I’ve discovered a new favourite way to spend a Friday evening or weekend morning in Brighton, and I think you’ll enjoy it, too. After work or my early Saturday morning gym class, I’ll make a beeline for Brighton Open Market to eat my way around the world.
I won’t lie, it feels oddly exciting and surprising to be writing this now. When I moved to the city 15 or so years ago, the market felt drab and down-at-heel. Back then, it was an uninviting, uncovered jumble of stalls. Fast forward a few years and it’s naturally evolved into one of the most interesting corners of Brighton.
And right now, there’s a real buzz around it. Since it announced it was staying open late on Fridays, it feels like a turning point. Suddenly this isn’t a place to shop in the daytime, but somewhere to eat, drink and hang out after dark, too.
So, if like me, you enjoy discovering where locals go when you travel, and are planning a weekend in Brighton, you’ll want to add Brighton Open Market to your list.
Brighton Open Market Guide
Tucked in the London Road community opposite The Level, this century-old market is in the throes of a transformation. You only need to look at some of its newer arrivals to see it.
Hip little spots like Lunch, Tony’s Pizza and The Drop wine bar have joined the old-school fruit and veg stalls and cafés. While new Friday late opening hours give us a reason to come here after dark.
But this isn’t another polished food hall that could be in London, Porto or Seville. You can still come here to buy your fruit and veg, pick up a joint of meat for Sunday lunch or sit down for a proper fry-up. It’s an exciting foodie destination but is still somewhere locals come to shop.
What I love most about it is the mix. There are lots of little permanent traders, while the central space hosts pop up events. This means the line-up is always shifting and smaller producers have room to try new things.
And it’s also so much more than a food market; it’s becoming a little hub of Brighton life. Artists and makers have studios here, a local radio station broadcasts from here – there’s even a workout studio.
Quick history of Brighton Open Market
People have been trading on this site for almost a century. Barrow traders first began using it in 1926, with permanent stalls following in 1938.
By the 1970s, the market had begun a long period of decline. In 2010, the Council transformed it as part of a regeneration of the wider London Road area. In 2014, it reopened with the covered design we see today, with a central market square and stalls.
Despite the shiny new building, it took a while for the market to find its feet. Now, more than a decade later, it finally feels as though it has – I’m excited to say.
Why Visit Brighton Open Market?
To me, one of the great things about Brighton Open Market is that it’s a snapshot of ‘real’ Brighton. Brighton seafront and The Lanes are lovely, but they get crowded. If you follow along with my site, you’d know I’d Rather Be Punched in the Face Than Go on Brighton Pier in Summer.
A visit to the Open Market is an excellent way to soak up the authentic Brighton vibe without the hordes. You won’t have to share the space with other tourists. Here, it’s more likely you’ll be sipping coffee with locals stocking up on pastries, a bottle of wine or ingredients for Sunday lunch.
Don’t come expecting a polished food-hall feel or Instagram-bait installation. This place still feels like a proper market rather than a destination. It’s first and foremost a space for independent food businesses, artists, makers and traditional traders to experiment and earn a living. Yes, it’s a little scruffy around the edges. I hope it stays that way.
Best places to eat and drink at Brighton Open Market
Half of the fun of Brighton Open Market is that you can eat your way around the world from Greece to India without leaving the market. I also love that it’s all well priced. Because this is a working market rather than a polished food hall, you can eat brilliantly without the city-centre mark-up. Everything you try is good, but these are some of my favourite places:
Bayit – for bagels
When Bayit opened with its pretty pink façade in 2025, the queue snaked around the block for weeks. It’s still going strong, serving hungry Brightonians fresh bagels made daily piled with fillings like smoked salmon and cream cheese, salt beef and pickles. When they’re gone, they’re gone.
Kouzina – for homemade Greek food
If ever I’m hankering after a trip to Greece, I’ll come to this cosy restaurant until I can get my fix. They serve generous portions of proper unfussy homemade Greek food like moussaka, stuffed aubergines, pork meatballs and lemon and meze platters. All delicious.
Little Loaf Bakery – for croissants
If I visit on a weekend, my morning starts here – for croissants. I’ve tried a lot in the city, but these are my favourite. Crisp and flaky on the outside, buttery and soft inside, the best in Brighton and dare I say it, better than you get in France.
