Explore the city, London experiences,
October 05 2024
London's culinary scene is celebrated for its vibrancy, diversity, and innovation, with food halls and courts being among the most popular destinations for food lovers in the city. Whether you're a resident or just visiting, exploring a food hall in London is a unique opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of dishes all under one roof. From elegant food halls to lively food courts, these spots boast exceptional vendors and delectable dining options, with something to suit every taste.
See our picks of some of the best food halls in London, such as Seven Dials Market, Market Halls, Mercato, Borough Market, and Hawley Wharf. Each of these venues showcases the very best of London’s culinary offering and a lively atmosphere.
Seven Dials Market
Seven Dials Market is a top destination for foodies in central London, this food hall is in London’s bustling Covent Garden area and is open daily from 11AM to 10PM.
This lively venue is an impressive food hall, operated by Kerb, and set within the historic Thomas Neal’s Warehouse, offering a wide variety of dining options across its two main zones; the Banana Warehouse offers sit-down meals, while Cucumber Alley is dedicated to sweet treats and light snacks.
Some of the standout vendors include Bong Bong’s Filipino fusion, Truffles’ gourmet burgers, and the unique cheese conveyor belt at Pick & Cheese. For those with a sweet tooth, Cucumber Alley’s Boolay Crêpes serves famous crême brûlée crêpe cones – worth a try if you’re visiting. Seven Dials Market is a prime spot for a quick bite or a full meal in central London, and there are plenty of pubs and bars in Covent Garden where you can extend your evening, too.
Market Halls
Market Halls houses a selection of accessible food hall experiences across London, with locations in Victoria, Oxford Street, and Canary Wharf and opening hours from 11AM to 11PM. Each London-based food hall features a vibrant mix of vendors and cuisines. The Victoria branch, based near the station, has a rooftop terrace and showcases delights like Butchie’s fried chicken. The Canary Wharf location serves up juicy burgers from Black Bear, while the venue at Oxford Street Market Halls serves Baoziinn’s famed dumplings.
Market Halls offers convenient, high-quality options for a food hall lunch and dinner in central London - a perfect choice for those looking to explore a variety of flavours in one place.
Mercato Metropolitano
Mercato Metropolitano offers a distinctive Italian-inspired dining experience in London, with key locations in Elephant & Castle and the stunning Mercato Mayfair. The Elephant & Castle venue brings together street food, shopping, and a vibrant bar scene, while Mercato Mayfair, set in a Grade I listed church, provides an elevated atmosphere that focuses on Italian cuisine. Highlights include Molo’s charcoal-grilled soft-shell crab buns at Mayfair and an array of Italian street foods and drinks at both locations. Open daily from 11AM to 11PM, Mercato Metropolitano is a must-visit London food hall, perfect for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Italy within London’s thriving food scene.
Borough Market
If you’re wondering “What is the famous food market in England?” We’d say Borough Market is undoubtedly one of the first to come to mind. Located on Borough High Street, this iconic food market offers a mix of street food and artisanal stalls, serving up flavours from around the world.
The Borough Market Kitchen area is particularly popular, with options like Tacos Padre’s mouth-watering tacos, Mei Mei’s Hainanese chicken, and Juma Kitchen’s kubba haleb lamb mince dumplings. It’s open Monday to Saturday from 10AM to 5PM, this vibrant London food hall provides a rich blend of international flavours and handcrafted goods in a lively atmosphere.
Hawley Wharf
Open daily from 10AM to 10PM and perfectly placed along Camden’s picturesque canalside, Hawley Wharf is a casual London food hall with a laid-back atmosphere. Spread across two buildings and under the railway arches, Hawley Wharf offers an eclectic mix of vendors, including Three Uncles, who serve juicy and authentic Cantonese roast meats and The Black Cow, who serve top-tier Middle Eastern steak options. For dessert lovers, T’s Fried Scoop offers up delicious fried ice cream treats - this vibrant food hall is perfect for a casual meal or indulgent snack, appealing to a diverse crowd in one of London’s most popular neighbourhoods.
We hope you try one of our picks of London’s best food halls and courts, many of these food hall destinations are located close to our Thistle hotels in Holborn, Marble Arch and Barbican, making them perfect for a memorable day or evening out during your stay. Whether you’re craving something familiar or eager to try something new, London’s food halls offer an unbeatable dining experience.
