East London's vibrant food scene is set for a major new addition, as plans for a permanent weekly night market in Leyton have been officially approved. The market, run by organisers Leyton Calling, is scheduled to open every weekend from February 2026.
From Pop-Up to Permanent Fixture
Currently operating as a festive pop-up, the venture has now received the green light from Waltham Forest Council to establish a long-term presence. The market will be situated in an old car park near Leyton Midland Station, transforming an underused space into a weekend destination. Owner Danny Saunders launched the initial concept in December 2025, featuring a rotating roster of food vendors and weekly DJ sets.
Saunders stated his vision was to fuse the dynamic energy of international night markets with the distinctive character of East London's nightlife. The market will operate on weekends between 5pm and 11pm, a schedule designed to minimise noise and disruption for local residents, though one objection was raised regarding potential music disturbance.
What to Expect at the Leyton Night Market
Visitors can look forward to a diverse culinary offering, with previous vendors serving everything from tacos and steaks to pizza. The experience will be bolstered by a range of drinks, games, and live entertainment from both bands and DJs. Additionally, weekly changing goods stalls will provide shopping opportunities.
As part of its successful application, Leyton Calling also secured the right to open as early as midday to accommodate future seasonal events and special pop-up occasions, hinting at ambitious plans beyond the regular weekend format.
Next Steps and How to Stay Updated
While an exact opening date in February 2026 is yet to be announced, the organisers will be sharing all the latest developments through their social media channels. This new market promises to offer a lively alternative to London's more tourist-heavy food hubs, focusing on local flavour and community atmosphere.
