No Small Wander

This morning, I visited one of my favourite weekend food markets: Maltby Street Market.

This weekend food market resides in a seemingly unremarkable alley, if not for the vendors that call it home. Two sides make up this food market—on one, the temporary food-truck-style tents. On the other, the permanent vendors that have made their home in the 19^th-century arches.

A raised railway line south of London Bridge station has led to a unique retail space in Bermondsey. Here, these arches aren’t just pretty; they’re spaces for booming business.

These arches are home to cheese shops, bakeries, restaurants—and most prominently, beer brewers. It’s become so popular that there’s a challenge called the Bermondsey Beer Mile! This is where beer-lovers are encouraged to visit all the brewers in this area. There are over 20 brewers in this two-mile stretch between London Bridge and South Bermondsey!

I haven’t done the full Bermondsey Beer Mile (I’ve tagged along with friends doing it, but I’m not fond of beer). I’ve enjoyed a few meals at restaurants housed under the arches, though. The Portugese Pedro’s Wine Bar is a must-visit, in my opinion. I assumed that it would be loud when the trains pass over multiple times a day—but the sound-proofing is so great, I barely notice any noise.

Everywhere I turned as I walked down the “Ropewalk” (where all the food is!) was smells and spices; hot coffee, the aroma of jerk chicken, the sweetness of donuts. When visiting the Maltby Street Market, I tend to enjoy restaurants more than street food—it’s a shame, as I love street food. Recently, pistachios have become trendy, and many vendors without a proper handwashing station can’t guaruntee no cross-contamination. I have more luck with the vendors with permanent storefronts—like a coffee at WatchHouse.

Maltby Street Market sometimes expands its reach beyond just food. When I visited Go East Vintage there with pop-up vintage collaboration.

Although not technically part of Maltby Street Market, I wanted to shout out two archway businesses I love nearb. The first one is Borough Cheese Company, which has a brilliant concept of being open late, and selling absolutely delectable grilled-cheese sandwiches to anyone enjoying the beer mile. The second is Little Bread Pedlar. Not only does their baking bread make early mornings on the street smell amazing, but their sourdough is some of the best I’ve had.

If you’re a foodie looking to try something new, I really recommend Maltby Street Market! Tons of international cuisine, drinks, and coffee; places to sit and rest if you want to linger; and a bit of something for everyone, taste-wise. Bon appétit!