If the thought of paninis overflowing with cheese, donuts oozing vanilla cream and fresh delicious oysters appeal to you, then add ‘Borough Market’ to your list of places to visit.
Borough market has a more than 1000 year trading history, dating back to 1014.
The capital’s largest and oldest market is open six days a week, attracting people from all walks of life, with one shared love… food! This is the place for those who appreciate artisan produce, fresh foods and locally sourced groceries at their finest.
1,000 Years Of Trading
Borough market has a long history, dating back to 1014, having always centered around London Bridge. Originally its close proximity to the River Thames made it a welcoming port for receiving produce.
Today this farmer’s market sells all manner of goods to tourists, locals and workers. While the market itself may be quintessentially British, it celebrates foods from all corners of the globe, and as such welcomes all nationalities to its famous streets.
You will find stalls and shops dotted around Three Crown Square and Green Market… but the best advice is to follow your nose! Borough market is best discovered by foot, as you fleet from fishmonger to cheese-maker, all within steps of each other.
Borough Market Food
First and foremost, Borough Market offers great fresh produce, including many organic fruit and vegetables. Barter your way around grocery stalls, fishmongers (try Applebee’s) and butchers, where they are happy to recommend specialities of the day, or ‘must-try’ products. Bring lots of change with you, as some stalls will charge extra for credit cards.
There’s plenty of choice for vegetarians and vegans too. But there are also exotic choices like ostrich, kangaroo and crocodile burger.
Although in no way cheaper than a supermarket, this is a great place to stock up on quality and specialist foods, handy if you’re staying in a self-serviced apartment and you’re looking to cater for yourself. There’s many treats to be discovered here that you wont’ find in mainstream stores.
The Lunch Club
From midday onwards local workers spill onto Borough’s streets to eat al fresco. Spain’s Brindisa range is extremely popular, serving delicious cuts of Iberico ham and manchego cheese. Do as the locals and join the queues (a favourite British pastime!) for a hot chorizo roll, best enjoyed on the steps outside.
If you’re feeling extravagant then treat yourself to an oyster from Richard Haward’s Oysters – the company dates back to 1792 and is a firm favourite with visitors. Another popular lunchtime bite comes courtesy of Mountains’ Boston Sausage – not the American Boston, but the Lincolnshire kind! While you’re there, treat yourself to a sausage roll or sausage pie, yum!
There’s plenty of choice for vegetarians and vegans too. Look out for ‘The Big V’ serving up mouth-watering burgers and bites – the ‘Facon burger’ comes recommended. Meanwhile, the Gourmet Goat serves a selection of Mediterranean dishes, try the halloumi piaf for something unusual.
You won’t want to miss ‘Bread Ahead’ – home to its very own Bakery School, you can expect pristine pastries and fresh donuts filled with creams, custards and fruits.
Want to bring back a gift for your loved ones? The Cinnamon Tree Bakery produces artisan biscuits with a fun selection to choose from – skeletons, skulls, butterflies and bunnies to name a few.
Say Cheese!
Melted cheese, dripping cheese, shaved straight from the barrel cheese! It’s fair to say, Borough market pays homage to cheese with a smorgasbord of choice on offer. Start at ‘Alsop and Walker’ – their ‘Lord London’ is award winning and was even served at the Royal Wedding!
For something local, Neal’s Yard Dairy dates back to 1970 and continues to attract crowds with more than 70 specialist cheeses from the UK and Ireland. Finally, there’s lots of European cheesemakers too – from Bianca e Mora (Northern Italy) to The Borough Cheese company (France) and one of the big favourite – Mons Cheesemongers from France.
Wash it Down…
There’s lots of pubs and bars in Borough market. A proper old favourite, the Market Porter serves real ales and ciders with many visitors spilling outside when the weather is nice. It’s especially busy with an after-work crowd on Friday night’s.
Meanwhile the Lord Clyde offers a more modern feel to it, as does the cosy Southwalk Tavern, where you can still see Georgian touches in its wonderful architecture.
Getting there
The full address is: Borough Market, 8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL. The nearest tube station is ‘Borough market’ or London Bridge. It’s also a nice 20 minute scenic walk from London Waterloo
Borough market opening hours
- There’s a limited market on Monday’s and Tuesday’s, while the rest of the week offers a full market.
- Monday to Thursday the market is open from 10am to 5pm.
- Friday’s the market is open from 10am to 6pm.
- Saturdays’ the market is open from 8am to 5pm.
- The market is closed on Sundays – except throughout December.
More Street Photography from Borough Market
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