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The best East End markets
East End is primarily known as the depressing backdrop of the long-running BBC soap series 'EastEnders'. But locals know better: this is no longer a disadvantaged district but the hippest area in the city. Shoreditch, Spitalfields and Hoxton form a nicely refurbished neighbourhood full of creative shops, delicious curry houses, slick cocktail bars and some of the most interesting markets in London.
London boasts around 350 markets – almost one for every day of the year. Throughout the week there are plenty of markets all around the city: go to Camden Market for fashion on Monday or head to Covent Garden to shop for presents on Saturday. On Sundays Londoners flock to the E1 and E2 postal code areas east of the City, which transform into one large market event. Here is a list of the 3 best East End markets.
The famous Petticoat Lane Market
Back in the days of the Tudors, the Petticoat Lane Market, one of London's most famous markets, sold petticoats and lace. At first glance it seems hard to understand why this market is so famous. Contrary to what the name suggests, the market features approximately 1,000 stalls that mostly sell cheap clothing and shoes. However, if you take a closer look, you may discover a nicely priced leather jacket or last season’s designer shirt. Most visitors don’t come here looking for a bargain but rather to browse and have something to eat and drink.
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Petticoat Lane Market, Middlesex Street, Spitalfields, London
A sea of flowers: Columbia Road Flower Market
The flower market at Columbia Road in the Hackney district adjacent to Spitalfields is a colourful and lively affair. Every Sunday, from early morning until afternoon, almost half of London seems to stock up on flowers in the narrow street between the Victorian terraced houses. When shoppers loaded with bouquets, hibiscuses and palm trees sit down on the patio of The Royal Oak pub to relax over a cup of tea, last night’s party may still be going on inside – a wonderful contrast with the lovely flower market outside.
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Columbia Road Flower Market, Columbia Road, Spitalfields, London,
www.columbiaroad.infoHipsters: Old Spitalfields Market
Due to poor accessibility at the Old Spitalfields Market’s the greengrocers moved away in 1999, and the market was immediately slated for demolition. Half of the historic market hall from 1683 was cleared away to make room for modern office towers. The rest was supposed to follow suit but London rebelled just in time. The remaining half is now a popular market with local designers, fashion items, organic food, art and kitsch. The 250 stalls draw quite a crowd, especially on Sundays. And it is nice to know that even Madonna and Kate Moss are occasionally seen browsing here.
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Old Spitalfields Market, 16 Horner Square, Spitalfields, London,
www.oldspitalfieldsmarket.comPhoto credits
- Bargain hunting at the Petticoat Lane Market: David Burrows, Shutterstock
- Sunday sea of flowers on Columbia Road: David Burrows, Shutterstock
- Vintage design at Spitalfields Market: Rabndi Sokoloff, Shutterstock
