7 Things You Might Not Have Done In Broadway Market

By Lise Smith Last edited 88 months ago
7 Things You Might Not Have Done In Broadway Market

Broadway Market has made a name for itself as east London's place to be for street food and fresh produce. But did you know you can also...?

Image: Fabio Lugaro

1. Go hunting for vintage treasures

In between the stalls serving laksa and katsu wraps, you'll find a traders specialising in vintage clothing. From tea dresses to winklepickers and geometric prints to sequin boob-tubes, you'll find a wide selection to cater to your tastes whichever era you favour. If vintage designer clothes are your passion, head to Strutt on Ada Street just off the main market street — the archive pieces here don't come cheap, but if you simply must have that Moschino jacket or Prada skirt to complete your look, this is the place to head. For vintage-hunters on a budget, the street stalls offer cheaper finds; try the stalls outside Artwords bookshop on the south side of the market for starters. Looking for antique homeware? Head to the satellite Netil Market on Westgate Street, just to the north of the main Broadway Market.

2. Sink a truly local pint

Go hyper-local with your weekend drinking choices: not just a British ale; not just a beer brewed in London; but a foaming pint of one of Hackney's very own craft beers. The Cat and Mutton on Broadway Market, has favourites from Hackney Brewery, Redchurch Shoreditch and Hackney Wick's Crate Brewery on tap and by the can. To taste the most local beer of all, you'll need to head across London Fields to The Cock Tavern on Mare Street to sample a bottle from the London Fields Brewery (make sure you bring cash — card payments get no love here). If you're passionate about all things hop-related, maybe stop off at the brewery itself for a tour.

Image: Martin Hutchinson

3. Get into the groove

Need some vintage vinyl to go with those newly-purchased vintage clothes? Whether you're looking for Beatles first pressings, early hip hop or rare Swedish indie, you'll find something to cater to your musical tastes at Broadway Market. Saturday is the day for collectors to head to the Street and Schoolyard markets — just follow the sounds of stall owners spinning their wares.  

4. It's easy being green

Broadway Market wears its eco-friendly credentials with pride: there's a strict no-plastic-bags rule, so bring your canvas tote or jute shopper with you. There's a sustainable theme to many stalls and shops too — check out the environmentally responsible clothing at 69b Boutique or super-sustainable second-hand and upcycled furniture from The Dog and Wardrobe.

Image: Martin Hutchinson

5. Catch a caffeine buzz

After a hard morning's haggling you'll need to refuel. Climpson & Sons, purveyors of ethically-sourced coffees roasted in-house is popular with owners of bicycles, buggies and man-buns. If you like the taste of Climpson's coffee but prefer a less-crowded cafe, try or Wilton Way Cafe just across the park. Or grab your latte to go and sit under a tree with a delicious cake from Victoria Yum.  

6. Smell the flowers

As well as food and clothing, Broadway Market is home to an attractive flower market. Accessorise your vintage finds (or your double-shot latte) with a bouquet of peonies or a Morrissey-style bunch of gladioli. You'll look as sweet as your posy smells.

Image: beangill

7. Bring home a treat for Fido

Does your pampered pooch need a lifestyle fix? Fetch and Follow in Netil Market offers just that — it's a pet boutique for the discerning dog, offering handmade organic dog treats made with locally-sourced seasonal ingredients; fine Italian leather collars and leads for stylish walkies; beautiful merino wool dog jumpers to keep out the winter chill; and jewellery for the dog-lover in your life. If a gift from F&F doesn't get your four-legged friend rolling over with delight, we don't know what will.

Last Updated 04 November 2016