Whitecross Street Market

Markets are normally the preserve of weekend-strolling around Columbia Road amongst the flowers or braving the hoards of would-be fashionistas at Portobello and those that take place during the week are the preserve of the lucky few who are not chained to a desk 9-6. Yummy mummies, trustafarians, people who manage to make money from nothing and get their chicks for free- they are the people who populate London’s weekday markets.

You may decipher a slight hint of jealousy, or even a very large note of jealousy. Well done Poirot. What a wonderful life it would be to be able drift around with a latte and sample the fresh wares on offer without having to restrict it to a day like Saturday when everyone else has the same idea. But until I win the lottery (which must surely be soon), I find that I can almost recreate this weekend vibe for an hour during lunchtime at Whitecross Market near Moorgate.

Whilst you’ll still have to battle with the usual crowds for your falafel or roast pork sandwich, this narrow street market has a definite air of weekend to it. One of the oldest street markets in London, Whitecross runs on a Thursday and Friday lunchtime on Whitecross street just on the Moorgate side of the Barbican tunnel near Waitrose. A lot of investment has been poured into the market in recent times and it really does show as its a very pleasant experience strolling along the well defined stalls looking for a snack for lunch.

One of my favourite stalls is the cake stall – Netty Poskitts cake stall – which sells luxury cakes and miniature fairy and butterfly cakes. You can buy six of the miniature versions charmingly packaged in an egg box and treat your co-workers to afternoon tea.

The falafel and burrito stands are out of this world, as is the Indian food stall. There’s also stalls selling olive oil and balsamic vinegar, a Neal’s Yard cheese stand and delicious fresh pies from Eat My Pie. Yes a lot of your fellow market goers are clad in week day suits rather than dressed down weekend wear and yes you’ll only have an hour to fill yourself full of treats but it certainly beats being slumped over your computer with a dried out tuna baguette (www.whitecrossstreet.co.uk).

Whitecross Street
Islington
London
EC1
UK

Opening times:
GENERAL MARKET: Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm
SPECIAL FOOD MARKET:
Every Thursday & Friday, 11am – 5pm