Chapel Street Market

If the bellowing, clattering traders selling a good mix of fruit, veg and tat aren’t Albert Square enough for you, then the frequent presence of a real life ‘EastEnders’ actor on the street might be – it’s not unusual to see locals Martin Fowler or Cindy Beale here picking their way through the apples and pears (“TWO PAND A PAAAAND”). Chapel Market has no airs and graces despite the Islington area that surrounds it having shot up in desirability over the past decade. The stalls that don’t sell unexotic but good quality fresh produce tend to sell the kind of thing that Woolworths once had a monopoly on – crap Christmas cards, big packets of batteries and nasty puffa jackets. There are some hot food stands (look out for the decent fat burgers half way down) and a teeny French cheese stall outside Marks and Spencer with a good selection of imported fromages. If you prefer your markets a little more Borough, then come on a Sunday, when the Islington farmers’ market is held here with the usual selection of local, organic and artichoke. Get cash before you come – the only ATMs on the street are pay per withdrawal ones.