A disused car park might not be the most obvious spot for a vibrant arts and crafts market with plenty of excellent eats, but that’s exactly where Netil Market calls home. Netil Market sits in the shadow of Broadway Market, literally, it’s just a brioche’s throw away, but metaphorically speaking, this community market is very much its own.
Along with 15 permanent shops, including a jewellers, a florist and a barbershop, you’ll find up to 15 additional stalls every Saturday. They cater to Hackney locals and visitors to the area looking for a perfect spot to rummage through the wares and a relaxed bite to eat.
Netil Market began life about five years ago. In that relatively short space of time is has become one of Hackney’s best loved treasures. The brainchild of a local creative community based at nearby Netil House, the market offers traders cheap rates and a steady footfall, while customers can enjoy quality products from local designers and some fantastic street food.
About the market
Netil Market is unlike many of the other London street markets due to its permanent community of independent businesses that operate throughout the week. However, it’s at the weekend, when these shops are joined by up to 15 pop up stalls, that the market really comes to life.
To complement the stalls selling handmade products and freshly cooked food, there’s also a sun-soaked terrace where you can relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere with a drink from the market’s own brewery. It is really is the perfect spot to while away a couple of hours on a long summer’s day.
In terms of the food, there’s a small but high quality selection of street food from around the world. Bao is a real favourite among locals and visitors alike. One of the owners of Bao, Shing Tat Chung, says food has always been in the family: "Myself, my partner Erchen and my sister Wai Ting started BAO in 2013 after travelling around Taiwan eating up everything along the way. My parents have always been in the restaurant business so we were very excited to open Bao." The signature dish is the Classic Bao, a Taiwanese steamed bun filled with pork, peanut powder, fermented greens and coriander.
Blogger Milly Kenny-Ryder is another big fan of Bao, but she has also found a few other gems dotted around the market: "Morty and Bobs for brunch is great and sourdough bread from Pavilion and coffee from Climpsons & Sons is good too. Or for an extra special meal, head to Ellory for unique and beautiful food."