Buck Street Market Camden: Boxpark, Food, Shops & Opening Hours 

Buck Street Market is a three-level shipping container market in Camden Town, London. Opened in 2019 by LabTech, it was rebranded as Boxpark Camden in 2024 after Transport for London acquired the 12,000 sq ft site. Entry is free. It sits 30 seconds from Camden Town tube and hosts 14+ food vendors, independent shops, and weekly events.

Camden has always done things differently. But even by Camden’s standards, Buck Street Market stands out a three-storey stack of recycled shipping containers that turned a forgotten corner of Camden High Street into one of London’s most talked-about food and entertainment destinations. In 2024, it got a new chapter: Boxpark took over, and the venue rebranded as Boxpark Camden.

What Is Buck Street Market Camden?

Buck Street Market is a three-level shipping container market at 180–188 Buck Street, Camden Town, built from 88 recycled shipping containers. Originally opened in 2019 by property developer LabTech, it was acquired by TfL’s property arm Places for London in October 2023 and relaunched as Boxpark Camden in summer 2024.

The structure itself is the first thing that gets people. Three storeys of stacked, retrofitted containers painted, lit, and packed with independent food stalls and retailers rise above the junction of Camden High Street and Buck Street. It was designed to replace a warren of second-hand stalls that previously occupied the site, and to do it with sustainability front of mind.

The original Buck Street Market was Camden Market’s most eco-conscious submarket. Recycled containers, a rooftop garden, and a commitment to compostable packaging were central to its identity. Those foundations remain as Boxpark takes the venue into a more event-led, nightlife-friendly era.

Key facts at a glance:

How Did Buck Street Market Become Boxpark Camden?

LabTech built and operated Buck Street Market from 2019 until October 2023, when TfL’s property arm Places for London acquired the site. In summer 2024, Boxpark assumed long-term operational management and rebranded the venue as Boxpark Camden, with a renovation subject to Camden Council planning permission.

The story behind the transition is more interesting than most guides cover. LabTech the developer behind the wider Camden Market redevelopment including the Stables and Hawley Wharf sold the Buck Street site to Places for London (TfL’s commercial property division) in October 2023. TfL was direct about its reasoning: rental income from the site is intended to contribute toward long-awaited and expensive upgrades to Camden Town Underground station, one of London’s most overcrowded.

LabTech retained management for a six-month handover period before Boxpark formally stepped in. Boxpark which also operates venues in Shoreditch, Croydon, Wembley, and several other UK cities described the project as a “comprehensive renovation to inject a new lease of life” into the location, with a target of supporting over 40 independent food operators and retailers post-renovation.

Daniel Lovatt, director of asset management at Places for London, said the aim was to create a “welcoming and inclusive space for Londoners.” Boxpark CEO Simon Champion called Camden a place of “culture and community” a natural fit for the Boxpark model.

One thing worth noting: some official Camden Market materials still reference “Buck Street Market.” The two names refer to the same site.

What Are Boxpark Camden’s Opening Hours?

Boxpark Camden is open Monday to Thursday 10am–11pm, Friday and Saturday 10am–11:30pm, and Sunday 10am–9pm. Entry is always free. Some ticketed evening events may have separate admission charges check the Boxpark events page before visiting.

These hours differ from the original Buck Street Market schedule and from other Camden sub-markets like Camden Lock. The extended evening hours reflect Boxpark’s event-driven model, which keeps the venue busy long after the food markets have quietened down.

What Are the Best Food Stalls at Buck Street Market (Boxpark Camden)?

Boxpark Camden hosts 14+ food vendors across its three levels, covering global cuisines from Nepalese momos and Greek street food to plant-based smash burgers and Yorkshire pudding wraps. Most meals are priced between £8–£15. There is no minimum spend, and entry to browse is completely free.

This is where most competitors fall short publishing outdated vendor lists from the LabTech era. Here’s what’s actually there now:

What Does Food Cost at Boxpark Camden?

Typical meals range from £8 to £15. A specific deal to know about: Yorkshire Burrito’s Lunchbox is priced at £10 (available Monday to Wednesday, 12pm–3pm) and includes a burrito, a free side, and a drink one of the best value options on site.

What Are the Best Shops at Buck Street Market?

Boxpark Camden’s retail units focus on independent designers, handmade jewellery, vintage clothing, and collectables. Shopping is free to browse. Unlike chain-heavy retail centres, every shop at Boxpark Camden is an independent business.

Current shops include:

• Mins Retro Vintage Clothing  curated vintage and retro fashion
• Duru London  contemporary independent clothing
• EFE Craft  bespoke custom hoodies and printed apparel
• Pupup Permanent Jewellery  a standout: on-site permanent jewellery welding (no clasp, welded directly onto your wrist)
• Mahsa Jewellery and Janti Jewel  handmade statement pieces
• Pop Specs  independent eyewear
• Billy’s Collectables  vintage collectables and memorabilia
• Coaster House  pop culture coasters and prints
• MBB Accessories & Apparel  accessories and clothing
• London Souvenirs  London-themed gifts

The original Buck Street Market placed heavy emphasis on sustainable and upcycled fashion. Under Boxpark, the retail mix continues to champion independents over chains.

