Introduction: A Window Into Modern Hackney
Nestled between London Fields and Regent’s Canal, Broadway Market is the beating heart of Hackney’s food, arts, and indie shopping scene. For more than a century, it has evolved from a tight-knit Victorian produce market to a global destination where locals and visitors mingle over artisanal coffee, inventive street food, organic produce, and the borough’s liveliest cultural happenings. In 2025, the market stands as a living tribute to Hackney’s diversity, resilience, and creative energy. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned London explorer, this definitive guide will help you uncover every flavor, story, and possibility along Broadway Market throughout the year.
The History and Evolution of Broadway Market
Broadway Market’s origins stretch back to Victorian London. What began as a small, utilitarian street market to serve local traders developed into a bustling, beloved community space as Hackney grew. By the 1960s, the area’s fortunes waxed and waned. But after a bold revitalization in the early 2000s—championed by local businesses, artists, and residents—the market roared back.
Today, the market hosts more than 120 vibrant stalls every Saturday, selling everything from hand-rolled pasta and south Indian dosas to Hackney-made leather goods and bohemian jewellery. The blend of tradition and innovation is striking; fourth-generation butchers trade next to vegan bakers, and heritage bookshops are neighbors with hipster galleries.
Getting to Broadway Market
Broadway Market is ideally situated in Hackney, East London. London Fields Overground station is minutes away, and Bethnal Green (Central Line tube) is a brisk 15-minute walk. Several bus routes stop at Mare Street, making the market easily accessible from Shoreditch, Liverpool Street, and beyond.
If arriving by bike or on foot, enjoy the leafy approach through London Fields or stroll in along the picturesque Regent’s Canal towpath—both scenic routes packed with street musicians, dog-walkers, and urban wildlife.
Parking near Broadway Market is limited, especially on weekends. Opt for public transit, cycling, or walking. For visitors prioritizing accessibility, curb ramps and step-free entries are common along the main stretch, and shopkeepers are welcoming and helpful.
Saturdays at the Market: The Main Even
Each Saturday, Broadway Market transforms into a festival of senses. Early risers visit cozy coffee shops and bakers as stallholders set up. By 10am, the street buzzes with the thrum of hungry locals, families, and tourists eager to sip, snack, shop, and socialize. From dawn till dusk, the aromas of global cuisine, freshly roasted coffee, and sizzling specialties fill the air.
Highlights include:
- Organic produce stands, farm cheeses, and rare fruits from Kent and Essex farms.
- Bakery stalls piled high with Turkish gözleme, Italian sourdough, French patisserie, and gluten-free cakes.
- Artisanal butchers and cheesemongers proudly peddle British charcuterie, raw milk cheeses, and handmade sausages.
- Vegan, vegetarian, and world food options abound—think dosas, plant-based burgers, Caribbean jerk, falafel, dumplings, and more.
- Coffee served by master roasters, from cult favorites like Climpson & Sons and Pavilion Bakery.
- Indie crafters sell everything from block-printed table linens and upcycled handbags to ceramics, natural candles, and art prints.
- Street performers and musicians energize the crowds, providing a lively soundtrack that changes by the hour.
By midday, expect a friendly bustle. Bring cash or card—almost all stalls now accept contactless payment. Many offer samples and happy to chat about their wares.
Culinary World Tour: Best Food at Broadway Market
Broadway Market offers a microcosm of global food culture:
- Start at Climpson & Sons for a specialty coffee and a talk with Hackney’s best baristas.
- Sample fresh sourdough and cruffins from Pavilion Bakery (arrive early for long queues).
- Grab a golden-spanish omelette or tapas at El Ganso; try Turkish flatbreads and gözleme with lemon at Saray Broadway Café.
- Indulge in Japanese-inspired onigiri and salmon handrolls from creative street food stalls.
- Warm up with Ethiopian vegan curries, fiery Sichuan noodles, or Caribbean saltfish patties.
- Don’t miss the Broadway Churro Club—locally famous for hand-filled churros in inventive flavors.
- Artisan cheese stands offer rare finds from English and European dairies; pair with house-churned butter and fresh breads for a picnic in nearby London Fields.
- Look for stalls specializing in farm-fresh apples, pressed juices, and fragrant flowers for a sensory treat.
For those seeking health food, organic, gluten-free, and superfood options are everywhere, including smoothie bars and vegan patisseries.
Indie Shopping: Fashion, Books, and Curiosities
Broadway Market’s indie boutiques are a mecca for shoppers seeking the unique and thoughtfully crafted:
- Browse curated selections of books, zines, and vinyl records at specialist shops.
- Discover handmade jewellery, vintage clothing, and designer accessories from Hackney’s creative community.
- Fabrications is a heaven for makers, with fabrics, haberdashery, and creative workshops.
- She’s Lost Control offers crystals, tarot, and mystical gifts for those on a path of wellness or self-discovery.
- Handmade Hackney stalls showcase up-and-coming designers and crafters, with everything from tie-dye hats to upcycled leather bags.
- Seasonal pop-ups add new energy each month, featuring decorative planters, sustainable homewares, and unique gifts.
Market Saturdays are perfect for supporting small creators and finding one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Arts, Culture, and Community at Broadway Market
The market is as much a cultural hub as it is a shopping destination. Public art installations, mural projects, and artist-run galleries line the street. Literary events, poetry readings, photography exhibits, and pop-up theatre bring the creative spirit of Hackney to life.
Local musicians and spontaneous street performers are staples—expect acoustic sets, jazz trios, and impromptu dance, especially on sunny afternoons. Festivals like Hackney Carnival sometimes spill into the market, adding extra flair with parades, costumes, and marching bands.
