East Street Market in Walworth, London SE17, is one of London’s oldest markets which officially opened in 1880. Street trading can be traced back to the 16th century, when farmers took livestock to the city and would stop for a rest on Walworth Common. Today, the market sells an array of goods with a big focus on fruit and vegetables. Other products include everything from clothing, luggage and household items. The prices are low, and there are many bargains to be had. The locals sometimes refer to East Street Market as ‘The Lane’ or ‘East Lane’. It runs from Walworth Road to Old Kent Road, with the market being at the Walworth Road end. If you’re looking for traditional London markets, markets in Southwark or things to do near Elephant and Castle, make sure you visit.
Market Entrance on Walworth Road
What The East Street Market Stalls Sell
We’ve been popping down to East Street Market recently to buy my Okra and Plantains. The fresh produce selection is fantastic. The stalls display an incredible array of fruit ranging from pineapples to mangos and bananas.
Mangos and Lemons
Veg includes cassava and sweet potatoes along with salad favourites like tomatoes and avocados. You will find an abundance of chilli peppers which is perfect for anyone who loves fiery-tasting food.
Chilli Peppers
Clothing includes jogging bottoms, sweatshirts and t-shirts for women. You can buy hosiery and cotton knickers. You will also find a few African printed tops and bright colour dresses.
Women’s Dresses
Men may be interested in shirts, t-shirts or trousers. There will probably be a few stalls selling clothing for kids. The prices are low, and the styles aren’t the height of fashion, but you will find basics for mooching around the house. Sneakers, sandals, slippers and shoes are available. I saw a stall selling reasonably priced jewellery.
Footwear
If you need an inexpensive suitcase, you’ll probably find one at the market. Bags, rucksacks and purses are also likely to be available.
Bedding
I noticed a few stalls selling bedding such as duvet sets and quilts, large pots, pans, plus general cooking utensils. Cheap house cleaning products and house plants were for sale. You can also buy perfume, toiletries, cosmetics and more.
Charlie Chaplin Blue Plaque
On Walworth Road above JD Sports, you will see a Blue Southwark sign saying Charlie Chaplin, 1889-1977, Walworth-born Comic Genius.
East Street Market Walworth London SE17 Information
To find out more about East Street Market, go to the Southwark Council Website and the Wikipedia Page. The opening times are Tuesday to Friday from 8 am until 5 pm, Saturday from 8 am until 6.30 pm, and Sunday from 8 am until 4 pm. It is closed on Mondays. The address is East Street, Walworth Road, London SE17 1EL. East Street runs from Walworth Road up to Old Kent Road. The Market stalls are near the Walworth Road end in the middle of the street with shops ether side. Those shops sell fruit, veg, groceries, fish, meat, fabric and take-away food such as kebabs. The nearest station is Elephant and Castle, or you can travel by bus (12, 35, 40, 45, 68, 148, 171, 176, 343, 468). I hope you enjoy your visit to this vibrant and traditional market.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London.
