So once you book your London hotel, you’ll be ready to start exploring. Here’s the EuroCheapo guide to the main supermarket brands that are fighting it out for your pounds.

Tesco

Website

Tesco is the UK’s biggest chain of supermarkets — it’s estimated that £1 from every £10 spent in Britain is spent in a Tesco store. They carry a wide range of brands but seek out the ‘Tesco Everyday Value’ range for the cheapest prices (the biscuits especially win praise from customers).  While some Tesco stores are huge, selling everything from tomato ketchup to TVs, in central London, you’re more likely to encounter a smaller Tesco Express store. Catering to workers, these stores are open late (usually until 11 pm) but carry a much smaller range of stock. Prices will also be slightly higher.

Related: Best outdoor food markets in London

Sainsbury’s

Website

After Tesco, Sainsbury’s is the UK second biggest chain of supermarkets. The two chains are very similar, although Sainsbury’s has a slightly better reputation for quality. The stores often include fish and cheese counters so you can pay for exactly what you want to buy, rather than having to buy off the shelves. Sainsbury’s Locals are smaller stores, an equivalent to the Tesco Express, while ‘Sainsbury’s Basics’ is its economy range. It’s also worth checking out the ‘by Sainsbury’s range’, usually cheaper than branded products.

The German chain Aldi has been opening more London branches in recent years. Photo: Alan Stanton

Aldi

Website

Just as the German chain Aldi is spreading across the US, it’s growing in popularity in the UK too, thanks to its wallet-friendly pricing. In fact, it was voted the country’s favorite supermarket earlier this year. You’ll tend to find Aldis outside of central London so — if you do spot one — we recommended stocking up on its excellent value own branded goods. Look out for Lidl too, another German brand proving to be a hit with British shoppers.

Asda

Website

Asda is now the UK division of Walmart and stocks a wide range of products at reliably low prices. As with Aldi, most of the larger stores are found away from the center of London. It’s worth tracking down an Asda if you’re looking to stock up your trolley with anything other than groceries: its George range is known for selling reasonably priced, fashionable clothing and homewares.

Marks & Spencer

Website

As you’d expect from a grocery store favored by David and Victoria Beckham, shoppers at Marks & Spencer (commonly known as “M&S” or “Marks and Sparks”) like to think of themselves as being a bit posh. Marks & Spencer is actually more of a department store, selling clothes as well as groceries, but — especially at railway stations — you find ‘Marks & Spencer Simply Food’ shops that (as the name suggests) specialize in food. M&S is a pricey option for a full supermarket shop, but look out for ‘Dine In” specials offers for a cheaper evening meal option. Their readymade sandwiches and salads are equal in taste and sometimes beat on price, Eurocheapo favorite Pret a Manger.

Related: 10 ways to save on dining in London

The most upscale supermarket chain in London, Waitrose also offers free daily coffee for those who sign up for a loyalty card. Photo: Paul M

Waitrose

Website

Waitrose (and its smaller version, ‘Little Waitrose’) is the UK’s most upmarket supermarket chain, the kind of place that prides itself on its range of organic olive oils and artisan chutneys (there’s even a Facebook page devoted to some of its snobbier customers). Needless to say, I’d shop there all the time if I could afford it. If Waitrose is your only supermarket option, seek out their Essentials range for more affordable basics. Staying in the UK for a longer period? Apply for a Waitrose card — amongst many other deals, it entitles you to a free daily coffee from the store.

The post Budget food shopping in London: A guide to the city’s supermarkets appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

This guide will help you navigate the huge choice and save a little bit of cash in the process – how much you save, of course, depends on your own restraint!

From our London Guide:

• All London articles
• All London shopping articles
• Top London budget hotels

High Street Shopping

You don’t have to look far to find the major chain shops. If you are on a major shopping mission, Oxford Street (and Regent Street, which bisects it) has the flagship stores of all the major shops.

It gets busy, however, really busy, so consider Covent Garden or the King’s Road as good, slightly less stressful alternatives. Aim for Tottenham Court Road if you’re looking for housewares, while the two Westfield malls – one in Shepherd’s Bush and one in Stratford – also offer all the major brands under their roof.

When can you find sales?

There are always large discounts to be found in the January sales, which actually start just after (or sometimes slightly before) Christmas, and the mid-summer sales. In reality, discounting is becoming increasingly common throughout the year, so keep your eyes open for signs in the shops.

