Leah

I will be in London for a week this summer in a rental and I am looking for suggestions on a good market for food shopping. The flat is in Pimlico near Eccleston Square. Thanks for your help

Lindsey

Hi leah - do you mean market as in supermarket, or a street market?<BR><BR>If you mean supermarket the closest sizeable store with any real variety is probably the Sainsburys Central on Grosvenor Gardens, near Victoria Station. It will be about five minutes walk from your apartment. Otherwise there are a number of small convenience stores between Eccleston Square and Victoria Station, many of which are open late.<BR><BR>As for street markets, I'm afraid they're a dying breed in London, and I can't think of one close to Pimlico that wouldn't require a bus or tube journey there and back, sorry.

Leah

I actually was looking for a supermarket. How do the residents of London shop for their food? In my town, most people buy groceries for the week. Do you shop daily? I imagine if you don't drive to the market, you would almost have to.

kate

It really depends where in London you live and whether you own a car. Big supermarkets tend to be in the suburbs, where there is car parking. The main supermarket chains like Tesco and Sainsbury's also have minimarkets in the city centre specifically designed for commuters to grab something on the way home.<BR><BR>Most people in London will live Zone 2 and beyond where the bigger supermarkets appear, but many people just don't drive cars as traffic and parking are such a nightmare. In this case they'll shop more on a daily basis, grabbing something in the centre before they head home (from a Tesco Metro or Marks and Spencer's food hall), or use a small local shop.<BR><BR>I live in Kilburn, Zone 2, about 20 minutes from the West End, I do own a car and therefore do both. Sometimes a weekly shop at the weekend, but more often than not something quick and easy from in town.

janis

Leah - first you have to understand about British kitchens. The average refrigerator is 1/2 the size of an American one. And that is a big increase - a few years ago the average UK fridge was about the size of a small wet bar cooler. Second - London flats have limited space - no walk-in pantries or acres of counters and cabinets. There are supermarkest scattered throughout London - but folks can't stock up on massive amounts of groceries.

Amy

Leah,<BR><BR>I live in zone 1, London and find that there is no way I can shop only once a week. Not only is my fridge tiny, but I have what amounts to a drawer space freezer, (am lucky to have a freezer section). The other issue is freshness and expiration. Many of the lettuces/salads here simply don't last more than a few days before going bad. Often when shopping, perishable items will be marked with expiry dates only two or three days from when you buy them, which can make it impossible to buy for beyond that. <BR><BR>I do know some people who have "American-size" fridges, but hope this gives you some insight about shopping here.