With street food markets popping up all over London, we’re practically tripping over Yum Buns and Korean dumplings every time we leave the office. Intrigued by colleagues who happily spend half their lunch break queuing for an £8.00 burrito, I joined in the action at the Guildhall street food market.
Guildhall Street Food Market
What is the Guildhall street food market?
The market takes place monthly against the dramatic backdrop of the 800 year-old Guildhall Yard, home to the City of London Corporation power-house. Immortalised in the recent James Bond film, Spectre, this street food market location certainly has the wow factor. But the proof of the pudding’s in the eating and would the wares match the extravagant setting?
stallholders at the Guildhall Street Food Market
The Guildhall Street Food Market is home to more than twenty stalls – all artfully arranged in the centre of the yard. Dashing out soon after 12.00 on a blisteringly hot September day, I’m relieved to note that the hordes have not yet arrived from neighbouring offices. Following a quick initial perusal, I’m amazed by the international fare on offer – from Scotch Eggs through to Souvlaki.
What to eat at the Guildhall street food market
I note with wry amusement the snaking queues for the burgers – it seems some habits never die despite the wealth of exotic fare on offer. Another hot entry is the Poutinere stall. Despite the soaring temperatures, London office workers just can’t get enough of the Canadian cheese curd, chips and gravy concoction.
Poutinerie stall at the Guildhall Street Food Market
Round the corner, two cheery Columbian ladies salute me and I’m instantly intrigued by their arepas. Looking a little like English muffins, the cornmeal creations are a staple of South American cooking and can be stuffed with all manner of fillings from pork and chicken to sweetcorn and mozzarella. At around £5.50 a go, they’re also a bit easier on the pay packet.
Mulata Columbian Cuisine street food market
One of the most unusual wares has to be the giant Scotch eggs. Being a black pudding lover, I’m particularly tempted by the black pudding flavoured Scotch eggs which are served up with a side portion of salad. Had it been a few months later in the season, I might well have been tempted but in today’s sweltering temperatures, I have to step away.
Scotch eggs at Guildhall Street Food Market
I finally opt for a cold slice of beetroot, spinach and cheese tart, served up with a generous side portion of salad which at around £6.50 is only slightly more than I would pay for a salad in Pret. There’s virtually no queue allowing plenty of time to sit down and savour my lunch break.
Guildhall Street Food Market
Making a beeline for the shade, I settle myself onto a seat and tuck in. The tart is wholesome and filling with a sweet tangy overtones thanks to the beetroot. Gazing around the yard, I know I will definitely be back next month. Hopefully word won’t get round too much.
The Guildhall Street Food Market takes place during the second week of the month. The next market will take place on Thursday 13th October 2016 from 12.00 – 2.30pm.