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Southbank Centre Food Market, London

A lively weekend street food market on London’s South Bank offering global flavors behind the Royal Festival Hall.

4.5

The Southbank Centre Food Market is a vibrant weekend street food market located on Belvedere Road behind the Royal Festival Hall in London. Open Fridays to Sundays and bank holidays, it offers a diverse range of global cuisines from over 30 stalls, including Caribbean, Ethiopian, Venezuelan, Indian, and Vietnamese dishes. The market fosters a lively community spirit with many long-standing vendors and a rotating selection of new traders.

A brief summary to Southbank Centre Food Market

  • Belvedere Rd, London, SE1 8XX, GB
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 2 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Friday 12 pm-8 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a Friday or Saturday evening to enjoy extended opening hours and a vibrant atmosphere.
  • Bring a mix of cash and card as some vendors may not accept cash payments.
  • Try dishes from new monthly debut stalls for fresh and unique flavors.
  • Explore a variety of cuisines including vegan and vegetarian options for diverse dietary preferences.
  • Use nearby Waterloo or Embankment stations for easy access with step-free facilities.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Take the London Underground to Waterloo Station, served by Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines. From there, it is a 5-minute walk to the market. Alternatively, Embankment Station on the District and Circle lines is a 7-minute walk away. Both stations offer step-free access. Bus routes with stops near Waterloo Bridge and York Road provide additional options. Typical travel times range from 20 to 45 minutes from central London, with fares around £2.50–£5.00 using an Oyster card or contactless payment.

  • Train

    London Waterloo mainline station is the nearest rail station, approximately a 5-minute walk to the market. Frequent services connect Waterloo to many parts of London and the South East. Tickets typically cost £5–£15 depending on origin and time. The station provides step-free access and facilities for travelers with reduced mobility.

  • River Bus

    Use the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers river bus service to London Eye Pier, a 5-minute walk from the market. Services run frequently during the day, with travel times varying by boarding point. Tickets cost approximately £5–£8 one way. This scenic route offers a unique approach to the market along the Thames.

  • Walking

    For those staying nearby, walking to the Southbank Centre Food Market is pleasant and accessible, with flat, paved routes along the South Bank. Walking times range from 10 to 30 minutes depending on your starting point. The area is pedestrian-friendly and well signposted.

Southbank Centre Food Market location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather

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Discover more about Southbank Centre Food Market

A Hub of Global Street Food Flavors

The Southbank Centre Food Market transforms the piazza on Belvedere Road into a bustling culinary hotspot every weekend and on bank holidays. Here, visitors can indulge in a rich variety of street food from around the world, with over 30 different stalls offering dishes such as Caribbean curries, Ethiopian injera platters, Venezuelan bowls, and Punjabi biryanis. The market also caters well to vegetarians and vegans, with stalls like Horn OK Please serving authentic Indian dosas and Ethiopiques offering wholesome vegan Ethiopian cuisine.

A Community of Passionate Vendors

Many of the market’s stallholders have been part of this vibrant food scene for years, creating a friendly, welcoming atmosphere where traders know each other well. This sense of community adds to the market’s unique charm, making it more than just a place to eat but a social experience. Each month, four new stalls debut, ensuring fresh culinary discoveries for regular visitors.

Sweet Treats and Refreshing Drinks

Beyond savory delights, the market offers an enticing array of desserts and beverages. Traditional French crêpes, home-baked cookies, brownies, and Portuguese pastéis de nata are among the sweet options. For drinks, visitors can enjoy freshly brewed coffee, a variety of smoothies and fresh juices, craft beers at The Hoplocker, seasonal cocktails from Honest Folk, and wines at The Robin Wine Bar.

Location and Atmosphere

Situated behind the iconic Royal Festival Hall on Southbank Centre Square, the market benefits from a lively urban setting along the Thames. The open-air layout encourages a casual, social dining experience amid the vibrant cultural heart of London’s South Bank. The market’s atmosphere is energetic yet welcoming, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Accessibility and Practical Information

The Southbank Centre Food Market is well connected by public transport, with Waterloo and Embankment tube stations nearby, as well as numerous bus routes. The venue is committed to accessibility, featuring step-free access and facilities designed to accommodate all visitors, including wheelchair users. Payment methods vary by stall, with many vendors accepting card payments, so visitors are advised to be prepared for both cash and card.

Seasonal Hours and Visiting Tips

The market operates on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays. Opening hours vary seasonally, typically from midday to 8 or 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and midday to 6 pm on Sundays and bank holidays. This schedule offers ample opportunity to enjoy lunch, dinner, or an early evening meal in a lively, culturally rich environment.

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