Winter Markets In London

I think we can all agree that on Saturday the weather in London was awful. But whilst most of you were sensibly curled up at home, Himself and I were checking out Londons Winter market offerings for you!

First up was the Southbank Winter Festival, we’ve been here several times before (see here and here), the food is always great (although I’m still mourning the lack of Churros…!) and I must say, it was quite sad to see how much smaller it is this year but what was there, was pretty great!

Towers of chocolate, mulled wine and cider, boozy hot chocolate,

Homeware pieces,

Proper wooden toys and Christmas decorations,

Homemade jams and sauces,

And a plethora of baked goods!

There’s also a great place that sells Alppaca scarves. I bought a lovely navy and red one last year and a second one this year, this time pink and grey. I did’t take any photos unfortuantely, but you can see the scarf here, it’s so soft, snuggly and warm, I’m completely in love with it!

But mecca is also there, you guys remember from last year right? The duck fat chips? Oh my nom! Go visit the market for them alone, you’ll find them on the upper level of the market with the rest of the hot food, last hut on the left.

Cooked in front of you and with a big dollop of truffle mayonnaise on top, the only thing left to do was buy some drinks and enjoy

which Himself promptly did and even treated me to the most expensive glass of prosecco in the tiniest glass ever – isn’t he good? Such a keeper! 🙂

Braving the rain was totally worth it – as was pointed out by a commenter on Instagram – I was in my element!

Once finished, we walked over to Leicester Squares new market (right next to the TKTS booth) and found an altogether fancier affair

A circular area, sectioned in huts like Southbank, but in a darker wood, with carpet showing you the route – red carpet no less – they even have Santas Grotto, perfect if you’re going with Littles!

We made our first Christmas purchase moments after arriving, a gorgeous fox decoration for our tree.

There’s lots on offer, a really good mix between drinks, foodage and potential gifts

^ There was no Cinderella, devastated so I was 😉

After all our walking, we indulged in some yummy bread topped with deliciously warm and gooey cheese.

After a final roam around, we got a fresh crêpe with nutella for dessert

We shared it en route to the tube station and once home, we, like lots of you, curled up with a spot of telly and a steaming mug of tea!

If you only have time for one market this year, I’d recommend Lecister Square but go early or when it’s raining because the enclosure isn’t that big and later/on a dry day, I would say it gets cramped quite quickly!

Also, mind your valuables, a zip pocket on my jacket was opened, luckily there was nothing good in there to be pinched (although personally I think my squished gloves are prized posessions!). If you have the time, walk the short distance between the two markets and take in what both have to offer, it really does make for a lovely morning.

Rxx