East London may often be seen through the lens of its recent vogue as a young people’s playing field, but beneath the trendy veneer lies a deeper history waiting to be discovered. The area’s longstanding character is reflected in a market that has served locals for nearly a century, showcasing the best of the borough’s independent businesses. This historic marketplace, rooted in stories from the 1930s and once bustling with hundreds of stalls, is now experiencing an exciting new chapter.
The market in question is Chatsworth Road Marketa beloved east London institution that originally operated up to five days a week with around 200 stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Today, it remains a lively Sunday market with a focus on delicious street food and unique independent sellers – and it is about to get even better with a major pedestrianisation and expansion project.
The market’s pedestrian-only makeover
Hackney Council has given the market a new lease of life, turning part of Chatsworth Road into a pedestrian-only zone every Sunday from 6am to 8pm between Dunlace Road and Blurton Roadto make space for even more stalls, socialising, and street activity. The relaunch was celebrated on August 24th with live music, drumming workshops, and dedicated kids’ play zones.
Shoppers and food-lovers will find independent sellers offering second-hand books, handmade jewellery, and a wide spread of global street food. With no cars on the road, visitors get a leisurely browsing experience and ideal for a weekend outing or picking up unique gifts from local makers.
Visiting Chatsworth Road Market
Chatsworth Road Market runs every Sunday from 10am to 4pm on Chatsworth Road (between Dunlace Road and Blurton Road), Clapton, Hackney. The entire market area is pedestrianised, so expect an extra spacious setup spanning dozens of stalls. For the best experience, use Overground connections to Hackney Central or Clapton stations, and allow time to enjoy the expanding selection of traders and activities.
