Market Watch 24/04/14

This week's new, events & opportunities from I Love Markets!

Crowds enjoying Acklam Village Market, Portobello, W10

Hello!

We're now inviting stall holders to book your place at Portobello Rocks. We kick-off our summer season on May 31. Meanwhile, we're already thinking Christmas and are currently researching venues, we'll keep you posted.

Book Your Stall

Don't miss out on summertime market action at Portobello Rocks. We want to put together a collection of traders that London can be proud of. Stalls priced at £45. Click here for more info. All traders participating will receive lots of love and promotion!

Promote your market

We work hard to support London's markets, but if you're in need of a helping hand we can assist you further. We offer affordable packages which will help raise awareness of your market by promoting it to the I Love Markets community. Email me for more info.

Camden Lock Top 5

Camden’s markets pull in millions of visitors per year. With so many markets and even more stalls, it’s easy to get lost in a maze of dodgy souvenirs and stinky incense. Fear not! I Love Markets is here to help you find the diamonds amongst the rough and we’re heading to the legendary Camden Lock Market.
 

1. Kick-back, relax and swing with the trees in one of these cool Well Hung Hammocks Who needs Thailand? Well the hot weather would be nice.
2. The Frenchie is one of our favourite market bites. Serving up French classics with a London twist. Bon appétit indeed!
3. House of Guadalupe is an enchanting shrine of Mexican folk art made by different Mexican artists who make exclusive and unique pieces.
4. Up-cycling can be a gamble but we think Liv an Upcycle makes the magic happen.
5. You cannot visit Camden Lock without making a trip to Chin-Chin Labs. Delectable ice cream made to order using Liquid Nitrogen.  Heavenly and to die for. The peanut butter and jelly is a personal favourite. 

Market Picks

Get ready for action, so much to choose from this weekend. See the event line-up here.

• North Finchley is feasting this weekend. Embrace the action! 
• Spirited at The Dandy Lion Market is bringing the vibes to Kentish Town
• CraftyFox will be at the Dogstar in Brixton this weekend
• St George and the Bard Celebrate St George's Day at Borough Market
• Sunday-Up Market always a great place to head for some Sunday shopping

Organising an event? Register to post it!

Keep it real, keep it markets. Wishing you a great weekend.

Best wishes,
Katie Ingham & The ILM Team

Portobello Rocks Summertime!

Portobello Rocks, I Love Markets Pop-Up, Portobello Green Market

We are pleased to announce the return of Portobello Rocks this summer at Portobello Green Market. We decided to bypass the winter months and return in the warm and busy summer months, our first date is Saturday May 31st. We are now taking stall bookings for the following dates:

• Saturday May 31st          
• Saturday June 28th         
• Saturday July 28th          
• Saturday August 9th        
• Saturday August 23rd     
• Saturday September 13th

 

About Portobello Rocks 

 

Want to find some of the best traders in London? Portobello Rocks brings you a curated collection of stalls selling all types of unique and wonderful products. Expect to find vintage, bric-a-brac, on-trend clothing and jewellery. Handmade arts and crafts made with love and anything else that fits the bill! Want to see more? Read our blog from our last event. All stall holders participating will benefit from receiving promotion leading up to and after the event.

Book a Stall 

Stalls are expected to go fast so BOOK NOW to be part of the action. Stalls are priced at £45 or book multiple dates for a discount. Book 3 dates for £120 or 6 for £220. A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your place. Please select either a table or gazebo stall when booking. All stalls are sheltered from rain.

We look forward to seeing you there! Any questions please email us.

Best wishes,
Katie Ingham & The ILM Team

I Love Markets, Portobello Rocks Summertime, Flyer

Our guide to Brixton's Markets - inside and out!

