London markets

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. 

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. 

Vintage Cameras for vintage people@Brick Lane

Invitation from Brick Lane 

Camden slowly waking up on a Sunday morning

 

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. 

Vibrant street art @ Brick Lane

 Festival @ Brick Lane

 

 

 

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. 

as the name suggests

            

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.

 

Fashion House@Camden

standing tall @camden

 

 

 

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