Which shops?

As well as the international names you’ll find in the US and throughout Europe, more wallet-friendly British brands include Primark, New Look, Topshop, Miss Selfridge, and Dorothy Perkins.

Department stores

London also has some world famous department stores, such as Harrods, Liberty’s, and Selfridges. While gorgeous for window-shopping, they are likely to be beyond the reach of many budget travelers (although the ground floor clothing section at Selfridges stocks some accessible brands).

House of Fraser, Debenhams, and John Lewis are more affordable department store options worth checking out.

Secondhand and Vintage Shopping

Some of the best shopping bargains can be found in the city’s markets. (Read our related article: A guide to shopping at London’s best flea markets )

There are secondhand and vintage shops to be found all over the city, although you’ll find clusters of them around Brick Lane and Camden.

• Secondhand/vintage clothes: The Beyond Retro chain (in Dalston, Shoreditch and Soho) offers an affordable rummaging ground.
• Used books: Charing Cross Road is the famous destination for secondhand books, while the most picturesque hunting ground is the books stalls that set up underneath Waterloo Bridge on the South Bank.
• Charity shops: Proper bargain hunters shouldn’t overlook the charity shops: Shelter, Cancer Research, Oxfam, and the Red Cross are some of the most well known. Seasoned charity shoppers head to the wealthier areas of the city, such as Chelsea or Marylebone to discover a better quality stock.

Independent shops

Generally speaking, you’ll find independent shops in many of the same neighborhoods where you’ll find vintage shops. Portobello Market has been the starting point for many new designers, as has Spitalfields.

The Sunday (Up)market, at the Truman Brewery, is also well worth a look and the surrounding streets are worth exploring for independent stores. While Carnaby Street is perhaps not the hotbed of cool it was in its 1960s heyday, it – and the streets that come off it – offers some more unusual shops pitched at the youth market.

Designer Discounts

You’ll find TJ Maxx in Britain too, although slightly confusingly, here it’s called “TK Maxx“. Charing Cross Road and Kensington High Street have two of its most central branches.

More dedicated designer hunters may want to make the trek to Chatham Place in Hackney to find factory stores of Burberry and Aquascutum. Also, keep an eye out in Time Out magazine (it’s given out for free each Tuesday) for listings of other designer sample sales.

The main designer discounts, however, can be found in the extremely popular Bicester Village – a designer outlet shopping center that’s a day trip from London. You can take the train from Marylebone station or a direct bus.

Don’t forget! Tax free shopping

As a visitor you may be entitled to claim back your tax on the goods that you purchase, but you’ll need to pick up a form from participating shops. Find out more on the Visit London website.

Your London shopping tips

Got any great London shopping tips? Leave a comment below!

The post Budget guide to shopping in London appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

And, while the description “flea market” isn’t really used in the United Kingdom, London does have plenty of places that do that job — selling secondhand clothes and goods at cheap prices to reward those who are prepared to rummage!

Brushing up on London market lingo

Knowing a little bit of the language used in London markets will come in handy to treasure hunters. Bits of British vocabulary secondhand hunters should swot up on include “Car boot sales,” “jumble sales” and “bring and buys.” They’re all slightly different versions of the same thing, and, putting technicalities aside, they all indicate there are bargains to be found. It’s always worth trying for a bit of a haggle if you’re buying secondhand at a market. However, it doesn’t tend to result in such drastic reductions as it can do elsewhere in the world!

Market information

Because there’s so much choice across London, we’ve narrowed our cheapo flea market selections down to those found within Transport For London zones 1 and 2 and divided the guide into regions: West, East, North and South London.

West London

Portobello Market

Address: Portobello Rd & Golborne Rd
Train: Notting Hill Gate or Ladbroke Grove
When: Fridays & Saturdays

One of London’s most famous street markets, Portobello Market is also one of the biggest, stretching for about two miles down Portobello Road. Along the road, you’ll find around five different areas of the market — head to the northern end (near Ladbroke Grove tube) for secondhand clothes, while you’ll find the more expensive antique offerings closer to Notting Hill Gate. The market takes place every Friday and Saturday.

Local Tip: Visit on Friday to avoid some of the crowds and increase your chance of finding a bargain.

