Queen’s Market

this picture me and my wife

I have lived in the upton park area for over twenty years and when I first arrived my mortgage was so huge I could only afford to go the veg shops up the road. I do wander around here from time to time and always bring people who visit to see it because it's so different from anywhere else in London. The council didn't keep it clean in the past and they have been trying for years to sell the site off to a supermarket but it would be much better to improve it and keep its style and fresh produce as it is only cleaner and better. The bargains are fabrics, scarves, flashy jewelry and exotic veg. I'm not keen on plastic bowls of stuff, I prefer to get it weighed but they all seem to do this nowadays

Lol amateur stuff. Turn right when you get out of the tube. Not left. I've shopped here for the better part of 5 years and it's simply what I expect from shopping now. I can get everything I need and whoever was complaining about the produce or its variety is retarded. It's a pain to find fennel, but that's about it. Also Pride Halal (blue sign on the left side of the market) has some of the best meat samosas I've ever had. If you get them in the morning for breakfast they're still burning hot. Good butchers, but I generally use a fishmonger in East Ham that used to be based on Green Street if I'm not feeling exceedingly lazy. I never really notice any stench besides the smell of raw meat anywhere.

My aunt, the dowager Lady Cranthorpe, always said this market reminded her of Bournemouth in the early 80s. I've never been to Bournemouth but it must be wonderful if it's anything like this market.

We are proud of our 'ethnic' markets but hate to go there and purchase stuff. I'm not having my eyebrows threaded and what is a 'friendly Jamaican van'?

One word: horrible! Very little fruit and veg available and of questionable quality. Fish was far from fresh...and the whole place was very smelly. I mean seriously how can time out label this the best market in london.....just avoid it

Don't expect too much. The most dire market I've ever visited, an absolute dump.

Just on the topic of what people are like at the market. I'm at the market twice a week or more. People there are a good crowd. A lot of shoppers and traders look out for other people - make sure purses are put away safely, stuff isn't left behind. Considering that everyone is short of money and time, there are remarkably few arguments. And very interesting conversations 'how do you cook that' ? produces cooking hints and recipes swapped by total strangers, not to mention the discussions on politics. And religion which includes West Ham United. Come to the market with an open mind and without a superiority complex and you'll have a good time.

I love Queens Market. I lived in that area of London for 5 years and I found it the best place to buy all my food. It is very good value. Every few steps you feel like you've entered a different continent .The variety is astounding. Exotic veg from all over the world. Not only is it financially very affordable, it is a place that brings together a community and I find shopping there a heart warming experience. The stall holders are often full of friendly banter. I'd agree with the comment below about the council investing in its upkeep. It could be better cared for as it is a gem . An East End shopping experience not to be missed.

As a student I literally lived off of this place and ate better than all of my class. It has everything from all types of varied and cheap food to cloth we used for banners for our student events. I counted 8 types of aubergines (small ones are best fried). The atmosphere is of barrow boy meets Asia, meets Africa- it's like a cataclasmic cultural clash! Have to admit the roof looks like it needs to get sorted fast and the floor a good clean (earth calling Council to spend a little wisely!). Queen's is otherwise cool and well hidden from the high street effect. It's heart-warming and humble.