Borough Market, located in the Southwark neighborhood on the south bank of the Thames, is London's most famous and oldest food market. Close to shard, a stone's throw from London Bridge and the Tower of London and the cruiser HMS Belfast, Borough Market is ideally located. A visit to the market is a festival of colors and flavors but also the assurance of tasting exceptional products.
A brief history of Borough Market
In the 11th century the food market moved to London Bridge, not far from the Thames from where cereals, vegetables, fish arrive by boat… Then, in the 13th century, it was transferred to Borough High Street where it still stands.
On the strength of its success, the market attracts a lot of people and causes traffic problems in the street. Following these inconveniences, Parliament then decided to close it in 1755. But residents, anxious to keep their market, raised £ 6000 to acquire a piece of land and reopen the market the following year.
In 1860, Borough Market was completely renovated and in the 30s a magnificent art deco style glass roof was built.
Borough Market: an exceptional market
Today Borough Market is an autumn market run by volunteer administrators. This Victorian covered market, located under the railway viaduct, attracts both bobo London clientele and tourists looking for an authentic experience.
Borough Market traders are located at three locations: Three Crown Square, Green Market, and Jubilee Market. In total, more than 130 traders (bakery, fishmonger, butcher, etc.) offer exceptional British or international products. Here, we favor short circuits: many producers and breeders come to sell their products, some of which come from organic farming.
It is no coincidence that great chefs like Jamie Oliver or Alain Ducasse come to shop there!
Gourmets will be seduced by this market where they can contemplate, smell and taste many products: French, Swiss, British cheeses, delicious Colchester oysters, Japanese tea, Italian olive oil… the list is still long. If you want to know all the stands before your arrival, I advise you to consult the Official website de Borough Market.
But quality comes at a price! Indeed, shopping at Borough Market is not synonymous with saving money! I recommend you try the take out stalls in Jubilee Place where the portions are generous and tasty. Street food lovers will be delighted and will feast on world cuisine (India, Thailand, British…) cooked from market products.
A festival of flavors not to be missed. Benches and tables are available to quietly enjoy your dishes.
Jubilee Place is a great place to eat well and inexpensively. Personally, I tested a pie (pie) from Pieminister and I guarantee you that for £ 4 I was well prepared !!
In the streets around the market, there are also food shops, pubs, nice restaurants (I'll let you guess where they do their shopping !!) and trendy clothing stores (Paul Smith, Sandro…).
My tip for good and free food at Borough Market !!
A good plan is to get to Borough Market before lunchtime to avoid the crowds and to be able to move easily in the aisles. The best time is to come on weekdays from 11:00 a.m.
Many stalls offer free tastings: Comté, olives, cold meats, wine and many other dishes! There is so much to taste that you can easily fill your stomach!
Take the opportunity to go to the fromagerie Neal’s Yard Dairy which is a few meters from the market, to taste excellent English and Irish cheeses such as cheddar, stilton, little rollright and many more for free!
This tip is a great free plan that will allow you to taste great quality products without spending a penny!
You will find our French specialties but also Scottish, English, Spanish, Italian… and even exotic!
What are Borough Market's opening hours?
Where is Borough Market located?
Address : 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL
Website
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