Annual community events include art walks, seasonal markets, environmental clean-up days, and neighborhood picnics. Broadway Market fosters connection, creativity, and inclusivity—an authentic reflection of Hackney itself.
Cafés, Pubs, Bars, and Nightlife
Beyond the Saturday market, Broadway Market is alive all week long with exceptional food, drink, and atmosphere:
- Climpson & Sons, as noted, sets the bar for Hackney’s café scene, inviting remote workers and caffeine connoisseurs alike.
- The Cat & Mutton, perched at London Fields’ edge, offers cozy Victorian pub charm, a rooftop terrace, and curated craft beers.
- The Dove presents an old-world feel, Belgian brews, and hearty fare—perfect for lingering conversation.
- Littleduck and El Ganso serve inventive brunches and small plates in stylish yet friendly surrounds.
- Market Café, with its retro décor, is a local brunch institution boasting bottomless coffee and a famous full English.
- A handful of wine bars, like Noble Fine Liquor, invite tastings of biodynamic, natural, and small-producer wines.
- For cocktails, venture just off the main street to find new-school mixologists pushing boundaries.
Evenings see Broadway Market abuzz: pavement seating fills with friends, laughter, and the gentle glow of string lights. In summer, join the locals spilling out into London Fields or the canal.
Events, Festivals, and Seasonality
While Saturdays are Broadway Market’s weekly highlight, the street hosts a rolling roster of events:
- Spring sees the market bloom with flower stalls, seed swaps, and Easter family activities.
- Summer is prime time for jazz picnics, outdoor theatre, and tie-ins with London Fields Lido and Hackney Carnival.
- Autumn brings apple festivals, harvest markets, and Halloween celebrations, with carved pumpkins and costume parades for all ages.
- In winter, Broadway Market transforms for Christmas, featuring mulled wine, festive street food, carol singers, and local makers’ holiday gifts.
Special collaborations with artist collectives, sustainability initiatives, and local charities are frequent, underscoring Broadway Market’s commitment to community.
Local Attractions and Itineraries
Broadway Market sits at the crossroads of East London’s best destinations:
- London Fields: A sprawling park offering picnic lawns, playgrounds, an outdoor heated lido, and monthly events.
- Regent’s Canal: The canal towpath invites scenic walks or cycles to Victoria Park, Islington, Angel, or east toward Limehouse.
- Columbia Road Flower Market: An explosion of color every Sunday morning—arrive early to beat the crowds.
- Hackney City Farm: Family-friendly and educational, with a cafe, animals, and gardening workshops.
- Mare Street and Hackney Central: Vintage shops, arts spaces, and the famous Hackney Empire Theatre.
Suggested day itinerary: start with brunch at the market, shop stalls, wander along the canal, pick up flowers at Columbia Road, then unwind with craft beer at Hackney Church Brew Co or a swim in London Fields Lido. In the evening, dine at a local bistro before heading to a gig at a nearby live music venue.
The Locals’ Perspective: Life Around Broadway Market
Ask Hackney locals what makes Broadway Market special, and a few themes unite the responses:
- The market is a community gathering space, where neighbors, artists, and families connect each week.
- Many stallholders are Hackney residents—buying here means putting money back into the borough.
- Change is ever-present, with some sadness for small shops lost to gentrification, but a sense of pride for the area’s resilience and creativity.
- Broadway Market is celebrated for its inclusivity. All nationalities, age groups, and backgrounds meet and mingle.
A longstanding Hackney favorite, Broadway Market has grown with the borough but stays true to its roots: cosmopolitan, independent, and welcoming.
FAQs and Practical Tips
What hours is the market open?
Every Saturday, 9 AM–5 PM. Many cafés, shops, and restaurants operate all week.
Best time to visit?
Arrive before 11 AM to beat the crowds or shop after 3 PM for late bargains. Spring and early summer offer particularly lively atmospheres.
Is the market accessible?
Broadway Market is step-free, with most stalls and cafés accessible. For specific requests, contact shops in advance.
Are there toilets nearby?
Public restrooms are available in London Fields and at several nearby cafés and pubs.
Pets and kids?
Totally welcome. The street and park are dog-friendly, and many stalls cater to families. Expect musicians and buskers to delight kids all day.
Can I pay by card?
Nearly all stalls accept contactless cards and mobile payments, but bringing a little cash is wise for smaller stands.
Sustainable and Ethical Market Practices
Broadway Market leads London’s movement toward greener, fairer, and more ethical markets. Many vendors offer plant-based or organic food, recyclable packaging, and locally sourced goods. Community campaigns focus on reducing single-use plastic, promoting reusable bags, and supporting local farmers.
The management works closely with Hackney Council and community advocates to limit waste and encourage eco-friendly transport—think cycling, walking, and use of public transport. Food waste is often donated or composted.
Beyond Saturday: The Market All Week
While Saturday’s market is the main draw, Broadway Market is a seven-day destination:
- Independent shops, bookshops, bakeries, and delis open daily.
- Yoga studios, florists, galleries, and barbers anchor the street’s everyday rhythm.
- Community events—poetry nights, workshops, tastings—pop up regularly in market bars and cafés.
- Watch for Sunday pop-up markets, vintage fairs, and surprise one-off festivals during the summer.
Conclusion: Why Broadway Market Is a London Essential
Broadway Market captures everything magical about Hackney: a restless creativity, deep sense of community, and the endless diversity of London itself. It is a street where every Saturday feels like a festival, every stallholder is a storyteller, and every visitor—whether first-timer or local—is warmly welcomed.
For anyone seeking the spirit and flavor of London, Broadway Market is simply unmissable. Explore, eat, shop, laugh, and linger—you’re a part of Hackney’s living, joyous mosaic.