Of all the streetfood markets in south London, Maltby Street aside, we have a real soft spot for the weekends-only maze of stalls that fill Southbank Centre Square.
And their seasonal Winter Market, which returns for six weeks on 9th Nov, makes the whole riverside stretch even more of a draw.
This year there are two new food and drink pop-ups. Bar Under the Bridge sounds like a tres cosy hideaway serving fromage-themed scran – charcuterie and cheese boards, croque monsieur and baked camembert for example. It’s all served up with cocktails like the (hopefully bittersweet) Blood Orange Paloma or Prosecco Fred (we’re guessing that’s not an Aperol Spritz, people).
Elsewhere, the Circus Bar is pitching up in front of the Royal Festival Hall. Punters can gather round sizzling fire-pits – nice – and munch on snacks, baguettes filled with hot-smoked salmon and rosy steak, washed down with spicy mulled cider and wine.
Alongside the pop-ups, there are the usual traders flogging festive goodies and Asian, Indian and Greek streetfood vendors – plus winter faves like raclette, bratwurst, waffles and pancakes.
Finally, there’s an alpine festive haven called Jimmy’s Lodge right next to Waterloo Bridge, where you can pig out on fondue while gazing out over the sparkling lights we all know and love. There are even private igloos overlooking the river, should you fancy a bit of – um – intimacy. Wink emoji.
Winter Market runs Fri 9th Nov – Thurs 27th December 2018 (Sunday–Thursday, 11am – 10pm, Friday – Saturday, 11am – 11pm. The regular food market is also open Friday – Sunday in Southbank Centre Square, Belvedere Road.
