Leather Lane Market the best place for street food in London 2024
I’ve been visiting Leather Lane street market each week, for over three years. Though it’s close to my work, it’s not the proximity, nor the convenience that has me returning time and time again. Leather Lane Market is an outdoor street market in the Holborn area of the London Borough of Camden.
Leather Lane market is one of the oldest markets in London, dating back to 1666, the market is well-known for its stalls selling food from around the world. Visitors can enjoy a variety of cuisines, including falafel and other great street food options. The lunch market is a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking to grab a quick bite to eat.
Leather Lane market is surrounded by various hotels near St Pancras Hotel and HammerSmith, making it a convenient location for those exploring London. After a day of shopping and eating, visitors can also check out some of the nearby attractions, such as piano bars in London and comedy clubs. For those looking to explore the outdoors, there are biking trails, equestrian trails, hiking trails, and even opportunities for snorkeling, pilates, canoeing, and more in London.
History of Leather Lane Market
Street vendors first started trading in Leather Lane after the great fire of London in 1666, when Cheapside traders began serving the displaced residents of London who were staying in open areas near Hatton Garden. Since the 1850s, Leather Lane has remained Camden’s largest street market.
Leather Lane Food Market runs every weekday from around 10 am – 2 pm and is within 2 minutes walk of Farringdon and Chancery Lane tube stations. Leather Lane Market sits between the Clerkenwell Road and Hatton Garden. Clerkenwell Road is a hothouse of street art.
Visiting Leather Lane Market FAQs
- What can I expect to find at Leather Lane Market?
At Leather Lane Market, you can find a diverse range of goods including clothes, accessories, antiques, and street food. The market is known for its vibrant atmosphere and unique stalls.
- When does Leather Lane Market typically operate?
Leather Lane Market is usually open from Monday to Friday, offering visitors the chance to explore the stalls and sample delicious street food creations.
- How do I get to Leather Lane Market from Chancery Lane or Holborn?
You can easily reach Leather Lane Market by taking a short walk from either Chancery Lane or Holborn tube stations. The market is conveniently located within walking distance from both stations.
- Are there any notable attractions near Leather Lane Market?
Yes, Leather Lane Market is close to Hatton Garden, known for its exquisite jewellery shops. You can explore both locations for a well-rounded experience.
- What types of street food can I find at Leather Lane Market?
At Leather Lane Market, you can enjoy a wide variety of street food options, including falafel, dishes from around the world, freshly made treats, and more.
- Is Leather Lane Market one of the oldest street markets in London?
Yes, Leather Lane Market has been around for over 400 years, making it one of the oldest markets in London. It holds a rich history and is a must-visit for those looking to explore London’s heritage.
Leather Lane Food Market runs every weekday from around 10 am – 2 pm and is within 2 minutes walk of Farringdon and Chancery Lane tube stations. Leather Lane Market sits between the Clerkenwell Road and Hatton Garden. Clerkenwell Road is a hothouse of street art.
Leather Lane market spans the entire length of the lane, nestled snuggly between trend-setting Clerkenwell and diamond-clad Hatton Garden. Historically Leather Lane market was a classic bric-a-brac market, it has stayed true to this, to some extent, still selling a bit of everything from fruit, fresh flowers to fantastic coffee.
What to expect when visiting Leather Lane Market
The reason I go to Leather Lane though is not for any of those above though. In recent years Leather Lane has become a haven for those working in local businesses to sample some truly fantastic cuisine. Amongst the cheap clothes and fruit and veg stalls is some of London’s most delicious street food. Office workers go in swarms to graze the eclectic mix of street food.
There’s everything from Indonesian, Classic British, Jamaican to BBQ. My personal favourite dish comes from Victus and Bibo, who serve a legendary lamb and halloumi wrap, packed with flavour. It has a balance of succulent meat, salty cheese, crunchy salad and punchy chilli perfectly enveloped within flatbread.
Leather Lane Market has been operating for nearly 400 years and it is one of London’s best and constantly evolving markets. These days it is the home of some superb street food and feeds hundreds of local workers at lunchtime. Leather Lane has become “hipster” with loads of fancy coffee shops and independent stores opening up to serve the millennial crowd. Don’t take that as a put down some of the most interesting and eye-catching shops are being opened by the younger crowd and they are fantastic treasure troves.
