New markets in Islington are like buses – you wait for ages, then two come at once.

On Saturday, Cally Market in Caledonian Road, Holloway, pitched up for the first time while Camden Passage Market in Islington launched on Sunday.

On the cobbled stretch of Islington High Street leading to Camden Passage, stalls were encouraged after shopping guru Mary Portas praised the area in her Government review.

Shoppers rifled through a range of craft, food and clothes stalls to pick up pre-Christmas bargains.

Meanwhile on Caledonian Road, throngs of punters braved the rain to buy home-made cakes, fresh farm foods, Greek treats and Cally Market mugs and bags.

Lousie Brewood, who created and developed the market, said: “It all went really well, especially considering the torrential rain. It was pouring down while the stallholders were setting up and we were a bit worried, but people came anyway and as soon as it dried out we were packed. All the stalls sold plenty and it was a great success.”