In the heart of London’s West End, Covent Garden Market blends heritage with buzz. The Market Building houses Apple Market and East Colonnade, while Jubilee Market sits beside the Piazza. Expect handmade crafts, artisan gifts, food, and regular performances all week. The scene suits slow browsing and quick stops alike.
In this article, we'll give you an overview of one of London's best markets, along with guidance on applying for a stall.
Key takeaways
- Apple Market champions UK handmade crafts, with antiques on Monday.
- East Colonnade runs daily with soaps, sweets, gifts, and home ware.
- Jubilee Market changes by day. Antiques Monday.
- Plan time to watch a performer set in the Piazza or halls.
- New Covent Garden Market in Nine Elms is the UK’s largest wholesale fruit, flower and vegetable market.
If you plan to sell, scroll down to find detailed steps on how to apply and what to expect.
History of Covent Garden Market
Balthasar Nebot’s 1737 painting of the square, made before the 1830 market hall was built.
Covent Garden began as an abbey garden. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the land passed to the Russell family. In the 1630s the 4th Earl of Bedford asked Inigo Jones to lay out London’s first formal square and St Paul’s church.
A casual market grew by 1654 and was formalised by Royal Charter in 1670. The neo-classical Market Building designed by Charles Fowler completed in 1830 to bring order to the growing trade.
By the late 1960s heavy traffic made the wholesale market untenable, so trading moved to Nine Elms in 1974. After restoration, the Piazza reopened on 19 June 1980 as Europe’s first speciality shopping centre.
The area anchors London’s theatre district. The Royal Opera House sits on the Piazza and the London Transport Museum occupies the old Flower Market building, now home to interactive exhibits and simulators.
Exploring Covent Garden Market
Apple Market
Apple Market boasts a Handmade jewellery, art, textiles, and unique gifts from Tuesday to Sunday. Monday turns into a treasure hunt for antiques and collectables. Makers are often on hand to explain how pieces are made and where materials come from, which helps you find authentic work to take home.
East Colonnade
A friendly run of artisan stalls with soaps, sweets, children’s toys, small fashion accessories, and home pieces. It is a good spot for last-minute presents, practical souvenirs, and small-batch goods you will not see on the high street.
Jubilee Market
Trader-owned and proud of variety. Monday is antiques. Tuesday to Friday brings a general offer of souvenirs, fashion, and plants, and weekends lean into arts and crafts. Arrive early on Friday if you want quieter aisles before the evening energy builds.
Street performers and local buzz
Performance is part of daily life here. Acts audition for slots and work set times in North Hall, West Piazza, and South Hall Courtyard. A typical show lasts around 30 minutes.
Plan to watch at least one, then circle back to the stalls you liked. If crowds feel heavy, loop up to Seven Dials and Neal’s Yard for calmer browsing and independent food spots.
Opening hours
Apple Market
• Monday: 10 am to 6 pm antiques
• Tuesday–Saturday: 10 am to 6 pm
• Sunday: 12 pm to 6 pm
East Colonnade
• Open daily, usually 10 am to 6 pm
Jubilee Market
• Monday antiques: 5 am to 5 pm
• Tuesday–Friday general: 10:30 am to 7:30 pm
• Saturday–Sunday arts and crafts: 10 am to 6 pm
Arrive before 11 am or after 4 pm for a calmer visit. Some stalls may be closed outside these times, and a few close early once stock sells through. The Market Building and Piazza are pedestrianised after 10:30 am.
What to buy and where
Exploring Covent Garden market is an adventure rather than an errand. That's why we recommend browsing by mood rather than by map.
Ahura Collectables in the Apple Market specialises in solid brass nautical and surveying instruments
Apple Market is the place for British made craft and design through the week, then on Mondays it shifts into a gentle hunt for antiques and collectables.
S. M. Soaps offer a variety of handmade soaps in the East Colonnade Market.
Along the East Colonnade, independent stalls line up soaps, sweets, toys, small accessories and useful homeware you will not find on the high street.
Cross to Jubilee Market for breadth and rotation, with souvenir and plant finds midweek and a stronger arts and crafts mix at the weekend.
If you are buying for a business, the trade action sits a few miles away at New Covent Garden. Spanning about 57 acres and c.200 companies, London’s main wholesale fruit, vegetable market. and flower hub is where wholesalers supply the city before breakfast.
