My List of Best Markets in and Around North West London.
Despite the drowsy weather at the moment, there is a sense that Spring and warmer times are just around the corner! So, I thought I would prepare us for things to do over the weekend by researching into markets in and around North West London.
But first, when did markets become a thing here in the UK?
Markets have been in existence since before the 12th century, when charters became a thing. Most Settlements in England, at least, had an outlet for local artisans and tradesmen, together with farmers who usually sold their goods and wares in the local market. Most Towns that we recognise today started life as a market, then a place of worship, before establishing themselves as regional shopping areas.
In the sixties and seventies, private market operators began an expansion of markets in areas mainly outside these chartered areas and are said to be the forerunners in expanding Sunday trading hours.
And whilst we’re taking a quick history lesson, Borough Market is widely considered London’s oldest retail and wholesale food market; it is also one of the largest food markets in the capital.
Now, onto the main event. My list of markets in North West London for you to enjoy this spring and summer!
Archway Market
Only just making it onto my list, Archway Market is considered to be in North London, but as it sits next to Hampstead, I thought I would include it anyway. It is a fun little market surrounded by lots of cafes, bars and restaurants to help you enjoy your afternoon.
Despite the market’s size, there are plenty of traders to catch your eye. It is a proper foodie market, with traders such as Archway Natural & Organics, Chez Francis et Sylvie, Celtic Bakers and Scarlett’s Vegan Bakes, to name a few, all there to delight your taste buds on a lazy Saturday.
You can also see traders selling handmade jewellery, 2nd handbooks, handmade leather accessories, scented candles and clothing.
This is such a lovely market and is right next door to Archway tube, making it really easy to get to.
The market is open every Saturday!
Have a peek at their website here.
Queen’s Park Farmers’ Market
Queens Park is a busy, bustling market and is excellent for families and children. The market attracts attention for its range of stalls, including free-range and organic poultry and meat, organic and biodynamic vegetables, eggs, juice, seasonal vegetables and fruit.
Another foodie market. Maybe you’re getting the pattern here?! But if you are looking for more than just food traders, don’t worry; there are plenty of other stools here. In fact, there is often an added market area here to called the Salusbury Sunday Market, which is in an indoor hall adjoining Queen’s Park farmer’s Market. Here, you can find a fantastic variety of traders, including women, men and babywear, handmade soaps, French textiles, jewellery, ceramics, etc.
You can find out more by visiting their websites below.
West Hampstead Farmers’ Market
West Hampstead Farmers’ Market is a bubbling community of friendly traders and enthusiastic visitors. It is thriving and a great place to visit with friends and family on a Saturday. It’s been here since 2012 and is a well-loved part of the West Hampstead community.
Arrive early each week; stalls regularly sell out before the end of the market. Fish from the Essex coast, free-range and organic meat & poultry, dairy (plus teas and coffee), free-range and organic eggs, a game in season, artisan bread and cakes, the freshest fruit and veg in season and lots more. The market provides the freshest available produce for the people of West Hampstead and is very easily accessible to anyone living in other parts of Northwest London such as Cricklewood, Kilburn, St John’s Wood, and other parts of Hampstead.
They are open every Saturday, 10 am-2 pm, come rain or shine!
To find out more, visit https://www.lfm.org.uk/markets/westhampstead/.
Swiss Cottage Farmers Market
One of London’s best and friendliest farmers’ markets. Weekly Certified farmers market, small but beautiful, selling everything from fresh south coast fish to meat, pickles, hot food, veg, flowers, & fruit. An excellent destination for a top-up on meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, bread, and more. March House Farm’s free-range meat is really good, plus fresh, in-season tomatoes from The Tomato Stall, vegetables from Ted’s Veg and Wild Country Organics. The list goes on!
To check where to find it and for more details, visit https://www.lfm.org.uk/markets/swiss-cottage/.
Parliament Hill Farmers’ Market
This food market – which is open every Saturday from 10 am-2 pm – stocks a variety of produce from fruit and veg to fish, meat, pies, cakes and bread and is a great place to pick up some tasty picnic supplies. Cooked foods like sausage butties and Confit Boeuf are also served.
As the market is based in a school playground (accessed via the Heath), dog walkers are asked to leave their pets in the dog creche area, which is always a welcome sight to see all varieties of breeds hanging out together.
Their dog park is probably the most Instagrammed part of the farmers’ market!
More at https://www.lfm.org.uk/markets/parliament-hill/.
Willesden Farmers’ Market
A new farmers market for Willesden, opening May 2022; watch this space!
Follow them using the link to keep informed about their opening date and trader information https://www.lfm.org.uk/markets/willesden2/.
Yum. Writing this article has made me hungry, and I am definitely in the mood to head out this Saturday and buy some local produce. Maybe I will see some of you there!
