Ropewalk at Maltby Street Market, London
Discover Ropewalk, the vibrant and historic heart of Maltby Street Market where London’s industrial charm meets world-class street food.
Nestled under the historic Victorian railway arches of Bermondsey, Ropewalk is the vibrant heart of Maltby Street Market, a celebrated weekend street food destination in London SE1. This narrow cobbled alley buzzes with artisan food stalls, lively bars, and a welcoming atmosphere, offering a rich blend of global flavors and local charm. Ropewalk is a must-visit for food lovers seeking a relaxed yet dynamic culinary experience just minutes from London Bridge.
A brief summary to Ropewalk
- London, SE1 3PL, GB
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit on weekends (Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm) for the full range of food stalls and lively atmosphere.
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy a relaxed experience with ample space to explore.
- Try specialty treats like St. John Bakery doughnuts or Monty’s Deli sandwiches for iconic local flavors.
- Seating is limited to high stools along the walls; prepare for a casual, social dining style.
- Explore nearby Bermondsey for additional food venues, shops, and historic sites to complement your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Underground Jubilee Line to Bermondsey Station, followed by a 10-15 minute walk along Bermondsey Street to Ropewalk. Alternatively, London Bridge Station (Jubilee and Northern Lines) is a 15-minute walk, offering mainline train connections. Both stations provide frequent services with ticket prices ranging from £2.50 to £5 depending on zones.
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Bus
Bus routes 47, 188, 381, and C10 stop near Bermondsey Street or Tower Bridge Road, a short walk from Ropewalk. Bus fares are approximately £1.75 with contactless payment. Service frequency varies but generally runs every 10-15 minutes during the day.
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Cycling
Cycle to Ropewalk using London’s Cycle Superhighways with several Santander Cycle docking stations nearby. Cycling is a convenient and eco-friendly option, with bike hire costs starting at £2 for 24 hours plus usage fees.
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Walking
From London Bridge Station, enjoy a scenic 15-minute walk through Bermondsey’s streets, including Tooley Street and Bermondsey Street, leading directly to Ropewalk. The route is mostly flat and accessible, suitable for most visitors.
Ropewalk location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Ropewalk
A Historic Setting Meets Culinary Innovation
Ropewalk is located beneath the atmospheric Victorian railway arches on Maltby Street in Bermondsey, an area steeped in London's industrial heritage. The arches themselves, constructed with over 40 million bricks, form a unique architectural backdrop that blends history with contemporary urban life. Named after an 18th-century ropewalk owned by Bermondsey eccentric Robert Rich, the site has evolved into a bustling street food hub since its establishment in 2010.A Curated Foodie Haven
Every weekend, Ropewalk comes alive with a curated lineup of independent traders offering bold, creative dishes that span global street food traditions. From melting raclette and confit delights to bavette steak and zesty tacos, the market showcases a broad spectrum of flavors. Artisan producers offer everything from freshly baked pastries and doughnuts to gourmet sandwiches and unique fudge flavors. The market’s intimate scale — a narrow alley with about 20 stalls — fosters a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for leisurely exploration.Atmosphere and Experience
The market’s cobbled street is lined with colorful flags and illuminated by low-hanging lights, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance. Seating is limited to high stools along the walls, encouraging a casual, social dining experience. The scent of sizzling grills and freshly prepared foods fills the air, complemented by nearby wine bars nestled within the arches. Ropewalk’s community vibe is enhanced by friendly traders and a clientele that appreciates quality and creativity away from the hectic pace of more tourist-heavy markets.Local Flavors and Notable Vendors
Ropewalk is home to several standout vendors, including St. John Bakery’s renowned doughnuts and Poppy and Sebastian’s exquisite French tarts. Monty’s Deli draws crowds with its hearty, meaty sandwiches, while MeiMei’s Street Cart offers distinctive, flavorful street food. The market also features unique treats like Urban Fudgatiers’ artisanal fudge in unusual flavors such as chili and rose petal & pistachio. This blend of offerings makes Ropewalk a microcosm of London’s diverse culinary landscape.Accessibility and Surroundings
Situated just a 10-15 minute walk from London Bridge and Bermondsey stations, Ropewalk is easily accessible by public transport. The market’s location under the railway arches provides shelter, making it a comfortable visit in various weather conditions. Nearby, visitors can explore Bermondsey’s eclectic shops, historic sites, and other food venues, enriching the overall experience.Community and Cultural Significance
More than just a market, Ropewalk embodies Bermondsey’s spirit of reinvention, blending industrial heritage with modern gastronomy. It serves as a proving ground for London’s street food movement, supporting independent traders and fostering a sense of community. Seasonal events like Festive Fridays add to its cultural calendar, making Ropewalk not only a culinary destination but also a vibrant social hub in South East London.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Wakefield Tower
0.9 km
Medieval royal tower steeped in 13th-century splendor and tragic history within the Tower of London.
