While exploring Kennington and Oval for a new area guide, I made sure to stop at the Oval Farmers Market. Held every Saturday in the leafy Georgian churchyard of St Mark’s, it’s just across the road from both Oval Tube station and Kennington Park, and only a short walk from the Oval Cricket Ground. The market blends the charm of a traditional village gathering with the buzz of city life. The air is filled with the scent of sizzling street food and roasted coffee beans, while colourful stalls brim with seasonal produce, artisan treats and handmade goods. Surrounded by the church’s grand portico and imposing columns, it’s as much a pleasure to wander as it is to shop. If you’re looking for Farmers’ Markets in South East London or weekend street food, this is the place for you.
What You’ll Find At Oval Farmer’s Market
The Oval Farmers Market is laid out in a loop around the church, so it’s worth taking a slow walk to make sure you see it all. If you’re looking for something hot to eat, there are a few street food stalls to choose from.
One I noticed was The Giggly Pig, serving hearty handmade sausages from their outdoor-reared saddleback pigs, burgers seasoned with traditional herbs and thick-cut bacon rolls, all priced at £5.
Fresh produce is at the heart of the market. Brambletye Fruit Farm, a biodynamic grower, sells a variety of apples, pears, and soft fruits such as raspberries, blackberries, and gooseberries, along with seasonal vegetables, mushrooms, eggs, preserves, and juices.
The fishmonger offers a fresh catch for the weekend table, while the Bath Soft Cheese Company draws in cheese lovers with award-winning favourites like Wyfe of Bath and Bath Blue. Atrangi Indian Flavour adds a burst of spice to the mix with chutneys, curry masalas and marinades that can turn simple dishes into something special. You’ll also find jars of honey, marinated olives, artisan dips and chutneys, which are the perfect extras to take home.
For those with a sweet tooth, there’s no shortage of choice. I’m a fan of Cakehole, so I was quick to spot their stall stacked with indulgent bakes. The market isn’t just about food. Bunches of fresh flowers bring splashes of colour to the pathways, and a few craft stalls sell handmade jewellery and natural skincare.
Tables and chairs are dotted throughout the churchyard, so you can relax with your purchases and enjoy eating and drinking in the open air. The outdoor café area is a sociable spot where friends gather and families share a meal. If you’re heading to a cricket match at the Oval, it’s a great place to swing by beforehand for a bite to eat.
Helpful Information About The Oval Farmers’ Market
The backdrop to all this activity is St Mark’s Church, a striking Classical building designed by David R. Roper and consecrated in 1824. One of four “Waterloo churches” built in Lambeth to commemorate the victory at the Battle of Waterloo, it stands on what was once Kennington Common, also known as Gallows Common for its history of public executions. The church was severely damaged by a bomb in 1940 but was restored in the post-war years, and today it remains a landmark in the area.
Oval Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm in the grounds of St Mark’s Church, 337 Kennington Park Road, London SE11 4PW. The nearest station is Oval, directly opposite. For more information, go to the We Are City And Country Farmer’s Markets website.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London.