London's vibrant markets offer a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs and small business owners to showcase their products and reach a diverse audience. Whether you are selling handmade crafts, gourmet food, vintage clothing, or unique antiques, having a stall in one of London's bustling markets can be a great way to grow your business. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to setting up your own market stall and help you decide which market is best suited for your business.
Steps to Setting Up a Market Stall in London
1. Decide What You Want to Sell
Before applying for a market stall, determine your niche. Popular products include:
- Handmade crafts and jewellery
- Vintage clothing and accessories
- Fresh produce and organic foods
- Street food and gourmet treats
- Antiques and collectables
2. Find the Right Market for Your Business
Choosing the right market is crucial for your success. Consider factors such as foot traffic, target audience, and stall rental costs. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top 22 markets in London to help you decide.
3. Apply for a Market Stall Licence
Most London markets require traders to apply for a stall licence. To get started:
- Visit the market’s official website (links provided below).
- Check the requirements for new traders.
- Submit an application form, including details of your business and products.
- Pay any required application fees.
4. Obtain Necessary Permits and Insurance
- Public Liability Insurance: Most markets require traders to have insurance covering at least £5 million in liability.
- Food Hygiene Certificate: If you are selling food, you must register with your local council and complete food safety training.
- Street Trading Licence: Some markets may require an additional street trading licence, depending on the borough.
5. Prepare Your Stall Setup
A well-designed stall can attract more customers. Consider the following:
- Eye-catching signage and branding
- Display tables, shelving, and lighting
- Packaging and payment options (cash, card readers, or contactless payments)
6. Promote Your Market Stall
Leverage social media to promote your stall and attract customers. Use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase your products and announce your location.
Best Markets in London to Set Up a Stall
1. Herne Hill Market
- Location: Railton Road, Herne Hill, SE24 0JN
- Specialties: Locally sourced food, arts, crafts, and vintage items
- Working Hours: Sundays, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Trader Info: Join here
- Instagram: @hernehillmarket
2. Lower Marsh Market
- Location: Lower Marsh, behind Waterloo Station, SE1
- Specialties: Street food, rare records, handmade jewellery, and vintage clothing
- Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Trader Info: Apply here
- Instagram: @lowermarshmarket
3. Mercato Metropolitano
- Location: 42 Newington Causeway, SE1 6DR
- Specialties: Over 40 food vendors offering international, artisan, and sustainable foods
- Working Hours:
- Mon – Wed: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Thu: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Fri: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Sat: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Sun: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Trader Info: Contact here
- Instagram: @mercatometropolitano
4. Alfies Antique Market
- Location: 13 - 25 Church St, London, NW8 8DT
- Specialties: Vintage clothes (1930s-1940s), antique jewellery, collectables, homeware, and toys
- Working Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Trader Info: Visit here
- Instagram: @alfiesantiques
5. Brixton Village Market
- Location: 21 Eccleston Place, London, SW1W 9NF
- Specialties: International street food, art, and household goods
- Working Hours: Mondays: 8 AM – 6 PM, Tuesday to Sunday: 8 AM – Midnight
- Trader Info: Join here
- Instagram: @brixton.village
6. Netil Market
- Location: 13-23 Westgate Street, E8 3RL
- Specialties: Handmade ceramics, street food, clothing, and jewellery by independent makers
- Working Hours: Tue - Thu (limited traders): 9 AM - 10 PM, Fri - Sun (all traders): 9 AM - 10 PM
- Trader Info: Join here
- Instagram: @netilmarket
7. Hackney Flea Market
8. Canopy Market
- Location: West Handyside Canopy, N1C
