Maltby Street Market
Restaurant | London | England | United Kingdom
Street food market in London
Maltby Street Market in London, England, is not a traditional restaurant in the conventional sense, but rather a vibrant weekend market for street food and groceries that has established itself near the Tower Bridge in the Bermondsey district. Since its founding in 2010, this market, often simply referred to as "Maltby," has transformed from a small hidden gem into a popular destination for food enthusiasts and locals, without reaching the tourist hustle and bustle of other markets like Borough Market. The market stretches along the so-called "Ropewalk," a narrow alley beneath the Victorian railway arches that were once part of the London-Greenwich railway. This unique location gives the place a special charm and an authentic atmosphere shaped by the industrial history of the area.
Authentic atmosphere in Bermondsey
Culinarily, Maltby Street Market offers an impressive variety of international specialties presented by passionate vendors and startups. A highlight is the "Duck Confit Frites" – crispy fries served with tender duck meat and a rich sauce, providing a perfect mix of French sophistication and street food character. Equally popular are the "Scotch Eggs" from Finest Fayre, featuring a soft-boiled egg wrapped in spicy sausage meat and a crispy breadcrumb coating – a modern interpretation of a British classic, also available in vegetarian versions with mushrooms and lentils. For those with a sweet tooth, the "Bad Brownie" stands out, an intensely chocolatey brownie with changing flavors like salted caramel, perfectly satisfying sweet cravings. The stalls change regularly, ensuring variety, but the quality remains consistently high, as many vendors take their first steps here before opening their own restaurants.
International cuisine at Maltby Street
In addition to the mobile stalls, the railway arches house permanent establishments that complement the offerings. Bar Tozino, a tapas bar, tempts guests with "Albóndigas," savory meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce served with fresh bread, bringing Spanish cuisine directly to London. Meanwhile, "Comptoir Gourmand" delights with its French pastry creations, such as an "Almond Croissant," which is a treat with its buttery texture and sweet almond cream. Beverages also play a significant role: Little Bird Gin offers handcrafted gins with fruity or spicy notes, ideal for a relaxed market visit, while Craft Coffee provides aromatic coffee that pairs perfectly with the sweet treats.
Weekend market for foodies
The ambiance of Maltby Street Market is unique and unmistakable. The alley is adorned with flags, the arches provide shelter from the typical London weather, and the proximity to the railway adds an urban, slightly rugged character to the whole experience. There is seating along the stalls, often improvised with beer benches or barrels, emphasizing the relaxed, communal atmosphere. The vendors are friendly and open, many offering samples and gladly sharing the stories behind their products – a tradition that sets the market apart from larger, more commercial places. On sunny days, the Ropewalk comes alive, but even in the rain, the atmosphere remains cozy and inviting.
Food and drink in London
The market attracts a diverse mix of visitors – from young Londoners starting their weekend, families enjoying the variety, to foodies on the lookout for new taste experiences. Its proximity to the Bermondsey Beer Mile, a stretch of craft breweries, also makes it appealing to beer lovers who often combine their market visits with a stop at the surrounding breweries. Maltby Street Market is not just a place to eat but also a platform for creativity and community that reflects the transformation of the area from an industrial zone to a culinary hotspot.
