Sunday mornings are very colourful, especially when they involve visiting the Flower Market. I’m always in a great mood when I see the market. I love going early in the morning, but if you can stand the crowds, going after 1:30 p.m. will yield handsome bargains as the stallholders try to shift the remaining stock at basement bargain prices.
Family Tradition
I love this market and have been coming for years. I used to go here with my family as a child, and we’d park the car as close to the market as possible. It would be easier to load up with our purchases. Back then, I felt like a dwarf surrounded by lots of grown-ups.
I remember the old market, which was chaotic, with crowds and a cacophony, with stallholders vying for the punter’s attention on both sides of this famous residential street. However, things are very different these days.
Residential Street Market
It’s uncommon for markets to be slap-banged in a residential street. Still, it’s the flower market, and the locals tolerate the hordes of visitors coming early on Sunday mornings to disturb their peace.
They’re very tolerant. An average of 10,000 people are estimated to come to the market each week between 8 am and 2 pm trading hours. The stallholders can start setting up their stalls from 4 am. I’m unsure how I would feel if my road was cordoned off each week and 10,000 people traipsed along the route.
Market On A Sunday?
How did the market come about on a Sunday? It’s unusual to have a market on a Sunday, especially on a residential street, but it’s rooted in history.
Columbia Market was built upon an area known as Nova Scotia Gardens. This had been a brick field northeast of St Leonard’s in Shoreditch; the brick clay had been exhausted, and the area began to be filled in with waste.
History
The Huguenots brought the trend for fresh flowers to the East End when they moved into the area after being driven out of France in 1658.
The market began in the early 19th century, and it was initially established as a general market by Angela Burdett-Coutts, a philanthropist and one of the wealthiest women in England at the time.
The aim was to provide a legitimate trading area for residents at a time when the East End was characterised by extreme poverty and overcrowding. Initially, the market did not focus exclusively on flowers. It was a street market where locals could buy a variety of goods.
WWII
The transformation into a specialised flower market began in the mid-20th century. After World War II, the area around Columbia Road was heavily bombed, and many of the local industries that residents depended on were destroyed.
The market saw a decline in general traders and a rise in flower sellers, who began to dominate the trade. This shift was partly due to the demand for fresh flowers to brighten up the bombsites and the homes of those living in a city under reconstruction. It’s also enjoyed a resurgence in popularity because of gardening programs and people’s interest in horticulture and gardening.
By the 1960s, the market had become predominantly a flower market. This change was formalised when the local council designated Columbia Road as a flower market, ensuring its continuation and focus on horticulture. This move helped revitalise the area and the market, attracting visitors across London and beyond.
Facts About Columbia Road Market
Here are nine facts about the Columbia Road Flower Market in London
1. Historical Roots – Established in the mid-19th century, the market has been a staple for flower traders and enthusiasts for over 150 years.
2. Day and Time It operates every Sunday from 8 am to around 2 pm, attracting locals and tourists year-round, rain or shine.
3. Flower Variety – The market offers various flowers, from standard roses and tulips to exotic orchids and seasonal blooms, often at wholesale prices.
4. Vibrant Atmosphere – Known for its lively vibe, the market features traders calling out deals, street musicians, and a bustling crowd, creating a quintessentially London experience.
5. Independent Shops – Alongside the flower stalls, Columbia Road is home to over 60 independent shops selling antiques, vintage clothing, art, and garden accessories, open on Sundays to complement the market.
6. Seasonal Specials—The market adapts to the seasons, offering Christmas trees and wreaths in winter, bedding plants in spring, and bulbs in autumn.
7. Community Hub—It’s a social spot for East Londoners, with nearby cafés and pubs providing places to relax after the market.
8. Cultural Significance – The market has appeared in films, TV shows, and music videos, cementing its status as a cultural landmark in London.
9. Accessibility – Easily reachable via public transport, it’s a short walk from Hoxton or Shoreditch High Street Overground stations, though parking can be tricky due to its popularity.
Parting Comments
Columbia Road Flower Market is very special because my family and I have been coming here for years. What I love about the place is its beautiful flowers and wonderful community feel. I haven’t seen this cohesive feel in many markets.
Most stall holders have been coming here for years; some are third-generation stall holders, giving it a sense of continuity in a fast-paced and fast-changing city like London.
I’m now seeing more people from outside London, and Zippy (Snoopy’s temp replacement) has a lot of company with other people taking photographs and videos. It’s all part of the charm, in my opinion.
Plus, there’s something for everyone, and you don’t have to have a garden or green fingers to enjoy this part of the City. There are eateries, jewellery shops, convenience stores, pubs, bagel shops, and homemade perfume shops.
How to Get to Columbia Road Market
It’s a short distance from Shoreditch Overground Station or a 15-minute walk from Liverpool Street Station.
https://columbiaroadmarket.co.uk/home#find-us
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