The Covid-19 outbreak has brought London to a standstill, as businesses shut up shop and the nation retreats indoors. But people still need to eat – and good food, at that. With strict social distancing measures in place to avoid crowding, markets are still operating but with reduced services. Here are three still in business around the city of London.

As one of London’s oldest food markets, <a href="https://theculturetrip.com/europe/united-kingdom/england/london/articles/the-complete-guide-to-borough-market/">Borough Market</a> is usually very much a tourist trap. It is staying open during this crisis – advocating that traders and customers stand two metres (six feet) apart as laid out by ground markers – but for public health purposes, the market asks that people “come, shop and leave”. From their Twitter account they specified that the community is still strong for those living and working locally, but the market is “no longer a place to commune but a place to shop for the essentials needed in these tough times”. There is plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables to go around, while Magoo is the stall to visit for a selection of organic granola and muesli, and Monmouth Coffee is the go-to for your coffee beans. The market is operating during its usual hours, and is also offering a delivery service.

No list of markets in London is complete without Borough Market. As touristy, crowded and expensive as it has become, Borough remains the place to go for speciality ingredients, such as Spanish <a href="https://theculturetrip.com/europe/spain/articles/7-of-the-most-delicious-spanish-cured-meats/">ibérico bellota ham</a> and <a href="http://www.coolchile.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mexican guajillo chilli</a>. The queue outside <a href="http://www.monmouthcoffee.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Monmouth Coffee</a> is one of the great constants of life in London, as is the hoardes of people around <a href="http://www.kappacasein.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kappacasein</a>’s raclette stand. But Borough Market has such a variety of food stalls that you’re hardly missing out if you opt to avoid these vendors. If you're a fan of Spanish food, head to <a href="https://brindisa.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Brindisa</a> for a succulent grilled chorizo sandwich. Wash it all down with a beer from <a href="http://boroughmarket.org.uk/traders/utobeer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Utobeer</a>, which sources some of the best and hardest-to-find brews from around the world. On your way out, if you’ve still got cash to spare, stop by <a href="http://www.minimagoo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mini Magoo</a> for a selection of organic granola and muesli to eat on the go.

London, England, UK. Borough Market, Southwark, vegetable stall

Borough Market

Borough Market stays open while advocating social distancing

While it shut initially as Covid-19 panic swept the nation, <a href="https://theculturetrip.com/europe/united-kingdom/england/london/articles/the-best-places-to-see-street-art-in-brixton/">Brixton</a> Station Road Market has reopened. Respecting social distancing regulations, the market is open from 10am until 5pm Monday to Saturday, with Wednesday having a reduced service until 3pm, and the farmers’ market running from 9.30am until 2.30pm. Small businesses, including Old Post Office Bakery that is known for its fresh bread and vegan sausage rolls, will feed the local community. Meanwhile, other highlights include farm-fresh duck eggs and street food vendors serving up everything from Caribbean to Moroccan cuisine.

Among the hustle and bustle of the market stands a striking black and white portrait of a smiley Bob Marley on a bright background. Gracing the shutters of food kiosk Bush Man Kitchen, the image is autographed by local graffiti artist Dope.

London, UK - September 12, 2018: Famous Brewer Market Street with Soho food stall and vendor outside and people ordering fresh wraps with sign

Brixton Station Road Market, London

Brixton Station Road Market reopens

Currently trading from 8am until 4pm between Monday and Saturday, Ridley Road Market is staying open for food and home essentials only. Taking to Twitter to ask shoppers to come by only if they really need to, and to avoid gatherings of more than two people, they have their usual traders offering healthy, fresh foods from the Kingsland Road end of the market.

You’d never expect to find this crazy and crowded Tiki bar halfway down a market street in Dalston, but here it is. Inside, it’s bright, kitsch and tropical, and punters and staff alike are infectiously friendly. The DJ booth at the back keeps the dance floor jumping into the early hours and the reasonably priced cocktails flow freely. Hot and sticky good clean-ish fun.

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Ridley Road Market Bar, London

Ridley Road Market is open for food and household essentials only

These are the markets in London currently open, from Borough to Brixton, where you can still get quality foods during this crisis.

London Food and Farmers' Markets That Are Still Open

Borough Market stays open while advocating social distancing

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Brixton Station Road Market reopens

Ridley Road Market is open for food and household essentials only

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