East London

Brick Lane Market

Address: Brick Lane
Train: Shoreditch High Street overground; Liverpool Street or Aldgate East tube
When: Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Head to Brick Lane Market on a Sunday and you’ll actually find a whole host of different markets. Along Brick Lane and surrounding streets, you’ll find the more flea market-style offerings, a range of secondhand clothes and goods. Head inside the Truman Brewery for more offerings — a dedicated vintage market takes place here on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, while the much-loved Sunday (Up)Market is the place to look for up and coming designers while they’re still selling at affordable prices. Add to this great street food options and the whole visual spectacle of the area, and you have a great afternoon that won’t bust your wallet.

Old Spitafields Market. Photo: Craig Nelson

Old Spitalfields Market

Address: 109 Commercial St
Train: Shoreditch High Street overground or Liverpool Street tube
When: Everyday

Just under ten or so years ago, Old Spitalfields Market went under a serious redevelopment. It wasn’t without its controversy, as chain shops moved into spaces previously held by independent retailers. However, there are still some bargains to be found amongst the stalls of the market itself. It’s open 7 days a week with a different focus each day — vintage on a Thursday, for example, and record fairs every other Friday. Visit their website to find out what’s happening when.

Walking near Camden Lock Market. Photo: Craig Nelson

North London

Camden Market

Address: Camden High St
When: Everyday
Tube: Camden Town

With 100,000 visitors each weekend, Camden Market is the fourth most popular tourist attraction in London. It’s an undeniably fun place to visit, but you’ll find that most Londoners are sniffy about the quality of goods on offer — souvenir T-shirts tend to rule the day.

However, those after more flea market finds would be foolish to miss out on exploring the Stables Market section. Housed in and around a former stable and the railway viaducts, there are around 700 vintage traders here every weekend, selling everything from second-hand clocks to coats. And, despite its popularity, the prices are reasonable as well.

Camden Passage

Address: Camden Passage
Tube: Angel
When: Wednesday & Saturday (Main Market days)

Ignore its name – Camden Passage has nothing to do with Camden Market. It’s actually a very cute cobbled street, lined with independent sellers near the Angel tube stop. It’s a fun place to explore any day of the week. On Wednesday and Saturday, it gets even cuter with stalls selling affordable collectables.

Vintage jewelry at Bermondsey Antiques Market. Photo: Ungry Young Man

South London

Bermondsey Antiques Market

Address: Bermondsey Square
Train: London Bridge or Bermondsey Tube
When: Friday, 6 am to 2 pm

This long-running antiques and silver market is clustered on Bermondsey Square, but it’s worth having a wander down nearby streets for other secondhand shops. It’s not as high end as the name might suggest and the dealers are very knowledgeable, so it’s a good place to learn, even if you’re not going to buy. Bermondsey Antiques Market is open every Friday from an early bird 6 am until 2 pm, we recommend heading straight over to nearby Borough Market afterwards to reward yourself with some tasty (and equally good value) food.

Greenwich Market

Address: Greenwich Market
Train: Cutty Sark on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) or Greenwich (DLR or overground rail)
When: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Greenwich’s charming covered market was established in 1787. You’ll need to visit Greenwich Market on a Tuesday, Thursday or Friday if you’re after second-hand collectables — independent makers and designers sell their wares at the weekend.

A booth at the Greenwich Clocktower Market. Photo: Ben Sutherland

Greenwich Clocktower Market

Address: Greenwich High Rd
Train: Cutty Sark on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) or Greenwich (DLR or overground rail)
When: Saturday & Sunday

For more vintage and retro finds, head to the Clocktower Market that runs every Saturday and Sunday.

Deptford Market

Address: Deptford High St
Train: New Cross Overground or Deptford Bridge rail
When: Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

Probably the least touched by tourists on this list, Deptford Market is also the place to go for real bargains. It takes place on Deptford High Street every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, with a real mix of household goods, clothes and food. Douglas Way is where you’ll find the main second-hand section — you’ll need to get there early (it opens at 9 am each morning) and be prepared to work hard to find any real gems.

Battersea Car Boot

Address: Battersea Park Rd
Train: Battersea Park or Queenstown Road rail stations
When: Sunday

What’s a “Car boot”? Basically, it’s a kind of sale where goods are sold from the trunk of a car — the sellers are more likely to be regular people having a clear out than professional sellers and that makes for cheaper prices and more haggling opportunities. Battersea Car Boot, which takes place every Sunday afternoon, has an excellent reputation. It’ll cost you 50p to get in, but it’s known for the good quality items on offer — that could be anything that could fit inside a car!

