The Complete Guide to Borough Market, London

Although, it is situated close to one of the most innovative skyscrapers in Europe – The Shard – getting through the market is traditional and harks back to the past. Crossing the road from London Bridge station, you will be attracted by the smells and sights of the place which bring you into a remarkable community.

It was in the 11th century that Borough Market first started trading – the market claims to have been running since 1014. As the largest, oldest and busiest food market in London, you can spend hours looking around more than 100 different stalls; indeed, the market showcases top-quality traders from all over the world. Many of them are themselves producers, while others are importers with a deep knowledge of the food they sell. The reason why there is such a unique atmosphere is that everyone here cares deeply about food. It is also where a simply tasty treat could become one of your best palatable experiences. Don’t be afraid to ask traders about a specific aroma or taste, they will help you discover how it’s produced, or tell you fascinating anecdotes about the ingredients.

There is too much to choose from at Borough Market: you really can find everything from baked goods to seafood, dairy products to condiments and spices. To make things easier, you can check the Borough Market Map which is perfect if you are looking for specific ingredients or recommended traders. Given the variety of food, the market serves diverse clients such as tourists, top chefs searching for quality ingredients or people who just love eating and drinking. Moreover, some traders offer ready-to-go food, craft beer or hot pastries which are ideal for your daily lunch.
True foodies should taste one of the Mrs King’s Pork homemade cold and hot pies. These typical British delights have been made since 1853 with fresh ingredients and quality meat, such as turkey, pork, chicken and lamb. It’s also the best place to have some delicious bites, like a homemade sausage roll or a beef and vegetable pasties (Wednesday – Saturday).
If you are looking for something sweet, you should stop by Rabot 1745. This restaurant, bar and shop is dedicated to cocoa’s transformation, surprising you with recipes based on cocoa in its all forms. Open every day, the traders will help you to choose your favourite chocolate flavours, and will even surprise you with discoveries of new spices.

Some other unmissable stops include the Flour Station, where you can buy artisan bread made with traditional technique and log fermentation process (Thursday, Friday, Saturday), the Elsey & Bent stall, which has been offering the very best fruit and vegetables for 35 years in the market (Tuesday – Saturday) and finally, Chez Michele where you can find seasonal flowers and plants with elegant floral arrangements (Monday – Saturday).
High-quality Italian ingredients can be found in De Calabria, which offers a selection of cured meat, olive oil and nduja (Thursday- Saturday), or at Bianca & Mora, where you can be delighted by a slice of northern Italy, tasting some Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan) and Pecorino cheese. However, if you are a Spanish gastronomy lovers, you need to stop by Brindisa (Monday – Saturday). The selection is vast and includes chorizo, Ibérico and Serrano hams plus a huge selection of vinegars.

For the lactose intolerant there is a must try ice cream stall: Greedy Goat. The milk has been produced in Essex by the same family for three generations. Using natural ingredients as well, the choice of flavours include chocolate, vanilla, lemon cheesecake and mango (Wednesday-Saturday).
Last but not least, in Borough Market you can also find a place to relax from the busy atmosphere around. Bedales is the perfect spot where you can sip on an excellent glass of wine (Monday – Sunday). Its wooden tables and bare-brick wall are reminiscent of a little French wine cellar with its friendly and quiet ambience. On the other hand, for beer lovers, a short walk from the market you can have a pint with fresh appetisers in one of London’s most historic pubs: The George Inn.
Borough Market, 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL
Open for Lunch: Monday & Tuesday, 10am – 5pm.
Full Market: Wednesday- Thursday, 10am – 5pm; Friday, 10am – 6pm; Saturday, 8am – 5pm.