Kensington and Chelsea has plenty of brilliant street markets. They are the absolute best places to pick up a gourmet lunch from local food vendors, as well as gathering the freshest ingredients for your dinner party or antique teacups for teatime.
Most of the markets offer food to eat there and then, but the markets to check out for the purposes of having lunch are Partridge’s Food Market in the Duke of York Square, the South Kensington Farmers’ Market on the Queen’s Lawn and the Acklam Village Market in Ladbroke Grove. Whilst they have a range of food to take home, they mostly focus on serving up delicious lunch fare.
The farmers’ markets on Bute Street and Notting Hill Gate on a Saturday are the best places to collect ingredients to take home with you. You can also get lunch from local vendors here, but the emphasis is on fresh ingredients to take away.
Let’s not forget the famous Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill Gate! Portobello Road Market has an eclectic range of items from London souvenirs, to antique pocket watches, as well as fresh produce. At the end of the Portobello Road Market you will discover Golborne Road Market. Golborne Road also sells antiques, as well as second-hand clothing and a range of other extensive items.
As with most markets, these can all get a bit crowded. It’s advisable to go a bit earlier to beat the early afternoon crowds and tourists. But as the philosopher, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, once stated, “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet”. This is literally the case at all of K&C’s markets. You won’t regret waiting in a queue when you’re diving into that scrumptious shredded duck sandwich or tucking in to that delectable pumpkin ravioli. Mmmmm….
Acklam Village Market, formerly known as Portobello Fine Foods, has some of the best street food you will find in London. With a wide variety of cuisine from around the globe, Acklam Village Market keeps its visitors coming back to try more. In addition to good food, this market proudly supports live music with local bands and street musicians putting on a show every weekend – free for the public. Acklam Village Market also supports local artists, displaying pieces of art from in and around London on a weekly basis.
The Earl's Court Farmers' Market is the newest market to grace Kensington & Chelsea, having opened for the first time on the 15th of May, 2016. The market can be easily accessed from the Warwick Road exit at Earl's Court station each Sunday from 10am to 2pm in St Cuthbert with St Matthias School. Similar to its counterparts, this farmers' market sells locally grown produce, fresh fish, cheeses, homemade breads, along with an array of other locally made products. There is also plenty to enjoy then and there with sausage rolls, delicious cakes, and other hot food on-the-go on offer. So, whether you're a local in the Earl's Court area or are just visiting, there's plenty to discover at this new market in SW5.
Golborne Road Market is an extension of its more famous counterpart – Portobello Road Market. It similarly sells a range of antiques, as well as stylish second-hand clothing. And with inspiration from its Portuguese and North African communities, Golborne Market has a good selection of food stalls that offer a wide variety of international food-on-the-go.
Notting Hill Gate Farmers’ Market is not just your standard farmers’ market. It also boasts specialised food stalls where you can buy handmade pesto sauces, ravioli or homemade honey from a local beekeeper. Concealed behind the Notting Hill Gate tube station, this farmers' market is K&C’s hidden gem.
Patridge’s Food Market is every foodie’s dream. It is located in the Duke of York Square near the Saatchi Gallery. With champagne by the glass and ice-cold beer available, you can have a cheeky one whilst enjoying a gourmet lunch made by fellow Londoners. With sensational smells of juicy steak sandwiches, gourmet fish & chips and freshly baked cakes in the air, the Patridge’s Market is always sure to draw a crowd!
Surely you’ve heard of Portobello Road Market – one of London’s most famous. Whilst it can be a bit of a tourist trap, the locals frequent Portobello Road to find hidden gems such as decorative door handles or handcrafted rugs for their flats. Portobello Market almost spans the width of Notting Hill from the northern end to the southern end. There seems to be an endless selection of antiques, as well as vintage clothing. Other items of interest include pocket watches, London souvenirs, handcrafted jewelry and old books by the plenty.
Should you fancy organic ingredients for your Christmas dinner this year, why not pop down the road to the Bute Street Farmers’ Market? This farmers’ market may be small, but it’s bursting with good flavours. Flowers, delicious baked breads, meats, vegetables, cheeses and jams are just a few of the items you’ll find at this market. It’s a great way to enjoy the freshest of foods and support local growers at the same time.
Mix up your weekly routine and stop by the South Kensington Farmers’ Market for lunch this Tuesday. If you work from home, it’s a welcome escape. Not only can you pick up lunch, but you can also acquire some freshly baked bread, perfectly ripened fruit and flavorful vegetables for your dinner. The market definitely caters to the students on the Imperial College campus and serves up plenty of burgers, sausages and food-on-the-go.