10 Bustling Food Markets to Explore in Birmingham, UK

From a medieval market town to a booming centre of metalwork and trade during the Industrial Revolution, Birmingham has been a melting pot of commerce and culture in England for centuries, earning its nickname as "The City of a Thousand Trades". From Peaky Blinders to Black Sabbath and J.R.R. Tolkien, Birmingham's diverse, multicultural heritage continues to inspire today, culminating in a renowned culinary scene of international flavours and thriving food markets.

Throughout Birmingham, you'll find bustling fine food markets and modern street food events held every day of the week. Whether you're looking for organic local produce at Moseley Farmers Market, innovative street food at Digbeth Dining Club, or a German winter wonderland at Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham's markets offer an inspiring fusion of international and local cuisine you won't forget. 

The Bull Ring has been a central trading hub for over 850 years and is home to three of the best and most well-known markets in Birmingham: The Bull Ring Open Market, The Indoor Market and The Rag Market.

Bull Ring Open Market is one of the oldest food markets in Birmingham, located in the heart of the city, near Birmingham New Street station and central Birmingham hotels. With over 130 stalls specialising in fresh fruits and vegetables, this open-air food market sits under covered awnings and is the perfect place to browse local produce, no matter the weather. Head to the Bull Ring Indoor Market, one of England's largest seafood markets, for fresh fish, exotic fruits, meats and poultry. Wander over the road to the Bull Ring Rag Market, an expansive 350-stall space selling bargain fashion and fabrics, vintage gifts and household goods, and grab a bite to eat at their selection of street food trucks. 

These vibrant markets are exceedingly popular with locals and tourists alike. The market opening times vary throughout the week, so come early to avoid crowds. Better yet, stay around the corner at ibis Birmingham New Street Station and arrive before 11am for the best produce selection. 

Good to know

• Bull Ring Open Market open Tuesday to Saturday, 9am-5pm
• Bull Ring Indoor Market open Monday to Saturday, 9am-5:30pm
• Bull Ring Rag Market open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 9am-5pm
• All three markets located on Edgbaston Street, near Birmingham New Street station

Digbeth Dining Club, DDC for short, are pioneers of the renowned Birmingham street food scene, promising "Good Food, Good Vibes and Good People". Starting in 2012 with pop-up markets around the city, these street food giants now run four permanent venues, each capturing the eclectic, experimental vibe of their touring street food markets, which still travel the West Midlands throughout the year.

Hockley Social Club is the DDC's permanent home in Birmingham's jewellery quarter, showcasing rotating vendors, live music, Sunday morning markets, and an in-house record store. Herbert's Yard is their second permanent locale, a dynamic community space with gourmet food, craft drinks and an outdoor beer garden. Sample the best street food Birmingham has to offer, such as Urban Cheesecake, Buddha Belly, Patty Freaks and Bourneville Waffle Co. Familiar haunts include Solihull, Warwick Castle, Coventry and Sutton Coldfield. When in Digbeth, check out the Custard Factory for more bars, pop-up restaurants, independent stores and some classic Indian street food, and stay at the Adagio Birmingham City Centre for access to this lively downtown area.

Good to know

• Hockley Social Club, on Hampton Street
• Open Thursday 5pm-midnight, Saturday noon-1am, Sunday noon-7pm
• Herbert’s Yard, on Austin Way, Rednal
• Open Thursday 4pm-10pm, Friday & Saturday noon-11pm, Sunday noon-8pm
• Pop-up DDC markets throughout the year

Voted the best farmers market in the UK in 2023 for the fourth time, this bustling market is a must-visit for farm-fresh food from organic local producers. With over 60 vendors, it specialises in keeping it local and sustainable, with all produce reared, grown and processed within 50 miles of Moseley.

Sample handmade gourmet pies from Brocklebys, try the traditional spit-roast from Heath Farm, and grab a sourdough doughnut from Taartie. Browse the stalls for cheese, local honey, artisanal baked goods, craft drinks, and a seasonal selection of organic fruits, vegetables and meats. The market is run 100% by volunteers, with all proceeds going back to the local farming community, and you can even pop across the road to check out the Moseley Arts Market when you're done. 

Good to know

• Last Saturday of the month, all year round
• Open 9am-2pm
• Located in the centre of Moseley Village Green
• 10 min drive/bus south of Birmingham

Kings Heath is a vibrant and trendy suburb 25 minutes south of Birmingham. On the first Saturday of the month, you'll find the Kings Heath Farmers Market selling organic produce, local cheeses, cakes and jams, showcasing many of the same vendors as the Moseley Farmers Market. Curds & Whey is a must-stop for cheese lovers, and Roukes Pies are a local favourite. The second Sunday of the month hosts the Kings Heath Artisan Market, where you can find cakes, jewellery, plants and local crafts. Try Odi and Moo's sorbet on a hot day and fresh treats from Featherstone's Bakery.

If you're not here at the weekend, don't worry. The District Marketplace, an open-market food hall with five rotating kitchens, is open seven days a week, currently showcasing Unami Asian street food and Get Clucked chicken, to name a few. And if you're here in September, look out for the annual Kings Heath Street Festival for an extravagant end-of-summer party of local food, drinks, music and fun.

Good to know

• 1st Saturday of the month: Kings Heath Farmers Market
• 2nd Sunday of the month: Kings Heath Artisan Market
• Open every day: District Marketplace Food Hall
• Annually in September: Kings Heath Street Festival

One of the largest wholesale markets in Europe, with both locally sourced and international produce, this immense market sells fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood and meats to retailers across the Midlands. Known for its dairy and cheese selection, you can also browse an incredible display of fresh-cut seasonal flowers and plants, with orders delivered directly to your door. This industrial market is not suitable for children or pets, but it's perfect for anyone looking for high-quality bulk produce for weddings or large events.

Good to know

• Located 15 min south of the city centre
• Accessible from Witton Road or Holford Drive
• Open Monday to Friday 3:30am-11:30am, Saturday 3:30am-9:30am

Don't be fooled by the name. Frankfurt Christmas Market is Birmingham's biggest annual Christmas event and the largest authentic German Christmas market outside Germany and Austria. This spectacular market hosts nearly 200 stalls selling handcrafted wooden gifts, glass ornaments and traditional German delicacies under twinkling Christmas lights.

Warm up with a stein of Glühwein, a hearty Weißbier or a steaming hot chocolate. Try classic Christmas market food like sizzling bratwurst, salted pretzels and a slice of traditional Christmas Stollen while listening to live music and watching the enchanting merry-go-round. This fabulous market is busiest on Friday and Saturday evenings, so arrive early to wander around this winter wonderland. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and traditional delicacies, while remembering to drink responsibly and savour the seasonal delights.

Good to know

• Open 2nd November to 24th December
• Located at Victoria Square and New Street
• Monday to Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday 11am-9:30pm, Saturday 10am-9:30pm, Sunday 10am-9pm

The last on our list is Colmore Food Festival, an incredible two-day outdoor event at St Philip's Cathedral grounds. Showcasing food and drinks from top independent street food traders, local coffee shops, bars and businesses, this annual event caters to all palates, offering vegan, raw and vegetarian options alongside live music and local entertainment. Highlights from this year include local Loki wines, Rosa's Thai Cafe and cocktails from The Alchemist.

Good to know

• Free to attend
• Held annually in July
• At St Philip's Cathedral in Birmingham city centre

Birmingham is a truly multicultural city, a hub for both local and international flavours. A tour of Birmingham's diverse markets will give you a taste (pun intended) of this vibrant city's illustrious past and its innovative, creative culinary future.