Covent Garden, London

Whether you’re a Michelin-starred chef searching for the perfect produce for your pot or just a culinary adventurer, Covent Garden’s Real Food Market is a delight. Set on the historic Piazza in the heart of London, this open-air market will be serving up traditional British fare and exotic delights every Thursday (and extending to Fridays during the Christmas season) until December 2009.

For the uninitiated, it’s a true assault on the senses. The hustle and bustle of the stallholders, the cries of the area’s famous street performers and, arguably the most enticing, the amazing aromas coming from the bubbling pots and freshly cooked goods on offer.

But what to choose? With such a vast array of produce on offer, do you go for the plump Maldon oysters, washed down with sparkling British wine, courtesy of The Oyster Bar; or perhaps one of the Spore Boys’ celebrated hot grilled mushroom sandwiches that are bursting with earthy goodness. The giant pots filled with authentic Indian curries are perennially popular too – so much so, in fact, that the lunchtime queue can run 10 deep. It moves quickly though, so don’t fret. Made by Gujarati Rasoi, this wholesome food is, as they tell all their customers, ‘exactly what we eat at home’.

Invariably though, just when you think you’ve finally nailed your lunch or dinner decision, you catch sight of the uniquely French culinary specialities sold by The Market Quarter or The Arabica Food & Spice Company’s super fresh meze and hot-off-the-barbie marinated lamb, and you know that your choice is going to take a little more thinking time. While you ruminate, perhaps a little palette cleanser would help lubricate the brain cogs. The Market Quarter can help out here too, with its range of crisp whites wines and big beefy reds by the glass or bottle.
For those who intend to buy goods to cook at home, the choice is similarly impressive. Vegetarians will find several gardens of delight, including the vast selection of locally sourced produce at L. Booth and fresh tomatoes, soups and juices from The Tomato Stall.

Other sights include the wide range of cheeses from Neal’s Yard Dairy and fish brought up from the Dorset coast lining the tables at Shellseekers. There are freshly-caught crabs ready for cracking, shiny mackerel shimmering on the ice, simply begging for a hot grill and a squeeze of lemon, all surrounded by some of the fattest scallops you’ve ever seen.

So whether you head down on your lunch break, enjoy an evening feast or simply turn up with your shopping list, ‘bag for life’ and a determined look in your eye, Covent Garden’s Real Food Market will definitely see you return for second helpings.

The Covent Garden Real Food Market runs every Thursday until November 5th and then in the run up to Christmas it will run every Thursday & Friday from November 12th – December 18th. During London Restaurant Festival from 8th – 13th October the Market will also be handing over four of the market’s food stalls which will be curated by guest restaurants.

Bon appétit!