One of my favourite places to explore in any city is its
markets. For me, they are the ultimate representation of a city’s personality.
Away from the comforts of fancy ad gimmicks, air conditions and stripped of any
artificial airs, markets are where you see the city in its true colours while
indulging in some shameless people watching. Exploring a market is not just
about shopping it’s about experiencing a city’s raw character, coming in touch
with its rugged personality and getting acquainted to its many shades. Markets
unlike malls also have uniqueness to them that can never be matched up. Of
course, the fashionista in me is always beaming after getting her hands on that
one unique piece.
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| At the bustling Camden Market |
London, as we all know, is one of the best shopping places.
Whilst names like Harrods and Selfridges have put London as a shopping paradise
for the swish set; there’s definitely more to London’s shopping landscape than
the glittery malls. I bring to you two of best shopping and people watching
haunts of London—the Brick Lane Market and the Camden Market.
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| Vintage Cameras for vintage people@Brick Lane |
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| Invitation from Brick Lane |
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| Camden slowly waking up on a Sunday morning |
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Brick Lane Market:
A study in culture and contradictions,
this market is located on the northern end of Brick Lane along Cheshire Street
in East London. In Brick Lane, posh boutiques stand in sharp contrast with rickety
stalls selling a plethora of eclectic goods from old books, antique cameras, and
vintage clothes to cutesy bric-a-brac. This place is popularized by bargain
hunters, art students and curry houses, It’s unpolished, little wild, rough
around the edges and definitely unafraid. And true to London’s multicultural
fabric, Brick Lane is a place where people from all different cultures,
backgrounds come together to clash and cherish. Brick Lane’s vibe can be summed
up in two words—wild and eclectic.
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| Vibrant street art @ Brick Lane |
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| Festival @ Brick Lane | | |
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Camden Market:
One of the oldest markets of London, it has been the home ground for musical
legends like Ian Drury and Amy Winehouse. Situated between Camden Town and
Chalk farm, the Camden Markets give you a sneak peek to the city’s vibrant
street culture. Saunter around its narrow pathways and you will soon realise
that this is a place where alternative culture could have born. You will see an array of shops selling
everything from Goth, Punk to vintage lifestyles.
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| as the name suggests |
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| the Regent's canal |
While its sheen as the alternative culture hub has dimmed a
bit over the years, thanks to the influx of Starbucks and Gap, it still is one
of the best places to go to get rid of the “herd” mentality and celebrate differences
of all kinds. There
are four main markets: Buck Street Market, Lock Market, Canal Market and
Stables Market and each feel like you have been transported into a different
city. Camden’s vibe can be best described as sinfully different and deliciously
unique.
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| Fashion House@Camden |
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| standing tall @camden | | | |
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| Oldest Spot? |
So, what does market mean to you? And which ones are your
favourite and why? Do let me know in the comments section.
Read my Weekend Note on Brick Lane here http://www.weekendnotes.com/brick-lane-east-london
