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."

THINGS TO DO IN EAST LONDON

If you’re looking for things to do in and around the Hackney area then there’s certainly no shortage of choice. You can upsize your London market experience by walking the few yards from Netil Market to Broadway Market. Here you’ll find laidback drinking spots, cute cafés and even more street food!

When the weather’s fine, head to London Fields where you’ll find East London’s best stretching out on the grass. If you get too hot, there’s 50-metre lido where you can take a cooling dip or bust out some lengths.

If you still haven’t had enough of the outdoor life, the Hackney City Farm is close by, and it has donkeys, which is just about all you need to know. There are also plenty of other farmyard creatures, all the usual suspects, so you can make a couple of new friends.

There’s also plenty to explore a little further afield. Brick Lane is arguably the most famous street in East London, with more than enough curry houses, restaurants and vintage shops to keep most visitors happy.

And if you find there are simply too many things to do in East London and beyond for one day, why not stay the night in one of the many hotels near Hackney so you can take it all in at your leisure?