Region
Bermondsey Market is with a sea of relics similar to the loot of Fagan’s street gang quite the experience in London: It’s half car boot sale, half chic Parisian flea market. Known across London as the place where antique dealers come to buy china and silver as well as furniture and glassware, Bermondsey Market offers every possibility of leaving with an amazing find for a bargain price.
Located in Bermondsey Square near the iconic London Shard, this place provides a true contrast between old and new and the probability is high, that somewhere nestled in the 20-30 stalls – that now also include food, fashion, and craft – your new favorite old antique will be waiting for you.
It is highly recommended to arrive early at the Bermondsey Antiques Market, as deals go quickly and vendors begin packing away in the afternoon. With no tube lines running at this time, it is advised to research a bus route to Bermondsey or even book a taxi.
The hearty and warm atmosphere around the site before the sun rises, with bargain hunters searching through the stalls with their torches is certainly worth it. Make sure you grab a coffee and bacon sandwich from the onsite catering van, delicious as well as essential fuel for a morning of antique hunting at the Bermondsey Market.
Bermondsey Market is one of the few markets in London where the majority of items are genuine antiques. The traders are true experts and they are well known for giving honest advice and will refrain from pressuring sales. The cockney chirpiness is evident and even as an English visitor you will be surprised by the ‘London’ feel. Looking through hand-crafted jewelry and furniture, each with its own unique story to tell, Bermondsey market is one of the most special and hidden away treasure trove for antiques in the Big Smoke.
Although there are not a great number of stalls at the Bermondsey Market, there are hundreds of high-quality items at reasonable prices. A lot of what can be discovered here is often seen at other markets throughout London for inflated prices. If you are a flea market junkie and a keen bargain hunter, Bermondsey Market is definitely the place to be.
Professional antique dealers frequent Bermondsey Market knowing it is the best place to find high-quality antiques and very interesting artifacts and every visitor who makes a bargain deal will understand why they keep it a secret. You will find timeless antique china alongside Victorian photos, rare furniture with mystic engravings, and perfect retro decor for your home. And if you are in the market for glassware, these age-old streets will certainly also provide.
Once you have finished your treasure hunting, the streets around Bermondsey Market have a large number of artisan bakeries and restaurants available to enjoy a relaxed dinner in. Jose Tapas comes highly recommended for a cozy getaway and newly opened French bistro Casse-Croute excels in high-quality dining.
There are also a number of small, exquisite breweries waiting to quench your thirst. These are a definite must for any beer fan as the wide variety of different craft beers and local real ales is breathtaking You cannot find a fresher taste, so make sure to sample these rich hoppy delicacies.
Bermondsey Market, with its unique, laid back, and super-friendly atmosphere, is a treat to explore for simply everyone. But also serious antique collectors and passionate flea market enthusiasts can be confident of returning home with something special. So don’t forget – the early bird catches the worm!
Deanna Briggs
11th August 2015 at 23:55Things have changed dramatically, I visited the market 10 years ago, it is full of lovely items with reasonable price. Nowadays, I am sorry but I don’t think they are selling antique unless any second hand items could be named antique.
Cedric Beck
31st August 2015 at 16:55Although this market is now but a shadow of its former self, it is one of the only places where you can still come and find a true bargain. Whilst one had to arrive at 4am with a torch back in the “old days” nowadays come at a leisurely 8am and enjoy the few antiques dealers who still show up at this market. Unfortunately the local council and local development have gutted this market in recent years but I am hopeful it will survive. If it does not survive, then another London “institution” will be lost.
Randal Park
21st December 2015 at 21:57Well worth a visit. Full of all sorts of antiques – spoilt for choice. Feeling hungry? visit Borough Market for a fabulous lunch!
Roger Hanson
3rd February 2016 at 18:44Visited the antiques market on a cold and wet day, so the market was a bit short on stalls. Lots of silverware and jewellery for sale. The stall holders despite having been there since 4am were cheerful and helpful. Would recommend a visit on a warm day.
Jeannette Morton
6th July 2016 at 09:26Bermondsey market has a very welcoming atmosphere and full of interesting characters. There is a wide range of food and products on offer. When the sun is shining you should head down to south of the river. It is rather edgy but in a good way.
Gregory Wu
19th July 2019 at 11:01I am beginning the 3 days in London recommended tour. My first stop, Bermondsey Market, was not quite as described as in the listing. I think the “200 stalls” above is a typo. It was closer to 20 stalls and the article goes on to say “Although there are not a great number of stalls…”, so they must have meant 20 stalls. The 120-400 stalls at the bottom is definitely incorrect. The space would not hold 50 stalls had they wanted.
That being said, lots of British China and jewelry, some glassware. One stall even had what I’m pretty sure was some Fenton and Tiara glass. Tiara!