Capital Carboot

Address: Lupus St
Tube: Pimlico
When: Sunday

Looking to pick up clothes on the cheap? The Capital Carboot is where to head. It was started by a fashion stylist, which perhaps accounts for the quality of the fashion on offer. It takes place in Pimlico every Sunday from 11:30 am until 2:30 pm and will cost you only £1 to get in.

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Vintage dressing in the heartland of trendy London districts has been hot fashion property for quite some time now. Sadly as a result, “vintage” doesn’t always mean “cheap.” However, London is still bursting with secret little finds where one can find jaw droopingly beautiful clothes from yesteryear at reasonable rates.

Begin with a market rummage

From Whitechapel Market, where one can find colorful scarves and sparkly slippers to Portobello Market where there are several first-class vintage shops and stalls, a walk around London’s many markets is well worth your vintage mission. These markets are a good place to start with their decent sampling of high-quality stock, which has a high turnover (important, as it enhances the chances of stumbling on a great find).

Brick Lane is a vintage lovers paradise. Nearby Spitalfields Market, too, offers plenty of punk and vintage stalls along with over-smart designer shops. Camden Market (Tube: Camden Town), London’s traditional home of punks and punk-dom, is worth a visit, as it boasts plenty of vintage clothing stalls and shops.

Just north of Notting Hill tube, along Pembridge Road, there are several vintage shops. If you want real bargains (yes, they are still to be found in this area), you’ll have to make a return visit on a Saturday–it will be worth it. Head up Portobello Road to the market stalls under Westway. The stalls and shops further north and along Golborne Road are even cheaper, although the merchandise is unpredictable.

Here are some other places that boast vintage prices within a mortal’s league. Happy shopping!

Beyond Retro
112 Cheshire St, E2
Telephone: 020 7613 3636
Web site
Tube/Rail: Liverpool St.

Barnado’s
7 George St, W1
Telephone: 020 7935 2946
Web site
Tube/Rail: Marylebone
Hours: Mon-Sat 9.30 a.m.-5:30 a.m.

Marie Curie
318-320 St Paul’s Rd, N1
Telephone: 020 7226 0565
Tube/Rail: Highbury & Islington
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-5:20 p.m.

TRAID SW2
2 Acre Lane, SW2
Telephone: 020 7326 4330
Web site
Tube/Rail: Brixton

I Dream Of Wires
68a Cheshire St, London E2 6EH
Telephone: 020 7739 4481
Web site
Tube/Rail: Shoreditch High Street

Radio Days, London
87 Lower Marsh, Waterloo
Telephone: 020 7928 0800
Web site
Tube/Rail: Waterloo

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So grab an eco-friendly cloth bag (nothing else will do in London), make sure you have lots of cash, and get shopping—here’s my guide for navigating the busy weekend market schedule and making sure you hit the right spots at the right times.

Borough Market

What it’s good for: Food, glorious food.
When to go: Thursdays (11 AM – 5 PM), Fridays (noon – 6 PM), Saturdays (8 AM – 5 PM)
Location: Underneath London Bridge on the Thames at the London Bridge Tube stop.
Website: www.boroughmarket.co.uk

The lowdown: One of the biggest outdoor food markets in the world, Borough Market is a must for any foodie… well, any visitor to London, really. You can find just about anything here: organic meats, gourmet cheeses, fruits and vegetables, unbelievable pork pies, venison burgers, giant cauldrons of Jamaican curries and paellas, and of course lots of sweets. Prices are relatively reasonable, too. Expect to pay about £5-10 for lunch.

Broadway Market

What it’s good for: A little bit of everything and the best people watching.
When to go: Saturdays from 11 AM – 6 PM
Location: Broadway Market (it’s a street) in Hackney, East London.
Nearest train stop is London Fields on the National Express overground line (from Liverpool St. Station).
Website: www.broadwaymarket.com

The lowdown: What started off as a small neighborhood market has in recent years started to draw in folks from all over the city to pick up vintage clothes, organic meats and cheeses, artisanal cupcakes, and crafts from local boutiques.

It’s small—just one street—but you can easily while away an afternoon snacking and watching the East End fashionistas strutting up and down the road like it’s a catwalk. Finish off the day with a couple pints at one of the two local pubs—Cat & Mutton or the Dove.

