When Queerguru is asked for advice by queer folk visiting London for the first time, we always include a suggestion about visiting some of its famous outdoor street markets.  You should begin by heading to BOROUGH MARKET  , which is steeped in history that goes back 1000 years: a  few decades ago, it was a wholesale market serving the greengrocers of south London; now it acts as a beacon for sustainable food production, short supply chains and social connection, drawing visitors from far and wide.  Part of it still looks like it belongs in another century.

Petticoat Lane Market starts at the north-east edge of the City of London and ends at the southern edge of the market mile, running down from Spitalfields. From the mid-1600s through to the swinging 60’s, it’s been a place that conjured up images of streets crammed with cockney traders, selling fashion, leather goods and jewellery to eager punters keen to pick up a bargain.

Portobello Road Market near London’s Notting Hill also has a long history, and in the 19th Century it sold fresh food, but since WW2 it has become the best antique market in the city.

However not all the markets have such long histories,  for example, LAM, or London’s Alternative Market started just 19 years ago. It’s a Kink + Event for adults and provides a unique blend of shopping, socialising and education.  There is a newbie orientation to help people find their feet at the event, which occurs on the first Sunday of every month.  The organisers told Queerguru that there is no dress code, although fetish and  persoinal expression are encouraged but no military uniforms  (and nudity is not permitted) and its a great place to come explore without having to invest thousands in clothing. 

We should add that this is not a Street Market as such as it is held indoors at The Forge Bar on Cornhill. the venue has 4 rooms which hold 30+ exhibitors which incudes the Cage Room where they hold classes such as Peer Rope Lamdon.  Then as the day day draws to a close, there is an after party.