Maltby Street Market in London is one of my absolute favourites. Tucked away in the Bermondsey area, it sits beneath a series of railway arches which gives the whole place a slightly gritty, urban atmosphere. It’s the kind of market that feels very London – lively, full of incredible food and surrounded by interesting places to explore.
It’s also conveniently located right next to the Bermondsey Beer Mile, which means it’s a perfect place to line your stomach before moving on to explore some of the local breweries.
I’ve been here a few times now, and even on a rainy London morning it manages to feel vibrant and welcoming. If you enjoy discovering good food markets, Maltby Street Market is definitely one worth adding to your list.
Maltby Street Market opened in 2010 and quickly became one of the most popular food markets in the Bermondsey area. The market runs along Ropewalk, a narrow street lined with railway arches that now house independent food vendors, wine bars and small restaurants.
Compared with some of the larger London markets like Borough Market, Maltby Street Market feels slightly more relaxed and neighbourhood-focused. It’s smaller, but that’s part of its charm. The stalls are close together, the smells of different foods drift through the arches, and people tend to wander slowly along the street deciding what to try next.
It’s a particularly popular stop for food lovers exploring this part of London.
One of the best things about Maltby Street Market is simply walking along Ropewalk and seeing what catches your eye. There is a huge variety of food on offer, and it’s easy to arrive planning to try one thing and leave having eaten several.
Some of the foods you’ll often find include:
Brownies and sweet treats
If you have a sweet tooth, there are several dessert stalls selling brownies, pastries and cakes.
Waffles and desserts
One of the desserts I saw looked like eggs in an egg box with scoops of jam and icing on top. It turned out to be a waffle with handmade sauces. I tried the salted caramel sauce and it was delicious.
Hot street food
For something savoury, there are stalls selling things like hot dogs, scotch eggs and other hearty street food dishes.
Fresh fruit and snacks
There are also stalls selling fruit and lighter snacks for anyone looking for something a bit healthier.
The variety means there is usually something for everyone, whether you’re after a quick bite or something more indulgent.
Part of the fun of Maltby Street Market is wandering along Ropewalk and discovering different food stalls tucked under the railway arches. The lineup of traders changes from time to time, but there are usually plenty of excellent options whether you’re in the mood for something savoury or sweet.
Duck Frites
Duck Frites is one of the best-known stalls at Maltby Street Market and a favourite among regular visitors. Their confit duck served with crispy fries is rich, comforting and perfect if you’re looking for something filling.
St John Bakery
St John Bakery is located under one of the arches and is famous for its sourdough bread and doughnuts. If you visit earlier in the day, it’s well worth stopping by for something freshly baked.
Gyoza Guys
For something a little different, Gyoza Guys serve Japanese-inspired dumplings and street food dishes that are packed with flavour.
Natural wine bars and craft drinks
Alongside the food stalls, you’ll also find several small wine bars and craft drinks spots under the arches. These are perfect if you want to sit down for a glass of wine or something refreshing while watching the crowds wander past.
Even if you don’t stop at these specific places, it’s hard to go wrong at Maltby Street Market. The best strategy is simply to arrive hungry, wander slowly along Ropewalk and see what smells too good to resist.
One of the things I enjoy most about Maltby Street Market is the atmosphere. The railway arches give the whole street a slightly industrial feel, and when the stalls are busy you can hear the sounds of food sizzling, people chatting and glasses clinking from nearby wine bars.
Even on a rainy morning when I visited, the market still felt lively. People were sheltering under the arches while deciding what to eat next, and the smell of hot food made it impossible not to feel tempted.
It’s a great place to wander slowly, trying different things and enjoying the buzz of the market.
Visiting before or after the Bermondsey Beer Mile
Maltby Street Market is located right next to the Bermondsey Beer Mile, which is one of London’s best-known areas for independent breweries.
Because of this, many people stop by the market before heading out to explore the breweries along the Beer Mile. It’s a great way to grab something to eat first and soak up the atmosphere of the area.
If you’re planning a day exploring Bermondsey, combining Maltby Street Market with the Beer Mile makes for a very enjoyable afternoon.
Maltby Street Market is located on Ropewalk in Bermondsey, just south of the River Thames.
The nearest underground stations are:
London Bridge – about a 10 minute walk
Bermondsey – also within walking distance
Both stations provide easy access to the market depending on which direction you’re travelling from.
Once you arrive in the area, the market is easy to spot thanks to the railway arches and the crowds of people exploring the stalls.
Maltby Street Market is open:
Friday: 12pm – 2:30pm
Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: 11am – 4pm
Weekends tend to be the busiest times, particularly around lunchtime.
Even though it’s smaller than some of the other markets in London, Maltby Street Market is still one of my favourites. The mix of great food, railway arch atmosphere and its location near the Bermondsey Beer Mile makes it a really fun place to spend a few hours.
Whether you’re meeting friends for lunch, exploring Bermondsey or simply looking for somewhere new to try different foods, Maltby Street Market is definitely worth a visit.
Have you ever visited Maltby Street Market in London?
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