If you’re looking for some bric-a-brac treasure, hunting for a bargain, antique shopping, or in the mood for endless street food options then the bustling Brick Lane Market is the place to be. Technically it’s a number of markets that all stretch the length of Brick Lane that are open both on weekdays and weekends, although Sundays are when the markets really come alive.
The Brick Lane Markets, or otherwise known as the Truman Brewery Markets, are in the heart of East London’s Bangladeshi community on Brick Lane. The street itself runs from Bethnal Green to Spitalfields and has been home to many immigrant groups who have settled in the area over the past three centuries. In the 19th century, both Irish and Ashkenazi Jews immigrated to the area and in the 20th century it was the Bangladeshi Bengalis that dominated Brick Lane, even earning the area the nickname Banglatown. Here’s our rundown of the markets you can find on Brick Lane:
1. Backyard Market
Backyard Market is the arts and crafts hub of Brick Lane and has a great little creative community. This artisanal market is found in the Old Truman Brewery and has a bustling array of stalls for all of your creative needs. You can find lovingly crafted handmade jewellery, brilliant prints, clothing by up-and-coming designers, unique mosaics, artisanal food, and many more artsy pieces to fill your home or give as a bespoke gift. You’ll never know what you end up finding at Backyard Market which is the beauty of it. Backyard Market runs every Saturday from 11am to 6pm and every Sunday from 10am-5pm.
📍Find Backyard Market at 146 Brick Lane, E1 6QL.
2. Brick Lane Vintage Market
Brick Lane Vintage Market is one of the best vintage hunting gems in London and is a must-visit if you’re in the area. With boutiques selling clothes all the way from the 1920’s, over 40 independent traders and boutiques, and the market’s self proclaimed title of ‘London’s Vintage Mecca’ you’re bound to find your new favourite one of a kind garms. Stalls boast eclectic collections of fur coats, leather jackets, waistcoats, vintage football shirts, denim as far as the eye can see, dresses galore, and a whole host of vintage accessories. The market is open seven days a week from 11am to 6:30pm on weekdays, 11am to 6pm on Saturdays, and 10am to 6pm on Sundays.
📍Find Brick Lane Vintage Market at 85 Brick Lane, E1 6QL.
3. Ely’s Yard Food Trucks
Once a former service yard and now a street food hotspot, this food market is one of Brick Lanes most popular spots. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the food trucks at Ely’s Yard serve up piping hot burgers, chicken wings, burritos, jerk chicken, Argentinian steaks, and much much more. The food market is also home to some public permanent artworks by the likes of Banksy, Shepard Fairey, and Invader Vhils, and also hosts a variety of activities and themed events such as London’s first City Beach and brand pop-ups. The market is open seven days a week from 11am to 11pm so you can always count on Ely’s Yard for some good grub if you’re in the area.
📍Find Ely’s Yard Food Trucks at 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL.
4. Upmarket
Every weekend Ely’s Yard hosts Upmarket, a weekend market with over 200 stalls and an indoor food hall. There’s some excellent artisanal food traders at Upmarket who offer freshly made and selected produce that you give a taste of the some of the best locally sourced delicacies. The impressive food hall accommodates an eclectic selection of international food including Ethiopian, Singaporean, Korean, and Brazilian cuisine for your taste buds to get exploring, and has a variety of dessert options for the much needed sweet treat after any meal. Upmarket also has a selection of fashion, lifestyle, accessories, and art stalls that makes it a one-stop shop for all your shopping and food needs. Upmarket is open from 11am to 5:30pm on Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sundays.
📍 Find Upmarket at 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL.
5. The Tea Rooms
The Tea Rooms at Brick Lane is a treasure trove for vintage trinkets, antique homeware, and eclectic art that is a real treat to explore. Antique specialists and dealers offer unique bric-a-brac pieces such as rare first editions of books, vintage maps, typewriters, vintage cameras, and mid-century furniture. Anything that you end up with will definitely be a unique and delightful addition to your home and make for particularly special gifts. The market is full of hidden gems and is a haven for collectors or any history buffs on the hunt for something special, and even has a hidden café inside. The Tea Rooms also hosts some retail gems for beauty, wellness, and culture offering a mix of beauty products, jewellery, and prints from around the globe. For those who are in the mood to get a little mystical, the market even has a tarot reader on site for a glimpse of your future. The Tea Rooms are open every weekend; 11am to 6pm on Saturday and 10am to 6pm on Sundays.
📍 Find the Tea Rooms at 146 Brick Ln, E1 6QL.