During my time here in London, I've had the pleasure of exploring some of the markets in London. Namely, Camden and Borough markets (as well as some smaller ones).
Camden: I've been to Camden now about three times. The first time I went to Camden market was for this assignment, but the following two were because I instantly fell in love with the atmosphere the first time I was there. Camden was young, vibrant, alternative, diverse, and a pleasure to look at (especially over the bridge). When walking down the main road, the most eye-drawing sights are the awnings and decor atop the shop entrances. They're made of wonderful, colorful art pieces, giant dragons and shoes, and just a whole slew of things meant to draw in costumers. As I walked down the road I saw restaurants, tattoo and piercing parlors, clothing stores, shoe stores, novelty stores, and that's just on the main street. Passing the bridge, I found myself wandering down into an underground line of shops with trinkets, leather goods, clothing, glassware, and so much art I couldn't believe. Being a man who enjoys galleries and craft fairs, I loved walking through the (I can't remember the name but it was surrounded by brass horses) huge space filled with art underground. If I had the money, and the means to get it home, I would've seriously considering buying the awesome art that I saw. However, I did pick up some souvenirs for my friends, including a pocket watch and a necklace with a clock on it.
Once we wandered back the way we came, we crossed the street the opposite way toward some of the food vendors. I noticed almost immediately that the food selection was much more diverse than what I was accustomed to. Not only was there a lack of classically british food, but the majority of the vendors boasted asian influences, and spanish dishes. Even a healthy amount of middle eastern options. I definitely know now where I need to go for Chinese food because I saw plenty in Camden.
The coolest part of the market was probably its history, but also its sense of familiarity. The people walking around Camden screamed punk rock, and it reminded me so much of how London is the home to that genre of music, and rock music in general. Though there weren't many record stores, being a music lover (and the 60s-80s being my favorite period) I felt so connected to that part of music history just by walking around this alternative neighborhood. On top of that, since I'm a California native, I couldn't help but compare Camden to my own familiar home state. I could see the vibe of Camden in certain pockets of LA, where I'm from, but to me, the market screamed "Haight-Ashbury", a very similar, tourist-y and historical, yet still hip and alternative part of San Francisco. And maybe that's why I enjoyed Camden so much--because it felt like I was near home.
Borough: I can't say exactly how many times I've been to Borough market thusfar, since I traveled there with the CCA group, but I actually have to walk directly though it every day on my way to work. Let's just say, I've consumed (pun intended) plenty of Borough market, and I'm not full yet! This place is great. The first time we went there, with CCA, I was starving, seeing The Shard and doing some walking, and there is no better place we could have ended. I gorged myself on endless samples of gourmet meats and cheeses, as well as sweets and goodies. I bought an espresso, and when I thought the free prosciutto couldn't satiate me, I purchased a delicious sausage sandwich (that I still have dreams about). Since that first time in Borough, I haven't had the good pleasure of eating their food again, since all the vendors all closed by the time I arrive for work at 6:00pm, however, this past Saturday was an exception. I had to work a morning shift at the Rose, and when I walked through Borough at 10am it was already bustling, but not nearly as much as it was when I finished work at 1:00pm (and was again, starving). The market filled twice the amount of space that it did when I had come with CCA, and I pushed and shoved my wat through a sea of people, just to explore the parts of the markets I hadn't already eaten....I mean seen. I bought a salame panini, and the most delicious pear-passionfruit-banana smoothie that exists on this planet (not the best combination of foods, I know, but the stomach wants what the stomach wants). Despite so many people that I couldn't lift my iPod in front of my face to change the song I was listening to, Borough market was (and is) fabulous. The atmosphere is all about the food, the food is delicious, the layout of the market, while confusing, feels authentic. Walking through Borough market feels like "oh wow, I am definitely in the heart of London right now". I recommended the market to my friend from college who was visiting, and she has since told me it was delicious. Hooray for taste buds!
Though those are the big two, I've stumbled upon a couple other smaller markets. Right behind Woburn Place on the weekends is a small foodie-market, mainly serving up oriental dishes. I didn't eat anything but it sure smelled great. And as I wandered through Covent Garden on my very first full day in London, I saw a very small crafts and art open air market that my mother would have loved. I hope to stumble upon it again some Sunday afternoon.
Danny
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