Brick Lane Market: East London’s Best Market That’s Actually 5 Markets All Rolled into 1
It has been a MINUTE since I’ve done a market post! But this may be THE SINGLE BEST market in London.
I recently went to London (which is like the GOAT when it comes to markets, in my opinion) and checked out yet another amazing markets the city has to offer – Brick Lane Market in East London. Every market that I’ve been to in London has been so fun and unique, and Brick Lane was no exception! If you’re looking for a cool market in London, or even just a free activity in London, you should definitely head to Brick Lane! Especially if you’re into markets with vintage clothing and food. Plus, there’s parts of the market open SEVEN DAYS A WEEK! That’s right – you can check out Brick Lane Market whether you’re in London on a weekend or a weekday!
Let’s take a lil (virtual) walk around Brick Lane together!
Wandering around markets is seriously MY FAVORITE thing to do while travelling.
OK, maybe that’s a little dramatic, but it’s definitely in my top 5. It’s such an easy, fun, and most importantly FREE thing to do in a city. They’re even a great activity to do alone. You can wander around at your own pace, people watch, shop, get some food, etc. And when it comes to free activities in London, and activities for solo travellers, markets are alllllways a good idea. The last time I was in London, I actually popped over to Brick Lane Market twice because I was staying close by and loved it so much! I seriously think it’s one of, if not the best, markets in East London!
Now, I’m calling Brick Lane a “market”. But just like Camden Market, it’s technically a cluster of markets all along Brick Lane in East London. Beyond just the markets, the entirety of Brick Lane is super cool – it’s completely covered with amazing graffiti and street art and consists of several blocks of vintage stores, Indian restaurants, and lots of other cool restaurants and bars.
And amongst the MANY vintage stores, independent vendors, bubble tea shops and Indian restaurants, there’s a cluster of 5 different markets that take place on Brick Lane throughout the week that make up “The Brick Lane Market.”
Because there’s 5 different markets, you’re bound to find whatever it is you’re looking for. Or, if you’re just browsing, each market is housed across the Old Truman Brewery Building in a slightly different way, all with slightly different vibes and unique offerings. The different vibes and layouts make for some great wandering. Plus, because there’s 5 different markets, they operate every single day. Of course, weekends, especially Sundays, are the busiest market days of the week. But even if you happen to be wandering around East London and rock up to the Brick Lane market on a random weekday, there will be AT LEAST 1 of the 5 markets open and they are all completely free to enter!
So without further adieu, here are the 5 markets of The Brick Lane Market:
1. Backyard Market
๏ 146 Brick Lane London, E1 6RU
๏ Open Saturdays 11AM – 6PM and Sundays 10AM – 5PM
Backyard market is a (mostly) indoor market that has been taking place in the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane for the past 18 years.
This market has around 80 stalls every Saturday and Sunday selling arts & crafts, clothes, homeware, lifestyle goods, and more! It definitely focuses on artisan and handmade items from both independent sellers and small businesses and is the arts and crafts hub of Brick Lane. But you can also find some food and vintage items, too! It’s a great place to find a unique gift and #SupportLocal.
2. Upmarket
๏ 91 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL
๏ Open Monday to Saturday 11AM – 6PM and Sundays 10AM – 6PM
This place is food HEAVEN and my favorite market of all the markets on Brick Lane. I was absolutely shook when I first visited this indoor food market a few years ago. I absolutely could not get over not only the sheer amount of food options available, but also how the variety! Fancy Ethiopian food? How about Ecuadorian? You will find that and soooo much more here across a whopping 100 STALLS at Upmarket, which is housed in another section of the Old Truman Brewery. So many ethnic cuisines that I’ve never tried before are all available here. It’s actually kind of overwhelming because you’re SPOILED for choice and it’s so hard to pick! The first time I visited, I ended up getting 2 different thing because I just could not decide. And I’ve tried something different every time I’ve been back since!
Once you’ve FINALLY made the hard choice of deciding what food to try, there are a few benches and tables around the outskirt of the market to eat. There’s even a small bar onsite serving craft beers. Afterwards, you could even get a sweet treat from the variety of dessert options. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a few stalls selling clothes, accessories, and art.
London, especially East London, is seriously the best when it comes diverse and delicious food, and this food market showcases some of the most culturally diverse food options all under one roof! ADORE!
3. The Brick Lane Vintage Market
๏ 85 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL
๏ Open Monday to Friday 11AM – 6:30PM, Saturdays 11AM – 6PM, Sundays 10AM – 6PM
I’ve seen this place described as “London’s Vintage Mecca” online somewhere and TBH….I couldn’t agree more. It’s housed underneath Upmarket and it’s seriously fkn amazing. There you’ll find 40-60 independent vintage traders selling mostly vintage clothes, shoes, and accessories, but also some homeware items and vintage records too. It’s just a maze of stalls and booths and the entire space is pretty crammed with rails of fur coats and leather jackets and people trying to weave in and out of the stalls.
If you’re like me and absolutely LOVE hunting for lil vintage trickets and love a little bit of messy chaos, you’ll love this place. And a bonus is that unlike some of the other markets in Brick Lane and London in general, this market is open every single weekday!
4. Ely’s Yard Food Trucks
๏ 91 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL
๏ Open every day from 11AM – 11PM (but the hours of some food trucks may vary)
Like Upmarket, Ely’s Yard is ANOTHER street food market in the heart of Brick Lane! But unlike Upmarket that is housed indoors, Ely’s Yard is an outdoor food market (actually right outside of the same building that Upmarket takes place in) and has loads of seating. It’s not quite as big as Upmarket in terms of food offerings, but there’s still a good variety of cuisines available and it’s super spacious with a lot more seating.
Plus, the entire area is adorned with really cool street art (even permanent work by Banksy!) so while you’re chowing down on some delish food you can also appreciate all the really cool and colorful street art that surrounds the space! And unlike Upmarket, it’s open every single day of the week. So even if you miss the weekend market at Upmarket because you’re busy visiting elsewhere in London, you can still find some delicious food here on any weekday.
5. The Tea Rooms
๏ 146 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL
๏ Open Saturdays 11AM – 6PM and Sundays 10AM – 6PM
The Tea Room describes itself on its website as “a hidden treasure trove of antiques, furniture, homeware, and art.” And “hidden” is right! While all the other 4 markets on Brick Lane are pretty big and in your face, either housed in large buildings with massive signs, or outside in plain sight, the Brick Lane Tea Rooms market is a little smaller. The entrance to the Tea Rooms is actually right by the entrance to the Backyard Market (you can actually see it above in the Backyard Makret picture), but I was too distracted by the large entrance to Backyard Market that I didn’t even really notice it! Plus, the name “Tea Rooms” made me initially think it was just a small cafe/antique store.
This weekend market specialises in vintage and antique trinkets and homeware, but there’s also a delicious coffee shop housed within the market – Mada Mada! In addition to the vintage and antique items, the market also houses a collection of retailers selling unique (and sometimes bizarre) items AND showcase a selection of artists.
