Mercato Metropolitano--a playground for food lovers

People quite often ask me which London market is my favorite. For me, the choice is

soooo easy---it's Mercato Metropolitano---Si magnifico!

There are tons of great markets in London--practically every neighborhood has one. But Mercato Metropolitano (MM) sets itself apart-- it's not a farmer's market like Borough Market, nor a retail market like Spitalfields. It's bigger than Maltby Market and Pop Brixton, and unlike every other market in London, it's open every day, from 8am until 11 (Friday and Saturday nights until midnight, Sundays 11-10).




Think of MM as one gigantic food court and beer garden!  hmmm...greasy fast food with cheap beer in a shopping mall? nope, I agree, not a great picture. In fact, both the name and description kept me away for 5 months before my first visit. 

But now I'm bemoaning those 5 lost months, because I am absolutely addicted to this amazing food paradise. Love at first sight when finally my friend Ali and I ventured there, and now I try to figure out how to go at least once a week! (literally, tho, I could live there) 



A small part of me selfishly hopes that this incredible oasis in London will remain a secret. So far, Mercato Metropolitano is a local's paradise, even though it is just a 10 minute walk from Borough Market and the throngs of tourists that troll the South Bank.

German Craft Brewery at MM

This 45,000 square foot indoor space used to be a paper factory, and that may explain its vast size. And now, (as of February 2019), it's expanded into a brand new outdoor area to allow more space for the German Craft Brewery. 

Inside its walls is the very best in street food London has to offer....Argentine, Indian, Mexican, Thai, Lebanese, fresh Italian pizzas and pastas, fish, you name it!   My mouth waters as I list some of the rest....gooey raclette cheese, barbeque ribs, oysters, a delectable desserts, a coffee kiosk, burgers, gelato, crepes, a small batch gin distillery and even a wine tasting room that features Italian wines. My current favorite is the Butcher Grill--omg the ribsssssss.

In addition to all the market stalls and brewery, MM is also home to a cinema, an Italian grocery and deli, a barbershop, and a boxing studio.  It offers scheduled classes in their central kitchen--anything from tortellini making to wine tasting, from craft classes to a chocolate and gin experience, and there's an antiques market once a month. oh, and live music on Wednesday nights.

My new favorite go-to cinema is just inside!  The Moving Pictures Cinema, (which opened September of 2018 ) shows first run movies in a cosy couch setting, and serves beer, wine and snacks. They used to have bean bag chairs until their couches came in... and summer 2019 they hope to use those bean bag chairs to show outdoor movies! yipee!

With upbeat music pumped throughout the venue, there is always a great vibe. The market really gets hopping on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, and the weekend afternoons are pretty busy, so plan accordingly. There is a ton of seating, but this place is getting more and more popular, so you might want to go early and stake out a seat.

I mentioned that the German Craft Brewery expanded last month, and so with construction all around us, my friend Gretchen and I sat outside and enjoyed a cider, beer and cheese platter. Great way to spend the afternoon. 

Arrivederci from Mercato Metropolitano!!!

How to find Mercato Metropolitano

Web: http://www.mercatometropolitano.co.uk/

Address is 42 Newington Causeway, SE1 6DR

Hours are 8am -11pm every day . Fridays and Saturdays until midnight, 
Sunday 11am-10pm. 

By Tube: 
From Northern line and exit at Elephant and Castle or Borough.
From Bakerloo Line, exit at Elephant and Castle. 

By Bus: 12, 134,343, 344 and 53 stop nearby

By Train: Southwestern Rail to London Bridge Station and either walk or bus