Markets

Londoners love to find a good bargain so it's no wonder there's a fine array of street and covered markets scattered around the city. Not only are they brilliant for shopping, but they make a great day out because they've such a colourful vibe - each with very unique atmospheres. From the designer clothes of Spitalfields and Portobello to the specialist foods of Borough, below are This is London's top six markets.

Borough Market
Otherwise known as London's Larder, this food market sells specialist cheeses and meats. Situated under the arches of London Bridge, it's very atmospheric and its history goes back a long way. Built by King Canute, its records can be traced back to the 11th century when it sold vegetables and fish on London Bridge. The current premises have been occupied since 1756. Now you can buy quality Japanese teas, pork pies, freshly baked bread, Gamston Wood Ostrich, coffee, Morecambe Bay Shrimps, New Forest cider?the list is endless. Well worth a visit even just to enjoy the market's hustle and bustle.
Where: 8 Southwark Street, under the arches between Borough High Street and Bedale Street, 020 7407 1002, http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk
Tube: London Bridge
Open: Fri 12pm-6pm; Sat 9am-4pm

Old Spitalfields Market
The site of the market has a marvellous history dating back to Charles II. Under this lovely old covered market, you'll find the bar cum club Spitz, and a wealth of good restaurants. This is a fine place to visit for meals in the evening. But the best comes last. The market on Sunday's sells a colourful collection of organic foods, scrumptious home-made cakes and breads and it's also where a lot of young designers in the making sell their one-off jewellery, clothes and accessory designs. If you want to find ultra-stylish gear this is the place to shop. Every Thursday there's a fashion market.
Where: 65 Brushfield Street, E1, 020 7247 8556
Tube: Liverpool St
Open: Mon-Fri daily; Sun market is from 10.30am-4pm.

Columbia Road Flower Market
A splash of old-world, cobbled London thrown into the East End. Not far from Sunday's Spitalfield and Brick Lane markets is Columbia Road Flower market. Whilst violinists and trumpeters busk on the corner opposite the Royal Oak Pub (which sell rich coffee and delicious homemade pastries), people bustle past with their geraniums or orange tree. Selling every plant, shrub, flower under the sun, this has got to be London's prettiest outdoor market. And you can't beat the local, friendly cockney ambience.
Where: Columbia Road, Bethnal Green, E2
Tube: Bethnal Green, Liverpool St
Open: Sunday 8am-1pm

Camden
Funky Camden is three markets joined up. Young and alternative are just a few ways to describe the clothes, jewellery and brickabrack sold here. Famous for its cutting-edge ambience in the 60s, Camden is still swinging. Filled with a mix of retro shops selling cheap Levis and T-shirts, record shops, fluoro 'rave' shops, food stalls and a couple of pubs it makes for a nice bohemian day out!
Where: Camden High St and Buck Street, 020 7284 2084, www.camdenlock.net/
Tube: Camden Town
Open: daily 10am until late.

Portobello Market
Antiques, retro clothes, designer stuff, fruit and veg, this street market's fun for everybody. Despite its vicinity to Notting Hill, it remains unpretentious and good value. The flea market takes place every Saturday, running down from Chepstow Villas to just under the Westway and there is a huge range of specialist dealers - selling books, posters, postcards, china, glass, jewellery, paintings, porcelain.
Where: Portobello Road and Golborne Road, Notting Hill, W10
Tube: Notting Hill gate and Westbourne Park
Open: Mon-Sat daily; Clothes Fri and Sat; Antiques, Sat

Brick Lane Market
An East End institution. Be prepared for shouting cockneys selling their wares, Dell boys bartering over microphones to get rid of a bunch of cheap gadgets and dodgy geezers selling imported cigarettes. It's very entertaining and despite East London's gentrification it's an insight into good, old-fashioned cockney culture. The cavernous tunnels of the near by Good's Yard proffer stalls with antiques and brick-a-brack. This market's a great place for a miracle find such as some unique Art Deco china set going for a mere couple of quid. Keep your eyes peeled!
Where: Brick Lane, Sclater St, Cheshire St, E2
Tube: Bethnal Green, Liverpool St, Shoreditch
Open: Sun 7am-1pm