After a stomping launch weekend in May, Oval Night Market – East London’s new nocturnal street bazaar – is back Friday 21 and Saturday 22 June. In true NYC block party style, the market sees the streets around The Oval (Bethnal Green) closed to traffic with over twenty foodies, makers, artists and creatives hawking their wares against the iconic gasworks cityscape with a soundtrack of DJs and live music.
The series of DIY street socials take place over four weekends this summer in a formerly “no-go” area that’sfast becoming a hub for nightlife and creative businesses in the heart of East London. Attendees can expect a relaxed party atmosphere, with DJs spinning golden era hip-hop, dusty disco, funk and soul and live street bands.
Street food delights come from a fresh selection of urban eateries. Sample some fiery Thai from Yaay Yaay, naughty plant-based cheese steaks care of Jake’s Vegan Steaks, Gnocchi At 84 serving home-made Italian and sacrilegiously good burgers from Holy Cow. Something sweet? Then how’s about hot doughnut sundaes from Treats Club or indulgent plant-based ice cream from Black Milq. Arrive hungry!
This month’s makers line-up is on-point, featuring legendary East London street artist Nathan Bowen, screen print collective East London Print Makers and original art from Tomartacus. Grab some wares from the amazing artisans in attendance including Lagöm, Harris & Hall and Sakina Saidi, plus an array of jewellery and fashion from Idioma, Dainty London and Ellezena, and many more. Shopping bags at the ready!
Some cheeky weekend drinks are on offer too with the Mixology Brothers hand-crafting cocktails, including bespoke Margaritas, Espresso Martini pick-me-ups and their signature Jungle Bird punch. Pin-Up Brewery return with their retro Airstream trailer serving tasty independent suds from the likes of London Brewing, Tiny Rebel, Belleville and Five Points. Glug!
FULL SERIES DATES & TIMES
21 + 22 June | 12+ 13 July | 9 + 10 August · Fridays 5pm – 11pm · Saturdays 3pm – 11pm
FULL TRADERS LIST (alphabetical order)
FOOD: Black Milq, Gnocchi At 84, Holy Cow, Jake’s Vegan Steaks, Yaay Yaay, Treats Club
MAKERS & ARTISTS: Becci Callow, East London Print Makers, Coco Ginger, Dainty London, Ellezena, Harris & Hall, Idioma, Jade Gullop, Lagōm, Nathan Bowen, Near The Moon, Pretty Bee Fresh, Sakina Saidi, Tomartacus (+ more TBA)
DRINKS: Mixology Brothers, Pin-Up Brewery
Address: The Oval, Cambridge Heath, London, E2 9DU
Transport: Cambridge Heath Overground (2 mins) | Bethnal Green Tube (10 mins) Entry: free