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Alternative food markets to South Bank in London - help!

21 replies

YouBelongWithMe · 20/09/2026 06:49

I am taking a school trip to London next month and have been merrily planning to take them to South Bank Food Market for dinner one night... Except I've only just realised it's only open weekends.

Can anyone think of somewhere else we could take them with similar options, somewhere within 20m ish of Westminster?

We're already going to Borough Market for lunch one day.

Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions!

OP posts:
Wingsnfly · 20/09/2026 07:01

You could try Strutton Ground market near St James in between Westminster and Victoria as an option for lunch. It's not open in the evening though.
There's also Market Halls l, which is open in the evening, in Victoria but that might be too far and there's not a massive choice.

YouBelongWithMe · 20/09/2026 07:05

Yeah, Market Halls might be a bit too spenny too.

My current thinking is actually to take them to Leicester Sq and get them to do a statue hunt and gove them time to eat something - there's a food hall there as well as loads of cheap teen-friendly fast food options.

OP posts:
CatsAreBetterThanPeeps · 20/09/2026 07:06

Would market halls Victoria work? Opposite the station and all inside so great if it rains. Lots of good options and seating for groups.

ETA I’m too slow others already suggested this obvious one

sakura06 · 20/09/2026 07:11

There’s a nice food market at Seven Dials. However, they may just prefer Leicester Square and choosing what they want!

Wingsnfly · 20/09/2026 07:12

YouBelongWithMe · 20/09/2026 07:05

Yeah, Market Halls might be a bit too spenny too.

My current thinking is actually to take them to Leicester Sq and get them to do a statue hunt and gove them time to eat something - there's a food hall there as well as loads of cheap teen-friendly fast food options.

Yeah, good idea. Leicester Square will be fun for teenagers. (Maybe less fun for your blood pressure when trying to keep track of them as it's really busy but depends on their age and general silliness levels)

YouBelongWithMe · 20/09/2026 07:13

Wingsnfly · 20/09/2026 07:12

Yeah, good idea. Leicester Square will be fun for teenagers. (Maybe less fun for your blood pressure when trying to keep track of them as it's really busy but depends on their age and general silliness levels)

They're 16/17, and all lovely and responsible. Not too worried about daftness.

OP posts:
Wishiwasatailor · 20/09/2026 07:14

Brixton food market?

WilyKitOrWilyKat · 20/09/2026 07:17

Borough Market - amazing food stalls. Near the Shard so get to see that.

SheilaFentiman · 20/09/2026 07:23

There are similar food stalls on Whitecross Street and sometimes at Paternoster Square, but both during the day and in the City not Westminster
.

Judashascomeintosomemoney · 20/09/2026 07:27

Seconding Seven Dials!!

InfiniteTeas · 20/09/2026 07:39

Spitalfields Market has a good selection of food stalls.

Tootingbec · 20/09/2026 07:46

Lower Marsh behind Waterloo Station? Last time I was there mid week (admittedly 2 years ago!) there were loads of food trucks/stalls during lunch - and if not there are loads of independent places and chains to choose from around there - including a Teaco Express for a teenager priced meal deal 🙂

OmLidia · 20/09/2026 07:48

Open daily except Monday Mercato Metropolitano Elephant & Castle: beautiful space and all kinds of food including teen favs. Also an amazing ice cream place.

Westfacing · 20/09/2026 07:48

There's a huge Greggs in Leicester Square - not quite what you asked for I know!

HorseandHeron · 20/09/2026 07:53

The food market at Camden is really good. Varied but quite contained in a cobbled courtyard.

There's a small but nice covered food market just off Neal Street Covent Garden (might be the same as Seven Dials one mentioned above)

YouBelongWithMe · 20/09/2026 08:08

Judashascomeintosomemoney · 20/09/2026 07:27

Seconding Seven Dials!!

We're taking them to Covent Garden / Seven Dials on our third day! I love that wee food market.

OP posts:
YouBelongWithMe · 20/09/2026 08:09

Westfacing · 20/09/2026 07:48

There's a huge Greggs in Leicester Square - not quite what you asked for I know!

Tbh this is right up their street!!

OP posts:
alongtimeagoandfaraway · 20/09/2026 08:14

Food market may be closed mid week but there are still multiple food stalls by the National Theatre and along the Southbank that are open each evening

alongtimeagoandfaraway · 20/09/2026 08:18

Apparently close for the season today though - sorry!

Westfacing · 20/09/2026 08:23

YouBelongWithMe · 20/09/2026 08:09

Tbh this is right up their street!!

That's what I guessed!

Aydel · 20/09/2026 10:15

Lower Marsh. Huge range of foods and seating available. Not sure if it is every day though.

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