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Mercato Metropolitano, Elephant & Castle

London’s first sustainable community food market, where global street food, craft drinks, and live culture meet in a converted paper factory.

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Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant & Castle is London’s first sustainable community food market, housed in a former paper factory. Spread across a vast 17,000 sq ft indoor warehouse and outdoor piazza, it brings together over 40 independent traders serving global street food, craft beer, wine, coffee, and artisanal goods. With a lively, industrial-chic atmosphere, regular live music, workshops, and a cinema, it’s a vibrant all-day destination for food lovers, families, and groups looking for a relaxed yet energetic dining experience in central London.

A brief summary to Mercato Metropolitano

  • 42 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6DR, GB
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Tuesday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Wednesday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-12 am
  • Friday 12 pm-1 am
  • Saturday 11 am-1 am
  • Sunday 11 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the day or on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds and secure a good seat, especially if you’re in a larger group.
  • Come hungry and ready to share – the best way to experience MM is to order a few different dishes from various stalls and eat together at a communal table.
  • Check the market’s events calendar online for live music, cooking classes, or special themed nights that can enhance your visit.
  • Look out for the craft brewery and wine bar for well-priced drinks; the Italian deli is also great for takeaway treats and picnic supplies.
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Getting There

  • Underground

    From central London, take the Northern or Bakerloo line to Elephant & Castle station; the market is a 5–7 minute walk from the station exit, following signs for Newington Causeway.

  • Bus

    Several bus routes, including the 12, 134, 343, 344, and 53, stop near Elephant & Castle; from there, it’s a 5–8 minute walk along Newington Causeway to the market entrance.

  • Train

    From London Bridge station, walk north along Borough High Street and cross the river; continue on Newington Causeway for about 15 minutes, or take a short bus ride to Elephant & Castle and walk from there.

  • Walking

    From Borough Market or the South Bank, it’s a 10–15 minute walk south along Borough High Street and Newington Causeway, passing through a mix of historic and modern London streets.

Mercato Metropolitano location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Mercato Metropolitano

A former factory turned food paradise

Mercato Metropolitano, often called MM, occupies a cavernous former paper factory on Newington Causeway, just south of the Thames. What was once an industrial space has been transformed into one of London’s largest sustainable community food markets, a place where food, drink, and community collide. The main hall is a high-ceilinged warehouse filled with dozens of independent stalls, each offering a distinct culinary identity. From smoky barbecue and wood-fired pizza to fresh seafood, Middle Eastern mezze, and Asian street food, the range is vast and constantly evolving. The market’s ethos centres on sustainability, with an emphasis on local sourcing, seasonal ingredients, and supporting small producers and artisans.

More than just a food court

The experience at MM goes far beyond grabbing a quick bite. Alongside the food traders, you’ll find a craft brewery pouring German-style lagers and ales, a wine bar specialising in Italian wines, a small-batch gin distillery, and a coffee kiosk serving quality brews. There’s also an Italian deli and grocery section where visitors can pick up pantry staples, cured meats, cheeses, and freshly milled flours. The space regularly hosts events such as cooking classes, wine tastings, craft workshops, and live music nights, turning the market into a cultural hub as much as a dining destination. A small cinema and a boxing studio add to the eclectic mix, making MM feel more like a self-contained urban village than a simple food hall.

Atmosphere and layout

Mercato Metropolitano’s layout is intentionally relaxed and flexible. Inside, long communal tables encourage mingling, while the industrial aesthetic – exposed brick, steel beams, and warehouse lighting – gives the space a raw, energetic vibe. Outside, a piazza-style area with bars and seating extends the market into the open air, perfect for sunny afternoons and warm summer evenings. The atmosphere shifts throughout the day: quiet and focused in the late morning, bustling at lunchtime, and lively and social in the evening, especially on weekends when the market stays open until the early hours. The mix of traders, events, and open-plan design creates a dynamic, ever-changing environment that rewards repeat visits.

Practicalities for visitors

The market is open daily, making it a reliable option for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or late-night drinks. There is no table service; instead, visitors order at individual stalls and are notified when their food is ready, often via a digital pager. Seating is communal and first-come, first-served, so it can be competitive during peak times, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. While the space is largely accessible, the industrial setting and high footfall mean that navigating with mobility aids can be challenging in busy periods. The market is well connected by public transport, with Elephant & Castle station just a short walk away, and several bus routes stopping nearby, making it easy to reach from across London.

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