This is a sponsored article on behalf of the Southbank Centre.
Enjoy a riverside walk that ends in something delicious? Looking for somewhere to eat al fresco before catching a show at London's biggest arts centre? Need somewhere that caters to a wide variety of taste buds? Southbank Centre Food Market needs to be on your radar.
This sizzling street food destination is — as its name suggests — run in-house by the Southbank Centre. It's just celebrated its 10th anniversary, and many of its current traders have been there from the get-go, so it's got a real community feel to it, despite being located in such a bustling part of the capital.
Thinking of visiting? Here's everything you need to know...
Where is Southbank Centre Food Market?
Outside the Southbank Centre, of course — though it is somewhat hiding in plain sight. You'll find it tucked away on Southbank Centre Square, in between Belvedere Road and Royal Festival Hall. It's just a few minutes' walk from Waterloo station; if you're just in London for the day, it's the perfect pitstop before your train (and beats a supermarket sarnie by a looong shot).
When is Southbank Centre Food Market?
Southbank Centre Food Market takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and on Bank Holiday Mondays. It's open till 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays (and till 6pm on Sunday — full timings can be found here). Ideal if you're looking to refuel after a matinee or before an evening performance.
What kind of food can I expect?
With over 30 traders and more than 15 different types of cuisine on offer, it's a delicious melting pot. The market's Asian street food offering is especially robust — from Korean BBQ (Nobiani) Vietnamese comfort food (My Kids Are Hungry), to naan wraps with homemade chutney (La Sani).
Feeling carnivorous? Enjoy succulent meat straight from the grill, courtesy of traders like Beast & Fields (heritage breed cuts and skin-on chips), Hey Joe Burger Club (Oklahoma-style smashed patties) and The Polish Deli (sausages galore).
Other highlights include Ethiopiques' wholesome vegan fare, Fiesta Gözleme's cheese-stuffed Turkish flatbreads, and Bello Gnocco's bowls of carby Italian goodness.
How about dessert?
Craving something sweet? You can't go wrong with a traditional French crepê from Crêpes à la Carte. Keep things simple with lemon and sugar, or up the indulgence with Nutella or homemade salted butter caramel. Alternatively, you can hit your five a day while satisfying your sweet tooth, with help from Chocofruit (strawberries, bananas and more drenched in melted Belgian chocolate), or grab a freshly baked good to go with your afternoon cuppa from Blend + Roast.
And drinks?
Speaking of Blend + Roast: in addition to their patisserie, doughnuts and brownies they offer a wide range of artisanal teas (including iced and bubble options), plus hot chocolate made from real Belgian chocolate.
Other options include The Ethiopian Coffee Company (head here for the finest caffeine fixes in the area), and Southbank Centre Food Market favourite Elephant Juice — which by day whips up juices and smoothies made from 100% fresh ingredients, and, come evening, offers delightfully zesty cocktails.
Speaking of adult beverages, you can find more cocktails over at honestfolk, while takeaway pints come courtesy of craft beer and cider shop The Hop Locker, which started up on day one of the market in 2015. It's just one of dozens of new businesses that the market provided a launchpad for over the years!
Hungry for more? Discover all the current traders on the Southbank Centre Food Market website, or follow @scfoodmarket on Instagram. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday (plus Bank Holiday Mondays!) on Southbank Centre Square.