Roman Wall of Londinium
1.0 km
Explore the towering Roman Wall at Tower Hill, a striking relic that shaped London’s ancient cityscape and echoes 2,000 years of history.
1 Tower Hl Ter
1.1 km
Historic urban landmark near Tower of London, blending centuries of British heritage with maritime memorials and modern city life.
Execution Dock House
1.1 km
Historic riverside site where pirates and maritime criminals met justice in London’s centuries-old Admiralty executions.
Tower Hill Memorial
1.1 km
Honouring 35,000 merchant seafarers with no grave but the sea—a dual memorial to two world wars.
London Wall
1.2 km
Explore London Wall, an ancient Roman landmark revealing the rich history of Londinium amidst the modern cityscape of London.
Custom House
1.2 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
Ornamental Canal
1.3 km
Explore the serene Ornamental Canal in London, a picturesque waterway perfect for relaxation, scenic views, and rich history.
London Bridge
1.3 km
Historic London Bridge, a vital Thames crossing blending centuries of engineering with modern urban life.
Trinity Church Square
1.3 km
Discover the serenity of Trinity Church Square in London, a historic oasis of beauty and tranquility amidst the vibrant urban landscape.
St Mary Overie's Dock
1.3 km
Historic riverside dock in London’s Southwark, home to the Golden Hinde replica and steeped in medieval maritime heritage.
The Captain Kidd
1.3 km
Historic riverside pub with authentic maritime charm, classic ales, and scenic Thames views in London’s Wapping district.
St Olave's Church, Hart Street
1.3 km
Medieval survivor where Viking legend, plague history, and literary fame converge in a Gothic gem.
Church of Saint Magnus-the-Martyr
1.3 km
Experience the architectural beauty and serene atmosphere of the Church of Saint Magnus-the-Martyr, a historical gem in the heart of London.
King Henry’s Stairs (Execution Dock)
1.4 km
Historic Thames foreshore site where pirates and maritime criminals faced grim justice under Admiralty law for over 400 years.
Unmissable attractions to see
Maltby Street Market
0.0 km
Discover Maltby Street Market, a vibrant weekend food haven beneath historic Bermondsey railway arches, offering global street food and artisan delights.
Southwark Brewing Company
0.2 km
Independent cask ale brewery in a Victorian railway arch, where trains rumble overhead and tradition meets innovation.
Brew By Numbers Tasting Room
0.3 km
Discover innovative craft beers and a relaxed vibe at Brew By Numbers Tasting Room, a must-visit for beer lovers in Bermondsey.
Shad Thames
0.4 km
Historic riverside charm meets modern luxury in Shad Thames, London’s iconic Victorian warehouse quarter by Tower Bridge.
Bermondsey Antique Market
0.4 km
Discover timeless treasures and rich history every Friday at Bermondsey Antique Market, London's oldest and most vibrant antiques hub.
Samuel Bourne Bevington Statue
0.4 km
A distinguished bronze tribute to Bermondsey’s first mayor, set near the iconic Tower Bridge in London’s historic South Bank district.
