COLUMBIA ROAD FLOWER MARKET

While Olympic fever has gripped London over the past 2 weeks, we took some time out to visit 3 of the capital’s most trendy markets. Columbia Road flower market, Brick Lane and Spitalfields are all within walking distance of each other in London’s East End. These markets have undergone a huge transformation in the last few years and I think make for a unique and atmospheric day out.

We started in Columbia road flower market at breakfast time, around 10 am and our senses were hit with a mass of vibrant colours of a huge range of flowers from giant pink and mauve hydrangeas, double headed white orchids, tight clusters of English roses and proud deep yellow sunflowers. The market stall holders scream out their prices all vying for your business, orchids at 6 pounds a pot, roses for 5 pounds all of which are a fraction of the price we’d pay in Dubai.

Walk shoulder to shoulder with visitors laden with bouquets of flowers, potted plants and more, or walk either side of the main stalls and browse in the very trendy craft stores, furniture shops and boutiques. Have a fresh coffee and artisan pastry at one of the many independent cafes and soak up the atmosphere of live music, fresh flowers and conviviality. Next time walk with me to London’s Brick Lane market and savour trendy street fashion with food to match! Please like and share the post using the buttons below, thanks Monica.

Find out how to get to Columbia Road Flower Market here:

Columbia Road Flower Market in London’s East End only happens on a Sunday and while the stall holders set up from 5.30 am, the market goes on till about 1.30 lunch time.  I suggest you get there by around 10 to really get a feel for the place and the best of the bunch in terms of flowers. Take helpers to help you carry your wares ! Do try the breakfast coffees and snacks there.

Parking is very difficult with odd restrictions but not impossible, nearest tube is Liverpool Street on the Central line then a bus or taxi ride away.