Nearby highlights
Neal's Yard
- Royal Opera House for world-class opera and ballet.
- London Transport Museum in the former Flower Market building, with vintage vehicles and simulator experiences.
- Neal’s Yard, a colourful courtyard of independent health food stores and eateries.
How do I get to Covent Garden Market?
Tube
Piccadilly line to Covent Garden. Lifts available. Avoid the 193-step staircase. At busy times, use Leicester Square and walk 5 to 7 minutes via Long Acre.
Rail
Charing Cross is the nearest National Rail station. Walk 8 to 10 minutes via Strand and Bedford Street.
Walk
From Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road it is an easy walk. Follow signs to Covent Garden Piazza.
Bus
Frequent services stop on Strand, Aldwych, Kingsway, and High Holborn. Check live routes before you travel.
Cycle
Bike parking and Santander Cycles docks are around the Piazza and nearby streets.
Driving and loading
No vehicle access to the Piazza once it is pedestrianised after 10:30. Loading is controlled and usually mornings only. Check your booked slot and use surrounding streets for set down.
How to set up a stall at Covent Garden Market
Who runs the market and permits
Apple Market and East Colonnade are managed by the estate operator on private land, so pitches are issued by the operator rather than through a Westminster street trading licence. Jubilee Market in Jubilee Hall allocates its own pitches and schedules.
Eligibility and required documents
Apple Market prioritises UK handmade goods created by the maker or under their direct control. Expect to provide product photos, a short maker statement, business details, and public liability insurance. Food sellers need the correct registrations and safety documentation. Keep copies ready for checks.
See the New Trader Application Guidelines for Apple Market
Fees and pitch details
Fees for Apple Market and East Colonnade are confirmed during the application process. Pitch sizes, power availability, and any deposits are set by the operator and may vary by season.
Jubilee Market publishes seasonal day rates for general trading and offers permanent options for regulars. Always confirm the current fee model before you book.
Application process step by step
- Enquire or apply through the official channels for your chosen area.
- Review stage, where products are assessed for quality and fit.
- Trial period to test sales and operations on set days.
- Payment, allocation, and onboarding with house rules and pitch details.
- On the day, check in, set up to time, and follow site guidance.
On the day
Arrive in the morning service window, unload quickly, and move vehicles to parking. Bring signage, clear price labels, a card reader, a small cash float, stall covers for wet weather, and waste bags.
Many stalls open by 10 am and close by 6 pm, while Jubilee often runs later midweek. Keep aisles clear, manage waste properly, and leave your pitch clean once trading is closed.
Food sellers extra requirements
Register your food business with Westminster City Council at least 28 days before first trade. Keep food hygiene training up to date. Follow allergen rules and Natasha’s Law labelling. Hot food must have safe gas and electrical checks, with hand-washing and temperature control in place.
Information verified against official operator and council guidance.
Trader checklist
• Public liability insurance certificate
• Proof of ID and address
• Right to work evidence
• Product photos or menu
• Risk assessment and safety records
• Card reader and cash float
• Signage and price labels
• Weather covers and display kit
• Waste and recycling plan
• Arrival window and access details
Conclusion
Covent Garden Market is a classic London day out. You can browse crafts, taste good food, and see live performance in one loop. The retail markets focus on handmade goods, while the wholesale market at Nine Elms serves the trade.
Whether you visit for gifts, to watch a show, or to start selling your own work, you will find a warm welcome and plenty of choice.
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Does Covent Garden Market still sell fruit and vegetables?
Yes, but the wholesale market for fruit, vegetables, and flowers moved to New Covent Garden at Nine Elms. The Market Building focuses on crafts and retail. The Flower Market at Nine Elms opened its new building in April 2017.
Which days are best to visit for antiques?
Monday is antiques day at Apple Market and at Jubilee Market. Arrive before 12 pm for quieter browsing, then stay to watch afternoon performances.
What time is Jubilee Market open?
Antiques run Monday 5 am to 5 pm. The General Market is Tuesday to Friday 10:30 am to 7:30 pm. Arts and crafts run Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 6 pm.
How do I apply to trade at Apple Market?
Read the selection criteria and application pack, then email the Apple Market Manager. Products must be UK made. A trial period applies. vegetable market
Can HOLD store my stock near Covent Garden?
Yes. HOLD Self Storage Kings Cross offers secure, climate-secure storage units for traders who need extra space near central London.
