There's nothing quite like a visit to a weekend market to help clear the head after a boozy night out, with its lively banter and colourful characters, not to mention hangover-busting food and drink.
London's got a fair few markets dotted about the place, and one that's been enjoying something of a resurgence in recent years is
Broadway Market, located in Hackney.
Broadway Market has been going in one form another for some one hundred years, though by 2000 it was, it has to be said, looking a tad sorry itself. Come 2004, in stepped the Broadway Market Traders' and Residents' Association, who were having none of it.
The association knew the area's rich heritage and didn't want to see it slip down the drain, so they set to work and helped to get the market back on its feet.
This trendy market now attracts a varied crowd from across the whole of the capital, coming to enjoy its village atmosphere and excellent food produce, which includes to-die-for cakes and tarts, freshly baked breads, flavoursome sarnies, whiffy cheeses, stacks of fruit and veg, fresh fish and meat, thirst-quenching drinks, and international foods too.
You'll also see stalls selling flowers, clothes, eco-goods, arts and crafts – you get the idea.
Besides the vast array of market stalls (around 80 at the moment), there are around 50 shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, equally worthy of your time.
Among the shops you'll find, for example,
Black Truffle (4 Broadway Market), selling a range of stylish shoes, bags, and jewellery.
Rebel Rebel (5 Broadway Market) is a florist specialising mainly in British floral fare.
Those who love wine
and retro furniture should definitely drop in to
Mac Black & Vine (47 Broadway Market) – they sell both!
If hair of the dog is the order of the morning, you'll find a few pubs around the market which'll be able to sort you out.
The Cat & Mutton is a popular watering hole, at 76 Broadway Market.
If a coffee sounds more appealing, try
Off Broadway (63-65 Broadway Market) – they've got board games you can play, too.
To get a feel of how the area used to be, pay a visit to Fred Cooke's pie and mash shop (9 Broadway Market). This place has hardly changed since it first opened its doors back in 1900, with its marble-top tables and bench seats. If you're feeling adventurous, do the real East End thing and try some of their stewed eels!
The market runs all day Saturday, and makes the perfect spot for lunch. Alternatively, pick up a sandwich, cake and a drink and stroll over to London Fields and enjoy it there.
On a sunny day, there are few better places for simply soaking up the convivial atmosphere and salivating over (but not onto) the mouthwatering food being sold.