- Specialties: Handmade crafts, art, design, and street food
- Working Hours: Fri: 12 PM – 8 PM, Sat & Sun: 11 AM – 6 PM
- Trader Info: Join here
- Instagram: @canopy_market
9. Flea at Vinegar Yard
- Location: Vinegar Yard, St Thomas Street, SE1 3QU
- Specialties: Curated vintage goods, clothing, antiques, ceramics, and collectables
- Working Hours: Sat & Sun: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Trader Info: Join here
- Instagram: @flealondon
10. Tooting Market
- Location: 21-23 Tooting High Street, SW17 0SN
- Specialties: Fresh food, fashion, home decor, electronics, international cuisines
- Working Hours: Mon-Thu & Sun: 8 AM-11 PM, Fri & Sat: 8 AM-12 AM
- Trader Info: Join here
- Instagram: @tootingmarket
11. Greenwich Market
- Location: Greenwich Peninsula, London, SE10 9HZ
- Specialties: Handmade crafts, antiques, art, fashion, street food, vintage items, unique gifts
- Working Hours: Every day, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Trader Info: Join here
- Instagram: @greenwichmarket
12. Broadway Market
- Location: Hackney, London, E8 4PH
- Specialties: Artisanal food, vintage clothing, independent designers, handmade crafts, unique gifts
- Working Hours: Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Trader Info: Join here
- Instagram: @broadwaymarket
13. Leather Lane Market
- Location: Holborn, London, EC1N 7TJ
- Specialties: Fresh produce, fashion, accessories, electronics, household goods
- Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Closed on weekends)
- Trader Info: Camden Council
14. Maltby Street Market
- Location: Ropewalk, London, SE1 3PA
- Specialties: Artisanal produce, craft beverages, handmade goods, local and independent vendors, unique culinary experiences
- Working Hours: Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sundays, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Trader Info: Join here
- Instagram: @maltbystmarket
15. Camden Market
- Location: Camden Lock Place, NW1 8AF
- Specialties: Fashion, crafts, vintage items, street food
- Working Hours: Every day, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Trader Info: Join here
- Instagram: @camdenmarketldn
16. Portobello Road Market
- Location: Portobello Road, W11 1LJ
- Specialties: Antiques, clothing, food, collectibles
- Working Hours: Every day, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Trader Info: Join here
- Instagram: @portobellomarketofficial
17. Borough Market
- Location: 8 Southwark Street, SE1
- Specialties: Foods, drinks and gourmet products, kitchen tools, homewares, garden ornaments
- Working Hours: 10 AM - 5 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Trader Info: Join here
- Instagram: @boroughmarket
18. The Truman Markets
- Location: 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL
- Specialties: The Tea Rooms (Coffee & Antiques), Brick Lane Vintage Market (Vintage Clothing), Ely’s Yard (Food), Backyard Market (Clothing & Accessories), Upmarket (Street Food & Retail), Rinse Showrooms (Fashion)
- Working Hours: Check here
- Trader Info: Join here
- Instagram: @bricklanetrumanmarkets
19. Old Spitalfields Market
- Location: 16 Horner Square, E1 6EW
- Specialties: Fashion, art, antiques, food
- Working Hours: Check here
- Trader Info: Join here
- Instagram: @oldspitalfieldsmarket
20. Covent Garden Market
- Location: Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 8RF
- Specialties: Food, drinks, flowers, gifts, local farmers’ market
- Working Hours: Check here
- Trader Info: Join here
- Instagram: @coventgardenldn
21. Leadenhall Market
- Location: Gracechurch St, EC3V 1LT
- Specialties: Boutique shops, fashion, gifts, florists, wine merchants, restaurants, pubs, specialty food stores
- Working Hours: Check here
- Trader Info: Join here
- Instagram: @leadenhallmarket
22. Brick Lane Market
- Location: Brick Lane, E1 6QR
- Specialties: Vintage clothing, antiques, street food, arts and crafts, handmade goods, eclectic items, multicultural cuisine
- Working Hours: Sundays 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Trader Info: Join here
- Instagram: @bricklanevintagemarket
Setting up a market stall in London can be an exciting and profitable venture. Follow these steps, secure the right permissions, and start your journey in one of the world’s most dynamic marketplaces!