moore
14 May, 2014 at 4:50 pmHandily there are pretty near each other but you’ll probably want to take your time at both! Enjoy your trip!
Agness
11 May, 2014 at 5:31 amFoodgasm here! These brownies look so darn good!
Becky Moore
14 May, 2014 at 4:51 pmHa ha thanks Agness! 🙂
Sophia
10 May, 2014 at 2:29 pmGreat find ,will have to check this one out ,yummm!!
Becky Moore
14 May, 2014 at 4:51 pmThanks for commenting!
rebecca
9 May, 2014 at 12:29 pmthis sounds awesome! sad to say I am no longer there to experience yet another cool London thing. Hopefully I will get the chance to go back.
Becky Moore
14 May, 2014 at 4:51 pmYes hope you come back one day!