Inside of Greenwich’s block of adorably narrow winding streets and under the Market archway is the Greenwich Market. The Greenwich Market, established in 1737, is an obvious stop for anyone wandering from the Cutty Sark Docklands Light Rail Station to Greenwich Park.
Each day of the week, the courtyard is filled with both food and artisan stands. While the market is open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, most food stands are available around lunch time.
The food stands invite you to try meals from around the world. Along both sides of the line of picnic tables are stands with Ethiopian, Turkish, Argentinian, Indian, Chinese and American smoked pork Southern sandwiches. There is even a stand offering English “posh fish finger sandwiches.” Each of the food stands are eager to give out a sample, too. The food market also includes coffee, smoothies, bread and vegan options.
The artisan section of the market ranges from elegant plates to oyster card holders made from book covers.
Each artist’s stand offers variety and personalized flare. However, the bow tie, drink coaster, or oyster card holder stands are probably the most unique. These are items you are unlikely to find in a store, or––more importantly––another market.
The market has the typical selection of handmade hats and jewelry stands, as well. Each stand is pleasing to look at, with high quality products and a friendly face standing behind it. The jewelry stands are often a market gem.
Around the edge of the market are fun shops and art galleries, as well.
For example, on the southern boundary of the market is Things British shop. The window is just the proper combination of aesthetically pleasing hip cuteness to make you stop. And if you continue inside you will find that the contents of the shop are made only by British artists.
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays the market also includes stalls with antiques and collectables. Visit on a Saturday to see the market on a bit of a grander scale, too.
If you choose to spend the day in Greenwich, eat from a market stand for lunch, visit a museum or do some shopping and then return to one of the restaurants surrounding the outside of the market courtyard.
Visit Greenwich Market seven days a week, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.