Leather Lane is a very residential area which surprises some as it is in such a central location. There is a fabulous sense of community here. The Friends of Leather Lane Market group and Leather Lane Stars project work hard to preserve this. Sure there are some chains here like Subway and Greggs but no major chains have established a presence here so it’s all pretty local.
Having grown up in London I’ve been spoiled by the variety and cultural melting pot that is the foodie scene here. We have every type of cuisine here and you don’t have to wander too far to find something new. Leather Lane’s innovative, flavourful food sets it apart from other markets in East London and the City.
Some of England’s quirkiest foods
Here are a few of Leather Lane’s Street Food stalls
Jerkkies
Serves high-quality Caribbean cuisine in their Hatton Garden restaurant, as well as from their street food stall which can be found in Leather Lane on weekday lunchtimes.
You can either get a lunch box for £6.50 or a wrap for £4.50 (large £5.50), with fillings such as the classic Caribbean jerk chicken, southern fried chicken, vegetable curry and callaloo and saltfish.
Victus & Bibo
A weekday lunchtime street food stall at the Chancery Lane end of Leather Lane market which serves Turkish pizza and wraps.
Pod
Pod serves healthy and environmentally friendly fast-food for eat-in and take away. The menu changes with the seasons and includes freshly made soups, salads, sandwiches.
Prufrock Coffee
A specialist coffee shop from 2009 World Barista Champion Gwilym Davies. Open Monday to Friday: 8 am- 6 pm. Saturday and Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm.
KIN
Offering pan-Asian street food, KIN boasts a comprehensive choice of freshly prepared dishes from Asian countries including Japan, China, Thailand and Vietnam.
Department of Coffee and Social Affairs
A specialist coffee shop within a renovated and remodelled architectural ironmongers that offers a selection of bagels, pastries, freshly-made sandwiches, quiche and cakes to eat in.
Tiffin
A large sandwich bar and cafe that serves a wide variety of freshly made sandwiches, salads, pasta, pies and soups.
Ptooch
Vegetarian salad bar with an emphasis on middle eastern / Mediterranean flavours. Think tabbouleh, grilled veg (aubergine, courgette), couscous, hummus olives plus lettuce mixes, pasta salad and more.
Daddy Donkey
Daddy Donkey serves burritos, tacos, fajitas, tamales and other Mexican street food made from fresh and natural ingredients.
Traditional Plaice
A licensed fish restaurant and take away on Leather Lane that serves a range of fresh seafood dishes including fish and chips, swordfish, lemon sole, and more.
Pieminster
Pieminster shops sell a wide variety of pies and sausage rolls made from British sourced ingredients.
Tajimi-Tei
A Japanese restaurant on Leather Lane opening only for lunch and specialising in Sushi and Sashimi. A la carte and set sushi and sashimi menus
Al-Kouther
Al-Kouther is a Mediterranean and Continental cafe on Leather Lane selling food such as falafels, wraps, hot dishes, sandwiches, pastries and refreshments
Are you a big fan of street food? Me too so check out some other areas of the world where street food reigns supreme. If you are in London don’t forget to head towards Borough Market it’s a foodie experience you won’t want to miss.
For those who like their food with a bit of elegance and luxury, you need to head to one of London’s Food Halls. These are gourmet foodie centres in some of London’s most luxurious shops like Harrods, Fortnum’s, and Selfridges.
There is no doubt that Leather Lane is one of the best places for street food in London. With a wide variety of vendors offering diverse cuisines from around the world, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The bustling atmosphere and affordable prices make it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Whether you’re in the mood for Mexican tacos, Middle Eastern falafel, or classic British fish and chips, you can find it all on Leather Lane. The quality and authenticity of the food is unmatched, making it a must-visit spot for foodies looking to experience the vibrant street food scene in London.
Written by Reena from Lifestyle Enthusiast Reena, is a self-confessed foodie, recovering perfectionist, travel-enthusiast and a big fan of true luxury. Please check out Reena’s Social Media channels for some great content.
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