Last Updated on 14 August, 2023
The Maltby Street market has been the heart of South London since the 1930s. It’s not just a place to get fresh produce, meat and fish it’s also a social hub.
So when it closed for redevelopment in September last year, locals were worried their beloved spot might not reopen. Luckily, it did! This is among the best Saturday markets in London to check out.
The new and improved Maltby Street reopened on 23rd May 2018 with the same eclectic mix of traders selling everything from hot sauce to skincare.
If you haven’t had a chance to check out this corner of Bermondsey yet, I suggest doing so soon. It’s a stone’s throw from Tower Bridge so if you are checking out the Shard, visiting Borough Market or just working your way through things to do in London Bridge, I recommend adding Maltby Street Market to your itinerary. The steak and chips alone are worth the trip.
Read on for more reasons why visiting the Maltby Street market is well worth your while:
Things To Know About Maltby Street Market
Before we get into the details, let’s look at some figures: The market is open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays, 10am to 5pm on Saturdays, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
It takes up an entire block, with Maltby Street itself being pedestrianised, so you can’t drive on the street but there is access around the market. It’s located right near London Bridge Station, so it’s served by the Jubilee and Northern lines.
The market sold £1,000 worth of produce per day before its redevelopment. Now, it sells around £50,000 worth per day!
Among fun things to do in London on Saturdays is heading for food on Maltby Street. There are over 100 traders inside, including 40 food vendors who sell everything from fresh fruit and veg to Jamaican patties. And the building’s facade has been given an overhaul, with hanging baskets, flowers and artwork adorning the outside.
What To Buy At Maltby Street Market
The market sells pretty much everything you could think of. Alongside fresh produce, you’ll find fishmongers and butchers, bakers, and a large selection of street food.
You can buy all sorts of clothing, from vintage to handmade jewellery, to new and vintage records. There’s also a barber, a pop-up library and even a mobile-phone repair shop. It’s a one-stop shop for pretty much everything you could ever need!
Notable Vendora And Food On Offer At The Market
The food selection at the Maltby Street market is diverse and delicious. While there are many vendors selling pizza, kebabs and burgers, you can also find healthier options, like stalls selling vegan and vegetarian curries, falafel and wraps. Let’s take a look at a few notable vendors:
The Beefsteaks: Carefully sourced, grass-fed, native breed, dry-aged British beef, cooked over sustainable English charcoal. Beef and liberty!
Bumpin’ Rinds: Offset your bad behaviour with the freshest produce, juiced to order.
Gyoza Guys: Bringing you dumplings with the best flavour combinations, cooked to perfection.
Snapery Bakery: The Snapery was started in 2014 after an obsession for sourdough turned in to baking breads for friends and ignited the idea to go all in and start a bakery!
Amen Ethiopian Cuisine: Sautéed meat, vegetables and a rich lentil ‘wat’ pack a spicy hit all soaked up with a light airy bread or ‘Kocho’.
La Pepia: Venezuelan Street Kitchen and Creators of the Rainbow Arepa – completely Gluten Free!
Bangera Catering: Offering a truly exceptional take on sausage and mash as well as the classic sausage sarnie.
Where Is Maltby Street Market
The Maltby Street market is located near London Bridge station in South London. It’s in a very residential part of the city, so you’ll probably see more locals than tourists here.
The market has a very local vibe, with its largely working-class clientele. However, there are also plenty of small buskers, street performers and even a magician to keep everyone entertained.
Maltby Street Market Opening Times
The market runs from 10am to 4pm on Sundays, 9am to 5pm on weekdays and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays. It’s closed on Christmas Day.
Interesting Facts About The market
The Maltby Street market has been around since the 1930s. It was once home to a notorious gangster and associate of the Kray twins, Fat Lennie. The market was temporarily closed for six months while it was redeveloped. It took £8 million and one year to complete.
Interesting tourist sights or things to do near Maltby Street Market
Bermondsey Beer Mile: Right next to the market is Bermondsey Beer Mile. The famous mile with small beer and cider breweries.
London Bridge: The tube station isn’t really a tourist sight, but it’s definitely worth a quick visit. The area around the station is home to many old buildings, including the famous London Bridge, plenty of cool cafes and coffee shops as well as fun places for brunch.
Borough Market: The South London market is a must-visit for any foodie. You’ll find a wide selection of different foods to try and buy, from food to street art. We have already covered a lot on Borough Market, from what to buy, the best desserts, delicious doughnuts and more.
The Shard: The Shard is one of London’s most iconic buildings and is definitely worth a visit. You can get a 360-degree view of the city from the top of the building.
Tower Bridge: This iconic bridge is definitely worth a visit. It’s London’s most famous bridge and has been part of the city’s history since the 19th century. You can now also walk on the glass bridge walk.