Yes! Brixton is the buzz word right now. Here's our guide to Brixton's Markets, inside and out. It was great to be reminded of what makes Brixton so refreshing. It really is a great place to be right now. It's unique mix of cultures have undoubtedly played a hug part in giving Brixton the status it deserves as they influence every part of Brixton life. From it's shops to eating establishments and of course its markets, Brixton's energy is contagious and beaming with life. I would advise anyone visiting Brixton to have no fear and dive right in. If you love travelling, discovering and absorbing as you go, then you won't be disappointed.

"Brixton's energy is contagious and beaming with life!"

My first stop was Brixton's Station Rd market. It was sad to hear that the federation who run the market lost their funding last year, so I was delighted to see that the market was looking as good as ever. Saturday was their monthly Makers Market, held every 2nd Saturday of the month. Unlike other markets Station Rd has loyally stuck by it's roots and the stalls you find there reflect Brixton's diverse culture.

I Love Markets Visits Brixton's Station Rd Makers Market, SW9

"If I can achieve anything in writing this blog it would be to encourage the cool cats who visit Brixton Village to wonder off the beaten track and pay Station Rd Market some attention!"

Makers Stalls at Brixton's Station Rd

It has great vibes, great stalls, outdoor eating spaces and best of all honest prices! I couldn't resist buying this African print bag from Aquarius B.

I Love Markets! Couldn't resist shopping at Brixton's Station Road Market

Moving on from Station Rd you can take in some traditional market action at Popes Rd.

"The string vests on sale might make you smile, but so will finding clean public toilets and also this hidden gem, the Las Americas Cafeteria."

Las Americas, tucked away on 26 Popes Rd, Brixton

If you cant afford the plane journey to Columbia, but you want to sample it's street food then this place will serve you well. Obviously a bit hit with Colombian locals, only one of the staff speaks English but a good place to start is to ask for their house special. We sampled these delicious fried Empanadas with Beef and Potato Filling served with a spicy chilli dip. The Arepas (corn griddle cakescorn pancakes), were also a winner.

Our next stop lead us to Brixton Village Market, which is perhaps responsible for Brixton receiving the accolade of London's hippest neighbourhood by Stylist Magazine last year.

I Love Markets-Inside Brixton Village, SW9

Despite it's super-hip status, the mix of traditional market stalls alongside the chic & stylish businesses keep Brixton Village well grounded. It's easy to bypass the traditional stalls but take a closer look and you'll find some really useful and cool stuff. Everything to assist old wives tales and domestic goddesses and all really cheap.

Bargains to be found at Brixton Village (ILoveMarkets)

I Love Markets loved! Avia Vintage Shop, Brixton Village

When browsing the never ending flow of quaint cafes and restaurants it's hard to know which to choose.I think it's fair to say that you can't go wrong with any of them, as they all appear to be totally delish and enticing and of course full with people. The Japanese streetfood place Okan was were our hearts landed and we weren't disappointed.

Okan Japanese Streetfood, Brixton Village (ILoveMarkets)

Here their sample dish is Okonomiyaki, the most popular and famous streetfood dish from Japan’s second largest city, Osaka. We chose the pickles and sweetcorn option, sprinkled with tuna flakes, it was dreamy and comforting.

I Love Markets eating at Okan, Brixton Village

After the refuel our final destination was Market Row, which is again similar to Brixton Village with plenty of cool places to eat alongside traditional stalls selling fresh fish, incense, household goods. Perhaps it's more in danger of selling out with a few more chains. I saw Chillbox frozen yogurt here, it stood out like a sore thumb. At the end of market row is this awesome incense and candle shop. Love this place, you can find some unusual and ridiculously kitsch toiletries too. Powerful Indian bath oil to bring you success perhaps?

Superstitious Toiletries at Brixton, Market Row

Finally a trip to Brixton is never complete without saluting some of it's characters. This chap was a man of few words, but nevertheless was happy for me to take his picture.

Interesting Characters of Brixton, Market Row

Planning a trip to Brixton? Plan your visit a check out our shops and stalls directory.

Want to share your market experience? Write a blog for I Love Markets.

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By Katie Ingham, I Love Markets.