Casa Azul – for tacos
This colourful, no-frills spot sells the best tacos in Brighton, hands down. They come in five flavour-packed styles – think slow-cooked pork, beef, chicken, veggie and vegan options. Don’t skip their homemade salsa on the side.
Streets Café – for a proper fry-up
A proper greasy spoon, Streets Cafe is the kind of caff that’s becoming harder to find in Brighton. This much-loved local spot has been tucked into a corner of the market for years, serving no-nonsense breakfasts to regulars. Go for the full English.
The Drop – for natural wine
The only bar in Brighton Open Market, The Drop specialises in natural, low-intervention wines, with a changing list of reds, whites, oranges and pét-nats, alongside craft beer and a few spirits. On late nights, this place gets packed.
Tony’s Pizza – by the slice
The second outpost from Brighton’s newest pizza spot, Original Tony’s, has landed at the Open Market. It serves pizza by the slice, making it an easy stop for a quick lunch while you’re wandering the stalls.
Lazy Bird – for matcha and vinyl
One of the more unexpected arrivals is Lazy Bird, inspired by Japan’s jazz listening cafés. Come for coffee, stay for the music — there’s a serious vinyl collection, regular listening sessions and a focus on playing full albums.
If you’re planning to eat your way around more of the city, see my favourite places to eat in Brighton to find out which restaurants, cafes and local spots I keep going back to from casual to splurgy.
Best shops in Brighton Open Market
Although it’s a great food destination, it’s still a proper local market. People like me come here to do their shopping – not just to indulge in tacos and natural wines. So, once you’ve had your fill, have a wander around the stalls, too.
Stop in at the Egg Shop for eggs (obviously) plus an excellent selection of local cheeses, and Guru for world foods for tubs of homemade dhal and a steaming sweet cup of chai.
Next, head to The Butcher’s Cat for ethically reared meat or one of their juicy pulled brisket and pork rolls for lunch, and Green Valleys for honey.
And it’s not all about groceries. Keep on wandering and you’ll find independent shops, like the lovely plant shop, Rooted, alongside places selling vintage clothes, vinyl and haberdashery.
At weekends, the market is also home to what claims to be Brighton’s smallest bookshop, popping up on a single stall. It stocks a good range of second-hand paperback and is one of my favourite secret Brighton discoveries.
Other things to do at Brighton Open Market
Food is only part of the story at Brighton Open Market. The market has also become a home for some of Brighton’s creative and community life.
Upstairs on the mezzanine is my friend, Anniek Verholt’s lovely art studio. She’s a super talented contemporary artist and a therapeutic arts practitioner who runs workshops and one-to-one sessions.
Elsewhere, you’ll also find RadioReverb, Brighton’s community radio station. If the red light outside is on, there’s a live broadcast taking place. Look up from here to catch a barre class in full swing through the windows of a studio overlooking the stalls.
And finally, let’s not forget the packed calendar of events which makes a visit even more exciting. From live music and hands-on workshops to seasonal celebrations, like the Japan Festival I recently stumbled on, featuring street food and traditional games.
When is the best time to visit Brighton Open Market?
For me, Saturday morning. It’s when the market feels most alive. If you’re coming for the food, arrive late morning to give time for a wander before deciding what to have for lunch.
Friday evenings, too. This is when the market stays open later and takes on a different feel after dark.
The market itself is open seven days a week, but individual traders keep their own hours. Check before setting off if there’s somewhere particular you want to visit.
How to get to Brighton Open Market
You’ll find Brighton Open Market at Marshalls Row, Brighton BN1 4JU. It sits between London Road and Ditchling Road, opposite The Level green space.
Brighton mainline station and London Road station are both around a 10-minute walk away. London Road car park on Providence Place is about two minutes away.
If you’re exploring Brighton on foot, I’d combine a visit with the London Road neighbourhood. From here, it’s easy to wander down to the North Laine, Brighton’s most famous neighbourhood.
Or you could cross The Level and carry on towards Hanover, Brighton’s hilliest neighbourhood, known for its pubs.
Is Brighton Open Market worth visiting?
Absolutely, if you’d like to discover Brighton like a local beyond the obvious seafront, Pavilion and The Lanes.
What makes Brighton Open Market interesting isn’t that it’s the prettiest market in Britain. It’s that after a century of trading, it has found a new identity without losing the old one.
It’s a market, food destination, creative space and neighbourhood meeting place all in one. Come for the croissants and tacos, stay for a glass of natural wine and leave with your weekly food shop.
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