Bermondsey St
0.5 km
Explore the vibrant Bermondsey Street in London, a blend of history, culture, and culinary delights that captures the city's unique spirit.
Bridge Theatre
0.5 km
Experience cutting-edge theatre in London’s innovative Bridge Theatre, where flexible design meets immersive performances by the Thames.
The Kernel Spa Road
0.6 km
Discover The Kernel Spa Road: London's vibrant brewery taproom blending craft beers with Japanese-inspired comfort food in a stylish industrial setting.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
0.6 km
Explore London’s iconic Tower Bridge with panoramic views, historic Engine Rooms, and a unique gift shop celebrating this engineering masterpiece.
Potters Fields Park
0.6 km
A peaceful riverside park by Tower Bridge blending historic pottery heritage with vibrant gardens and iconic London views.
Tower Bridge
0.7 km
Walk across London’s most famous bridge, explore its high-level walkways and glass floors, and discover the Victorian engineering behind this iconic landmark.
More London Place
0.7 km
A vibrant riverside business and cultural precinct blending modern architecture with iconic Thames views near Tower Bridge.
English Grounds
0.8 km
Experience the tranquility and beauty of English Grounds in London, a perfect escape into nature and culture amidst the vibrant city life.
St Katharine Docks Marina
0.8 km
Explore the vibrant St Katharine Docks Marina, a picturesque destination in London offering dining, shopping, and stunning riverside views.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Story
0.4 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
La Dame de Pic London
1.2 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
14 Hills
1.5 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Mercato Metropolitano
1.6 km
A vibrant, sustainable community food market in Elephant & Castle offering global flavors, local sourcing, and a lively social atmosphere.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
1.8 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
1.8 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
2.1 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Madison
2.1 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Sea Containers Restaurant
2.4 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
2.6 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Nomadic community
2.7 km
A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
Lyle's
2.7 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Brasserie Blanc - Southbank
2.8 km
Authentic French brasserie dining with hearty seasonal dishes and rustic charm on London’s lively South Bank.
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
2.9 km
Stylish 4-star hotel on London’s South Bank with exceptional dining, event spaces, and modern amenities near iconic landmarks.
The Archduke
2.9 km
Lively steakhouse and wine bar in Waterloo with superb Scotch beef, classic desserts, and live jazz in a buzzy, inviting atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tower of London Shop
1.0 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Traders Gate
1.1 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Borough Yards
1.3 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
The Royal Exchange
1.8 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
1 Poultry
1.9 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
Middlesex Textiles
1.9 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Petticoat Lane Market
1.9 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
One New Change
2.1 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
Fashion St
2.1 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
Bankside Arches Boutique
2.2 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
Commercial St
2.2 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Spitalfields Market
2.3 km
Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
Sclater Street Market
2.3 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
DPUS Designer Outlet
2.4 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
The Brick Lane Vintage Market
2.4 km
Explore the UK’s largest underground vintage market, where fashion history meets East London creativity and every visit promises a unique find.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Nine Lives
0.6 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
The Old School Yard
0.9 km
Step into a lively retro playground with expertly crafted cocktails, classic arcade games, and a vibrant 80s and 90s atmosphere in London Bridge.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
1.5 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Bootlegger
1.5 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
The Midnight Apothecary
1.6 km
Discover a magical rooftop bar blending botanical cocktails, fire pits, and historic tunnel tours atop London’s Brunel Museum.
Moonshine Saloon
1.7 km
Step into London’s Moonshine Saloon for an immersive Wild West cocktail adventure with live actors, games, and bespoke drinks made from your own spirits.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
1.8 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
The Bell
1.8 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
Demon, Wise & Partners
1.9 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
Discount Suit Company
1.9 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
2.0 km
A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
The Astronomer, EC1
2.1 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
Dirty Dicks
2.1 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
2.1 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
2.3 km
A large, riverside Nicholson’s pub on Blackfriars Bridge offering classic British fare, real ales and a rooftop terrace with strong Thames views.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Casual
- Unique
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
