Go ‘Off-Broadway’ to Netil Market for a truly authentic rummage

Broadway Market has long cemented itself as one of the ‘go to’ markets for Londoners and tourists alike. Set in the heart of the East End, it boasts an array of international food stalls, famed for its impressive florists and brilliant bric-a-brac. It is often listed as one of the top tourist destinations if you want a truly authentic London experience, and as such if you head down to Broadway Market on a Saturday be prepared to fight your way through the throng stretching down from the Canal to the calm of London Fields. Seriously, if you get to the end, sit down in the park and treat yourself to a much-needed chocolate Brownie. You deserve it.

However, if tourists aren’t your bag, or you just want a little more of a browse without getting your ankles pinched by some clever dick walking his bike through the crowds behind you, head over to Netil Market just along the way. When you get to the bottom of Broadway, turn right and walk down for roughly 30 yards and you will come across what can only be described as a market oasis amid the hustle and bustle of the main strip. Selling a dedicated cross section of everything you find duplicates of on Broadway, there is even, shock horror, room to sit and chill with a beer, or green tea infusion home-made lemonade if that’s more your bag. Rummage at your leisure through the stalls selling vintage clothing and accessories, old magazines, bits and bobs along with a selection of BBQ and authentic Caribbean food. Oh, and do check out the one and only cake stall selling the BEST Bailey’s and chocolate cupcakes going. There is even an old bike shack where you can get your roadster mended (although I doubt they see the likes of Vicky Pendleton around there). There is even a vintage camera stall selling photographic equipment through the ages, and incidentally blasting out what I can only imagine is a Now! That’s What I Call Music album circa 2001. So if you fancy a mosey, head down to Netil Market, and go ‘off-Broadway’ for a change. You can locate Netil Market more conveniently on Google maps by searching 11-25 Westgate Street, E8 3RL.