London throughout the festive season is a magical and rather delicious place to be. Food markets, in particular, become an even more exciting prospect with a whole range of fresh, seasonal produce, warming winter drinks and even longer opening hours. The markets also offer up a wonderful array of foodie gift ideas, which make for more unique (and tastier!) present options. Here is my round up of some of the best food markets to visit this Christmas.

Duke of York Square Fine Food Market

In the heart of fashionable King’s Road, discover this delightful food market. Each Saturday, this popular venue attracts local customers and ardent foodies from around the capital. This year it is running a Gourmet Gift Market between 3 to 4 December as an extra-special festive addition to the usual Saturday market. Stalls will be offering everything from personalised gingerbread, artisan confectionery and fresh fish, to some delicious, seasonal drinks. And don’t forget to visit nearby Partridges, – one of the most famous food stores in London, to pick up wonderful preserves, teas, coffees and all manner of pantry essentials, which also make for great Christmas gifts too.
Open every Saturday between 10am–4pm
Duke of York Square Fine Food Market
19 Duke of York Square, King's Road, London SW3 4LY
Website: www.dukeofyorksquare.com

Camden Christmas Market

A trip to Camden isn’t complete without a visit to the famous market and its incredible street food. The sights, smells and sheer array of choice are enough to have the most ardent foodie salivating over the stalls. And come this festive season there is even more of a reason to visit with the Season’s Eatings event on Thursday 22 December which offers up a wonderful selection of foodie gifts – the perfect opportunity to pick up a few, last-minute Christmas presents. Visitors will also find many of the market’s favourite foodie regulars, including Voodoo Ray’s Pizza, Club Mexicana, Burger & Beyond and The Mac Factory. This market is particularly good to visit with friends for a delicious after-work bite and drinks.
Open every day between 10am-late
A Very Camden Christmas from 17 November–22 December
Camden Market
54-56 Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AF
Website: www.camdenmarket.com

Borough Market

London’s most famous market becomes the ultimate foodie destination as the festive season draws nearer, with even more culinary happenings than usual. Vendors bring out their seasonal specialities including fruit preserves, cakes, perfectly prepared meats and hot mulled cider. Also, for those who haven’t been to Borough Market before, it’s well regarded for its incredible range of cheeses, so to create that perfect cheeseboard, this is the place. As well as foodie stalls full to the brim with seasonal offerings, watch the demonstration kitchen in action with a fantastic line-up of guest chefs ready to take visitors through some delicious recipes. The market is also extending its hours through the Christmas period, so it’s the perfect opportunity for some after-work shopping.
For full Christmas and New Year opening times, see the Borough Market website for details: boroughmarket.org.uk
Borough Market
8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL
Website: www.boroughmarket.org.uk

Greenwich Market

A journey south of the river isn’t complete without a visit to historic Greenwich Market. It has grown to up to 150 stalls selling a wonderful variety of handcrafted gift items, as well as delicious foodie favourites. This market is a great place to pick up freshly made produce, including beautiful handmade cupcakes, crunchy churros and warming curries. From 1 December right through to Christmas Eve, this market will be open seven days a week. It makes for a wonderful Saturday afternoon, where visitors can enjoy a cup of hot, mulled wine and peruse stalls for Christmas ideas. I can also recommend one of its most popular stalls that sells an extensive selection of flavoured coffees – a great idea for foodie Christmas gifts.
Open from 10am–5.30pm, seven days a week until 24 December.
Closed 25 December. Open 26 to 31 December.
Greenwich Market
Greenwich High Road, London SE10 9HZ
Website: www.greenwichmarketlondon.com

Real Food Christmas Market

The redevelopment of Kings Cross has brought about a revitalised food scene with a number of great restaurants and cafes in the area. Discover the popular Real Food Market which is becoming well known for its top quality artisan produce. This Christmas it will be running a special Real Food Christmas Market: the perfect place to shop for any last minute Christmas food items on the way to visit family. However, for those who have time to make an afternoon of it, I highly recommend visiting this wonderful market, where the emphasis is always on quality produce and vendors are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. From the mouth-watering, hand-filled cannoli, to Christmas hams and cheeses, this market will have many of those much-loved Christmas food items ticked off the shopping list.
Real Food Christmas Market open Wednesday 14 to Friday 23 December, 12 noon–7pm daily
The Real Food Market runs every Wednesday to Friday, 12 noon–7pm on Kings Cross Square, Euston Road, London N1C 9AL
Website: www.realfoodfestival.co.uk

Southbank Winter Market

A sign that the festive season has well and truly begun is when the delightful wooden chalets of this market line a stretch of the South Bank. The scent of mulled wine mingling with roasted chestnuts is a sure sign the Southbank Winter Market is back for another year. It’s the perfect place to bring the whole family who will delight not only in the food stalls, but also the handmade craft items including toys, jewellery and Christmas decorations. This market is known for its array of chocolate stalls where I purchased several sweet-inspired gifts last year. It’s also great for food on the go, and with the incredible view of the River Thames, it’s an event not to be missed.
Open until Sunday 8 January
Southbank Winter Market
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, Lambeth, London SE1 8XX
Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Profile: Stephanie Brookes

Based in London, Stephanie, a leading food writer and presenter, is considered the ‘go-to’ contact for recommendations of the best places to eat in London and beyond. Stephanie’s fresh approach sees her celebrating food, whether it is discovering the hottest street food, dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, seeking out up and coming eateries or experiencing the newest food markets around.

Stephanie’s passion has seen her land the food expert contributor spot on BBC Radio London, exploring London’s thriving culinary scene on the Jo Good and Simon Lederman Saturday show. The segment has proved to be very popular, and she enjoys giving her food recommendations as well as detailing the hottest food trends and current happenings in the food world.

Stephanie is highly sought after by brands as her social platform is continually growing and is a resource for anyone looking for the best food suggestions around.

Last year saw Stephanie launch her official website covering reviews, what’s new and her latest culinary obsessions. With her wit and unique outlook, she is attracting the attention of food lovers everywhere.