This is a sponsored article on behalf of Old Spitalfields Market.
There's plenty to see, eat and shop in the East End. The area, which has long been a melting pot of different cultures, trades, and talents, is one of the city's most vibrant districts — and one of our favourite hang out spots.
If there were just one place you need to go to get a taste of it all, we'd heartily recommend Old Spitalfields Market. Once the city's fruit and veg market, it's stood on this site for more than 350 years; and these days, the lovingly restored Victorian market hall delights Londoners every day of the week, with 44 food and drink traders, peppered with over 100 shops and stalls alongside.
The latest tasty addition, right at the heart of Old Spitalfields Market, is the Foster+Partner's designed Kitchens. This foodie hub houses ten of east London's best-kept dining secrets, cooking up an exciting mix of international flavours. You name it, it's here: from Dumpling Shack's famous soup dumplings to Monty's Jewish Deli sending out packed salt beef sandwiches, and Lahpet with their modern Burmese (think fragrant curry and noodle dishes) — and of course, the Instagram-worthy ice cream from Happy Endings.
It's the perfect location for a quick lunch pit-stop — or something more filling — but it's not just the food that'll draw you in. How about a little retail therapy? A plethora of London's most unique traders feature alongside, with a full week-long line-up of goings-on, making this East End foodie and retail hub a must-visit every day of the week.
Alongside the daily and famous weekend Market, every Wednesday you'll find the Silk Series, a collective of traders that sit at the intersection of fashion, art and lifestyle. The line up is curated by ethical fashion designer Mei- Hui, includes wares from top East End creatives, like david david's bold geometric yoga pants and Franca Berr's tongue-in-cheek jewellery. You won't find these oddities on the high street.
And speaking of not-on-the-high-street, every Thursday, a community of antiques specialists and dealers descend on Old Spitalfields Market for the famous weekly Antiques Market. Running since 2003, there are more than 80 stalls to peruse, filled with antique art, maps, furniture and fashion.
Music fans won't want to miss the Vinyl Market either, which features on the first and third Friday of every month. It's a popular spot both for collectors searching for a rare seven inch and casual music lovers who enjoy listening to their favourite artists on wax.
As for the weekend? Sit back and take in the sights, sounds and smells of Old Spitalfields Market with a wake-me-up coffee at The Rapha Clubhouse — before embarking on one of their social rides out into the home counties. Prefer to take it slow? Check out the SOMA House yoga Elementals classes, which will help you kick off the day in the right frame of mind, before settling down for a well-deserved brunch at The Kitchens. Perfect!
You can find Old Spitalfields Market at 16 Horner Square, E1 6EW, just east of Liverpool Street station. The market is open weekdays from 10am-8pm, Saturdays from 10am-6pm, and Sundays from 10am-5pm.
