This blog post was updated on October 25, 2018.
Berwick Street was built in the late 1600s, and there has been some sort of market presence there since the 18th century (though nothing was officially recognized until the late 1800s). The street itself is but one section of a tiny sliver of street running from the major arteries of Oxford Circus and Shaftesbury Avenue.
Situated in the heart of Soho, Berwick Street Market is one of London’s most easily accessed street markets. Flanked by Tottenham Court Road Station to the east and Oxford Circus Station to the west (and both about the same short walking distance away), it’s convenient to reach too, and odds are, most folks visiting London will pass very close to Berwick at some point during their trip.
So even though it’s small, you best believe it’s popular … especially on weekdays around lunchtime. The market runs Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm. But it’s worth noting the market is at its happening best between noon and 2:30 or 3pm during the week. Fridays are an extremely popular time and more vendors tend to be there then. Still, you won’t find the throngs of tourists like at Borough Market or the lengthy queues of hipster such as at Broadway Market.
Traditionally a place to hawk fresh fruit and vegetables, the market has had its ups and downs through the centuries. These days, the market appears to have caught on to current foodie trends and are giving more and more space to vendors who offer takeaway meals. Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches? Moroccan dishes to go? A good old fashioned hot dog? Fresh made Neapolitan style pizza? There seems to be something for every taste for the best in on-the-go food. But if you want to buy fresh fruit or veggies, don’t worry; you can still do some of your weekly shopping here.
Beyond the street eats, this little stretch of Soho offers a multitude of shops and quirks. Gosh! Comics (one of London’s best comic and graphic novel shops) here along with a couple of great coffee shops (Flat White or Foxcroft & Ginger? You decide!). One of London’s original vegetarian restaurants, a gallery focused on street art and a variety of other shops. And of course, there’s a pub!
Photo: Chris Osburn
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