Forget the dodgy hot dogs and questionable kebabs of old; street food has come a long way in England. Cool markets are popping up across the country, offering creative and delicious eats to impress even the most discerning of foodies. From sustainable fish tacos from the Jurassic Coast, to pimped-up mac ‘n’ cheese, you’ll find it all at these incredible street food markets…
No round-up of street food markets would be complete without a mention of this foodie behemoth! London’s Borough Market was a bit of a trailblazer for street food markets, paving a way for this gastronomical trend to really take off in England. With over 100 stalls offering a staggeringly diverse range of food (everything from the ultimate cheese toastie to gourmet doughnuts), you could spend a whole week eating your way around. Not a bad plan in fact.
From May to September, the Exeter Street Food Market pops up in various locations across the city. Here, various street food vendors showcase the very best of local produce, with their own unique twist. There’s an impressive line-up of different cuisines, including Spanish, American, Vietnamese and Caribbean, plus plenty of live music, pop-up bars and even a Gin Palace to add to the sunny, party vibe.
Attracting a young, fashionable crowd, Brandon Street Night Market at Canal Mills is a cool, monthly event that sums up this buzzing city. Held on the last Friday of every month, there’s a fantastic selection of street food options, as well as cocktails, craft beers, live art and music on offer, to help kick-start your weekend.
Since its conception in 2012, the multi-award winning Digbeth Dining Club has taken the Birmingham food scene by storm. The city’s original street food event runs every Friday and Saturday, from 5pm until late, with an eclectic mix of vendors including Indian fusion, Mexican, to-die-for pizzas and plenty of sweet things to round off your evening of eating.
GRUB is Manchester’s premier street food events company, so it’s no surprise that the GRUB Food Fair that takes place at Mayfield every Friday and Saturday is such a glorious celebration of foodie talent. There’s an excellent, and constantly expanding, choice of food stalls including some of the UK’s best street chefs, along with craft ales, cocktails, DJs and a typically Mancunian welcoming atmosphere.
Set up by three local foodies in 2014, Bitten Street is Oxford’s number one street food market. Based in Oxford’s Castle Quarter, the lively market is packed with local traders as well as some of the country’s best street food vendors, all hand-picked for their incredible food and distinctive vans, trucks or stalls. Throw in music, drinks and a friendly crowd into the mix and you’ve got the recipe (excuse the pun) for an excellent Saturday.
Head to London’s iconic Camden Market for the culinary delights of KERB Camden, a daily market showcasing the city’s dynamic street food scene in all its diversity. The 34 stalls each offer something very different, so whatever you’re after you’re pretty much guaranteed to find something to tickle those taste buds here, including Oli Baba’s famous halloumi fries.
New to the street food scene, and already causing a stir, Nottingham Street Food Club is a buzzing indoor food market open every weekend. Traders will rotate throughout the year, to offer some variety as well as promoting as many different independent businesses as possible, but you can expect tasty offerings like Asian street food and artisan pizza. The best bit? You’re protected from the unpredictable English weather, so can take your time choosing what to eat next!
