Greenwich serves up unexpected treasures to compare with any of London’s best markets. Whether it’s colourful ceramics, resourceful recycled fashion or a galaxy of gourmet treats from the Global Food Market, there are plenty of sparkling surprises to reward the curious.

Antiques and curios are a given at many London markets, but Greenwich has some aces in its pack. Take Tom’s Guitar Shop, for example: collectors can feel the fretwork on a vintage custom Fender Stratocaster, or strum a few chords on an acoustic Serenader from 1964.

For something uniquely British, try Teabird, where quirky teaware from the past two centuries is transformed into pure-burning soy candles.

Fashionistas have long seen Greenwich Market as a sure bet for handmade and distinctive pieces. Creatives such as silversmith Laura Lees Morgan find their natural home in this bustling community. Morgan’s jewellery is crafted from sterling silver and solid gold – every piece a unique testament to her talents and her customers’ tastes. Mai Thai is another rare pearl, selling shawls and scarves hand woven from luxurious Thai silk. While Sky X Ltd offers affordable and unique screen printed London T-shirts. And shoe lovers take note, Embassy London has an outlet here.

Greenwich is also known as one of the best markets in London to purchase some fresh art and photography. Piau Art showcases the vibrant paintings and prints of Malaysian-born artist, Ching Piau Khoo – mostly inspired by the natural world. Abuda Glass works with different materials, bringing the unique practice of lampwork glass art to the London market scene.

Health and beauty are also richly represented in Greenwich, with plenty of niche creators making products that reflect their own journeys and philosophies. Shea Geniius, for instance, produces a unique, African ‘black soap’ that leaves skin silky smooth and has won legions of fans. Its unique products are all handmade by Aku, who puts her heart and soul into everything she makes.

And then there’s something few expect in a traditional market – the fabulously indulgent treatments and detox programs of the divine Greenwich Spa.

Perhaps no part of Greenwich Market offers so many rare delights as the Global Food Market. While wood-fired pizza, artisanal coffee and decadent pastries are a matter of course, unexpected street food abounds in stalls and shops such as Addis Taste – which offers Ethiopian specialities like doro wat (spicy chicken stew) and injera (sour, spongy bread) – Persian Delights, where joojeh kebab and sosis Bandari perfume the air – or the more local, Oysters Brothers, where North Sea oysters are freshly shucked and served with a slice of lemon.