I’ve had great intentions to visit the Borough Market, unsuccessfully until my last trip to London. An added bonus was to catch up with 2 London based friends who adore food as much as I do. My first failed attempt 14 years ago I was staying in Windsor experiencing horrendous weather including snow and felt I would rather sit by the log fire in the local pub then venture out.
At last, I have remedied my previous oversights and I was not disappointed, by either the destination or the company.
Dutifully doing some research I was intrigued to find that there has been a market on the site of today’s Borough Market for over 1000 years. There has been ups and downs along the way, but a solid performance since the 1990’s with the rise of artisan producers.
The markets area is smaller than anticipated, but a great use of space, no matter where you turn there is something to catch your eye, great satisfaction for all of us who love food and fresh produce.
Some stalls carry only one or two products such as the Mont d’Or and Comte stall. All my Mont d’Or dreams had come true.
Who knew Porcini mushrooms could be found fresh and at such a reasonable price? Porcini are not native to Australia, supply is limited and generally rather expensive.
You can purchase your more regular favourites of fruit and vegetables, there is definitely a flair for displaying produce by all stall holders making everything incredibly inviting.
Whether you’re looking for specialist truffle, quail, fish, sea urchins perhaps, you are sure to find it at the Borough Markets.
Take your time and wander around, there are plenty of places to rest and enjoy a cup of tea, coffee or a spot of lunch. I do recommend you allow 2-3 hours just to meander and enjoy.
There are a number of speciality stores in the precinct well-established favourites, such as Neal’s Yard. If the weather is on your side why not take a stroll along the banks of the Thames to round out a fabulous day.
For additional information, details on the best way to get there, rather interesting history along with a list of stall holders.
Visit https://boroughmarket.org.uk
Just a hint, if arriving by train or tube, London Bridge station is well signposted but there are a great many exits. I made the error of suggesting to my friends ‘let’s meet at the tube exit’ I was quite dismayed as to the number of exits I discovered on arrival.
Borough Market, 8 Southwark St, London, SE1 1TL
Open Days: Mon, Tues (Limited Market)
Wed-Sat (Full market)
Sun (Closed)
I highly recommend a visit, personally, I will not let a little thing such as a snowstorm get in my way again.
