Last Friday afternoon post-lunch, I visited Lower Marsh Market near Waterloo Station. Lower Marsh Market is one of the oldest London markets, and it specialises in independent street food from around the world. The market has vendors who create street food that is difficult to find in other London markets, and the range is diverse, so this is the place to go if you wish to try something new.
In addition to the market stalls, smaller independent shops, cafes, and restaurants are located on Lower Marsh Street, and one of the entrances to the popular grafitti tunnel Leake Street is located on Lower Marsh Street.
Lower Marsh is one of London's old streets, which was originally lined with cottages. The street was originally called Lambeth Marsh. South Bank was known for its entertainment and circuses, and the market was an expansive one in this part of London, which was adjoined with the pubs and shops along the street. After the second World War, the market shrunk. The train and construction of the bridge also meant that the market fell out of favour but has contained a gathering of street food stalls with a larger offering of stalls on Saturdays.
One of the curiousities was a group of several bird houses arranged in the shape of an arrow. Each bird house had its own pigeon roosted on top.
I've been to Lower Marsh Street Market when it has been much busier than this January visit, but it is a colourful place to visit and to spend some time trying new food. The late spring or summer Friday lunch times are popular when the weather starts to get nice (I visited last year), and Saturdays is a big day for the market and also has stalls selling crafts.
Leave a comment