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In the heart of Bermondsey in south London lies Maltby Street Market, our favourite food market in the capital.
This gem, tucked away in a network of railway arches, bursts with an irresistible blend of fresh produce, artisanal delights, and beer.
Unlike many of the larger food markets in London, which are open most days, Maltby Street Market is only open on weekends.
Disappointing news if you’re visiting London during the week, but well worth weaving into a weekend visit.
However, there are permanent shops at Maltby Street that are open for longer hours and days than the food market, should you fancy a wander down anyway.
If you’d like to see more pictures of the market, head over to our post of Matlby Street Market Photos.
Maltby Street Market
Maltby Street Market is one of the best food markets in London; there’s no doubt about that.
We also rate it as one of the best niche markets in London to visit, like Portobello Road and the Columbia Road Flower Market.
It’s not the biggest, nor does it offer the broadest range of food, but something about the place keeps drawing us back.
Given its location, just off the beaten tourist track, it attracts fewer crowds than its better-known competition, such as Camden Market or Borough Market, which we think adds to its appeal.
If you’re a massive foodie, Borough Market is also great option and not too far away.
It’s possible to visit Maltby Street Market and not be met with a wall of people you are fighting to get through to find your next bit of grub.
This is potentially because other tourist hotspots do not surround it, but it’s worth the short detour to visit.
Not only is it quieter, but Maltby Street Market is the perfect pairing for beer lovers, given that it’s on the opposite side of the railway arches from the famous Bermondsey Beer Mile.
So, if you love a taste of craft beer, you’re in the right place.
The central part of the market isn’t on Maltby Street; it’s on a little offshoot named Ropewalk, which runs parallel to the railway.
You’ll notice the flag-lined Ropewalk just off the road, which gets its name from a nearby ropewalk owned by a notable Bermondsey eccentric, Robert Rich, in the eighteenth century.
The area around Maltby Street has historically been a hub of industrial activity, with a mix of housing, light industrial units, warehouses, and small manufacturers.
It was also home to several tanneries and rope walks.
The tanneries turned raw animal skins into leather, while the rope walks used hemp or other fibres to make ropes and cables.
These industries were crucial to London’s development as a port city, and they helped shape the character of the area around Maltby Street, which is somewhat different from what you’ll find there today.
What’s on Offer?
The market has a small footprint but offers a diverse range of food.
You’ll find all sorts, from humble toasties to duck frites, steak, Ethiopian, Greek, Vietnamese, Latin fusion, burgers, crepes, gyoza, bakery items, and more.
It’s hard to keep up with what’s on offer, so you’d best head to the market to find the latest offerings or check out the Maltby Street Market website’s traders page ahead of your visit.
Despite the smaller range of food vendors, we’re sure you’ll find something to suit your taste buds, including vegetarian and vegan options, plus a few spots for those with a sweet tooth.
It’s Not Just Food
There’s more to Maltby Street Market than just a food market.
Coffee shops, bars, restaurants, florists, and homeware shops are woven into the railway arches running the length of the food market.
The first time we visited, we stumbled upon Malt.
It’s a live music venue where two tap dancers were on stage, adding the extraordinary to a beautifully atmospheric location and a must-visit spot along Ropewalk.
Many fixed residents of Ropewalk offer different opening hours to the market itself.
See the Arches page to learn more about individual shops, what’s on offer and their opening hours.
The Bermondsey Beer Mile
The Bermondsey Beer Mile is not part of Maltby Street Market, but it deserves mention because a few tasty beers can be tied in nicely with the delicious food on offer at the market.
Although the Beer Mile goes much further than the arches of Maltby Street Market, you’ll find some of the best breweries right by the market.
We recommend The Barrel Project, located on the opposite side of the railway arches, and Hiver Taproom, situated on the same side of the railway arches, just across the road at the east end of the market.
Visitor Information
Below, you’ll find all the practical information you need about Maltby Street Market, including its location, opening hours, website, and Instagram profile (so you can browse all the delicious photos!).
Maltby Street Market is in the Bermondsey area of London, about half a mile south of Tower Bridge, and relatively straightforward to get to.
📍Arch 46, Ropewalk, Maltby St, London SE1 3PA
🕙 Saturday 10 am-5 pm, Sunday 11 am-4 pm
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