What’s Happening on the Rooftop at Boxpark Camden?

Boxpark Camden’s rooftop level offers the highest open-air space at any Camden sub-market, with alfresco seating, bar access, and a regular programme of live events. The original rooftop garden from the Buck Street Market era provided a community growing space above Camden High Street.

The rooftop was one of Buck Street Market’s most distinctive features a working garden above a food market in inner London. Under Boxpark, the events programme has expanded significantly. Regular rooftop-accessible events include:

• Live Buskers  every Saturday, 2pm–6pm (free entry)
• On The Decks  DJ sets every Saturday, 6–11pm (free entry)
• Soulful Sundays  Sunday sessions 6–9pm (free entry)
• Friday Feelings  DJs and street food vibes, Fridays 6–11pm (ticketed)
• Big Fat Quizbox  weekly quiz nights, Wednesdays 7–9pm (ticketed)
• Hip-Hop Karaoke  monthly (free entry)
• Rumba Latina  Cuban salsa classes, monthly (ticketed)
• Icons tribute nights  ticketed, check listings

Most weekly events are free. Ticketed events typically range from £5–£15; check Eventbrite or the Boxpark Camden events page for current pricing.

Is Buck Street Market Camden the Most Sustainable Market in Camden?

Buck Street Market was built using 88 recycled shipping containers and launched with a zero single-use plastic policy, compostable packaging across all traders, and a community vegetable co-op on its rooftop garden. It was widely described as London’s first purpose-built eco-conscious street market.

The sustainability credentials that defined the original Buck Street Market included:

• 88 recycled shipping containers as the building structure
• Zero single-use plastic policy for all food traders
• Compostable and recyclable packaging mandatory across the site
• Rooftop community vegetable co-op on the top level
• Energy generated from food waste processing on site
• All food traders required to offer vegan and vegetarian options

These features were baked into LabTech’s original vision. As Boxpark’s renovation continues, check current sustainability commitments directly with the venue, as specific policies may evolve.

How Do You Get to Buck Street Market Camden?

Buck Street Market (Boxpark Camden) is located at 180–188 Buck Street, NW1 8QP. Camden Town Underground station (Northern line) is a 30-second walk away making it the closest of all Camden’s sub-markets to the tube. It is also the most accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs, with lifts between all three levels.

Getting there is genuinely simple:

• Tube: Camden Town (Northern line)  exit the station, turn right, and it’s immediately in front of you
• Bus: Multiple routes stop on Camden High Street directly outside
• Cycling: Santander Cycles docking stations nearby on Camden High Street
• Walking: 10–12 minutes from Chalk Farm station (Northern line); 15 minutes from Kentish Town

Because the building has three levels, Boxpark Camden has lifts connecting each floor making it notably more accessible than Camden Lock Market or the Stables, which involve uneven cobblestones and stairs.

Buck Street Market vs. Camden Lock vs. Stables Market: Which Should You Visit?

Each of Camden’s four main sub-markets serves a different need. Buck Street Market (Boxpark Camden) is best for street food, evening events, and quick visits closest to the tube. Camden Lock suits canal-side dining and handmade crafts. The Stables is best for vintage. Hawley Wharf works well for families and later sit-down dining.

If you have limited time, Boxpark Camden is the most efficient stop: high food density, easy access, and free events most evenings.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Buck Street Market the same as Boxpark Camden?
Yes. Buck Street Market rebranded as Boxpark Camden in summer 2024 after Boxpark took over operational management from TfL’s property arm, Places for London. The physical site at 180–188 Buck Street is unchanged.

When did Buck Street Market originally open?
LabTech opened Buck Street Market in 2019 as part of a wider Camden Market redevelopment. Boxpark relaunched the site in 2024 after Places for London acquired it in October 2023.

How many shipping containers make up Buck Street Market?
The three-level structure is built from 88 recycled shipping containers, spread across the 12,000 sq ft site.

Is entry to Boxpark Camden free?
Yes. General entry is always free. Some evening events (such as Friday Feelings and Big Fat Quizbox) require tickets, which typically cost £5–£15 per person.

What time does Boxpark Camden open?
Boxpark Camden opens at 10am every day. Closing times are 11pm Monday to Thursday, 11:30pm Friday and Saturday, and 9pm on Sundays.

Is Boxpark Camden good for vegans?
Yes. All food traders are required to offer vegan and vegetarian options a policy carried over from the original Buck Street Market. Vendors like Jhol Momo, Elia, Birria Taco, and Poptata all have strong plant-based options.

Does Boxpark Camden have a rooftop bar?
Yes. The rooftop level has bar access and hosts a regular programme of live events, including free DJ nights every Saturday and Sunday sessions weekly.

What is the closest tube station to Buck Street Market?
Camden Town (Northern line) is 30 seconds away the closest of any Camden Market sub-market to an Underground station.

Is Boxpark Camden wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The three-level structure includes lifts between all floors, making it the most accessible of Camden’s market sites.

Why did TfL buy Buck Street Market from LabTech?
Places for London (TfL’s commercial property arm) acquired the site in October 2023 to generate rental income. TfL stated that this income is intended to contribute toward funding long-awaited upgrades to the congested Camden Town Underground station.