Broadway Market, Hackney

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Broadway Market sounds fancy in my opinion, a bit jazzy, a bit ... broadway? Well, the market isn't quite a glamorous affair, not least in the traditional sense, but it is an impressive amalgam of sights, smells, and entertainment. From the food which is familiar to the more unusual bites which pull at your curious soul, Broadway Market definitely feeds hungry eyes and satisfies roaring bellies. Animals are welcome too, so feel free to bring your pup, just keep them on a lead whilst you take in the show of a market.



Firstly, the market is down a street lined with bric-a-brac stores, quirky bars, juice bars, health food hang-outs and vintage furniture and modern art shops, so you'll never get bored.

I wasn't quite in the mood for shopping, however, when I finally reached the market. After traipsing across the length of London Fields park to get to the market, there was only one thing on my mind: food. And ooh, does Broadway Market provide.



The first stall sells buttermilk coated chicken - Butchies - but I wanted something different. As my nose led me down the market I found the Ghanain stall, Spinach & Agushi, which sells home-grown, home crafted, traditional Ghanain fare.

Meandering through the market I spotted some impressive-looking scotch eggs filled with specially-made pork and sage meat. I'm not a fan of scotch eggs, however, so I continued on.



Persian, Indian (vegan from Mumbai), Italian, British hot food; hog roasts as well as hand-made bhajis and just-rolled pasta will tempt your tastebuds.

There's also local produce from this part of London. I spotted yellow cauliflowers, yellow rainbow chard, curled cucumber and pale pink beetroot and purple peppers.



Amongst the vegetables were crates upon crates of apple varieties and fresh apple juice. Although the apple juice looked good, I found the the raw juice stall quenched my thirst perfectly, plus it was only £2.50. My cup of beetroot, apple, kale, carrot, cumber and ginger juice was delicious and smooth (sometimes they're full of bits, eugh) and it was a damn sight cheaper for half a pint, than what you might get at other famous markets in London.



Before the health-benefits of juicing run away with you, let me remind you that Braodway Market isn't a health-conscious market, it merely caters for most diets. Of course, there was the plethora of cakes and extra-large cookies, vegan bakes and market-special miniature morsels on display too.

Vintage clothes as well as homeware from the Victorian period were on show. I was chattting with the stall owner of the 60's- style reclaimed furniture, who possessed a highly-polished dark wood coffee table not to mention trio of side tables and pointed me in the direction of the plants, flowers, as organic beauty and jewellery.



I fell in love with a number of gold and silver plated pieces from Rebecca Rinkoff. They also sell hand-made leather bags and there's a purely cotton handbag stall. It's a shopping haven for foodie as well as market lovers.

Halfway down the street, on the left side, is a man singing acoustically, with his guitar. It makes for a nice bit of entertainment, but I was taken by his raw talent. I didn't get his name, but he was definitely one to watch as I stood, munching on my meal, taking in his smooth, but indie-esque vocals and easy drawl.



If you get fed up with the market (it does get busy), you can just pop in to any of the directly opposite stores for a more familiar, enclosed shopping experience, or nip to any of the bars, cafe, or eateries for a sit down.

Note, it is at the complete opposite end of the first entrance of London Field's market, when you're coming from the direction of the London Field's station. Equally, if you're walking from Hackney central station (not recommended), once you get on to London Fields road, stay on that side of the road and walk straight, do not be tempted to cross the park, or veer off in other directions, like I did - you will not reach the market any quicker.

#dog_friendly
#family_attractions
#food_festivals
#hackney
#markets
#street_food
#street_performers
%wnlondon