London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [186]
Still, the variety of merchandise is mind-blowing:
The markets on Camden High Street (both outdoors and within the Electric Ballroom) mainly sell cheap T-shirts, secondhand clothes, and tacky pop-culture paraphernalia; it’s best to head to Camden Lock and Stable Markets. Though much of the merchandise is youth oriented, the markets massively appeal to aging hippies, fashion designers, and anyone with bohemian taste who doesn’t mind large crowds and a bit of a madhouse scene (there are loads of shops that cater to Goths). Don’t miss the “Horse Hospital”(weekends only) for quirky antiques dealers by day and home to Proud Camden, a lively bar/lounge that plays live music at night. | Camden Town | NW1 8AF | Camden Market, daily 9:30–6; Camden Lock Market, Stables Market, and Canal Market, daily 10–6; Electric Market, Sun. 9–5:30 | Camden Town (Northern Line), Chalk Farm (Northern Line).
THE CITY
Art Gallery
Lesley Craze Gallery.
This serene gallery displays jewelry by some 100 young designers from around the world, with a strong British bias, featuring both precious and semiprecious stones. There’s also a textiles room showcasing unusual and colorful handmade scarves, bags, and cushions. Prices are reasonable. | 33–35A Clerkenwell Green, Clerkenwell | EC1R 0DU | 020/7608–0393 | www.lesleycrazegallery.co.uk | Closed Sun.; open Mon. in Nov. and Dec. only | Farringdon.
THE SOUTH BANK
Art
Bargehouse.
Many varied artisans have to pass rigorous selection procedures to set up in the prime riverside workshops where they make, display, and sell their work. The workshops are glass walled, and you’re welcome to explore, even if you’re just browsing. There are around 30 studios, spread over two floors. The Oxo Tower Restaurant & Brasserie on the top floor is expensive, but with its fantastic view of London, it’s worth popping up for a drink. There’s also a public terrace where you can take in the view. | Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse St., South Bank | SE1 9PH | 020/7401–4255 | Closed Mon. | Southwark, Waterloo.
Markets
Bermondsey Antiques Market.
Come before dawn on a Friday and bring a flashlight to bag a bargain antique at this famous market. Dealers arrive as early as 4 am to snap up the best bric-a-brac and silverware, paintings, objets d’art, fine arts, and furniture. The early start grew out of wrinkle in the law under which thieves could sell stolen goods with impunity in the hours of darkness when provenance could not be ascertained. That law was changed, and the market has been shrinking ever since.
The recent establishment of the Saturday morning Bermondsey Farmers’ Market, as well as the 2009 redevelopment of Bermondsey Square (www.bermondseysquare.co.uk) has fortunately attracted more customers to the Antiques Market. The square now includes a boutique hotel, an art-house cinema, as well as several restaurants.
Long La. and Bermondsey Sq.,South BankSE1 4QB | Fri. 4 am–about 1 pm | London Bridge (Jubilee or Northern Line), Borough (Northern Line).
Borough Market.
There’s been a market in Borough since Roman times. This one, spread under the arches and railway tracks leading to London Bridge Station, is the successor to a medieval market once held on London Bridge. Post-millennium, it has been transformed from a noisy collection of local stalls to a trendy foodie center. Named the best market in London by a local magazine and the best market in Britain by a national newspaper, the Farmers Market held on Thursday (some stalls), Friday, and Saturday has attracted some of London’s best merchants of comestibles. Fresh coffees, gorgeous cheeses, olives, and baked goods complement the organically farmed meats, fresh fish, fruit, and veggies.
Don’t make any other lunch plans for the day; this is where celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s scallop man cooks