Columbia Road Flower Market

What it’s good for: Flowers, plus shopping at independent boutiques.
When to go: Sundays from 8 AM – 4 PM
Location: Columbia Road in Hackney, East London. Nearest tube is Old Street.
Website: www.columbiaroad.info

The lowdown: Noisy, crowded and unmistakably London, this market gives you the best flavor of what market day was probably like in Victorian times. The flower vendors try to out-shout each other with their cockney accents and their impossibly low prices: “Ten roses for a fiver! Ten roses for a fiver! Get ’em before they’re gone!”

The other reason to go is the line of cute boutiques, cupcake shops, perfumeries, and art galleries lining the road, many of which only open their doors on Sundays. Be sure to check out Ryantown, where London artist Rob Ryan sells his quirky wall hangings made of cut paper.

Brick Lane

What it’s good for: Vintage and indie designer clothing, exotic foods.
When to go: Sundays from 10 AM – 6 PM
Location: Brick Lane, East London. Nearest tube is Liverpool Street.
Website: www.sundayupmarket.com

The lowdown: Heaving on weekends and as chaotic as East London gets, with vintage clothes sellers, student fashion designers, ethnic food hawkers and locals with all sorts of bric-a-brac spread out on blankets all vying for your attention.

Two spots not the miss: the Upmarket in the Old Truman Brewery (where most of the clothing is found), and the food vendors in the courtyard behind it—you’ll find everything from Sri Lankan to Mauritian to Mexican (spelled “Maxican” by the Chinese stall owners). Don’t waste your time at the Spitalfields Market next door—it pales in comparison to this raucous party.

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The street’s characteristic slope, beginning at the intersection at Westbourne Grove, makes it very easy for travelers to laze on down, stopping only to gaze into shop windows or to grab a bite.

The largest antiques market in the world

On Saturdays, though, shop doors swing open, and the wares—and shopkeepers—come out to play (weather permitting). The street is blocked off for pedestrians, and the bartering begins!

Need a suit of armor? Or, maybe you just want to look at a few? Portobello Road has ’em, among many more antiques and collectibles like china, jewelry, vintage clothing, old cameras, and books. For a full list of purveyors and their location on the street, visit the official Portobello Market site.

One Cheapo’s trash…

Portobello Road’s dealers aren’t exactly bargain-basement retailers, so you’re not likely to pick up a fabulous antique here for a steal. But there are a few things that Cheapos can take advantage of here.

First, snap a lot of photos. Saturday afternoon here is a sight to be seen. Then, grab a snack from a food vendor and commence wandering. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s easy to while away a good couple of hours here.

But, if you must have a souvenir, might we suggest a book? On our last trip here, for example, we spotted a fabulous used copy of the Mark Haddon novel, “A Spot of Bother”. After chatting with the seller, we snagged it for £5, down from £8. Then, we stopped at the Hummingbird Bakery for a cupcake. Yum.

Do you have a favorite go-to spot on Portobello Road? Let us know in the comment section below.

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It’s no secret that Londoners love literature just about as much as they love their tabloids. When not sifting the mags to find out where Posh and Becks are currently being preposterous, Londoners are usually nose-in-novel on the Underground or while queueing at Sainsbury’s.

Here are just some of the places where we find our favorite wordsmiths in London:

1. Foyle’s bookshop was co-created by two brothers in 1903 after they both failed their civil service exams. The store first sold only textbooks; today it hosts author events (Chuck Palahniuk ring a bell?) and gallery tours at its flagship location in SoHo. It may not be the largest and most exciting shop, but it’s distinguished and impressive.

2. Travel fans (know any of those?) should visit Daunt Travel Bookshop in Hampstead, where it’s rumored that George Orwell once clerked. The bookstore has long been known for its courteous, brilliant staff (owner James Daunt writes reviews for The Times and The Guardian) and though the names that grace their events diary may not be household to us, the talks at Daunt sure do enlighten. Ol’ Jimmy Boy co-hosts many events with another famous lad from around the corner, John Keats.

3. Waterstone’s. If you like your bookstores big and comprehensive, then Waterstone’s is the place for you. The store on Piccadilly has six floors of literary madness. Look for JK Rowling when she signs copies of the next (and last) Harry Potter here in July.

Happy reading!

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