To Market: Borough Market

England has gotten a bad rap for its food in years past, but a visit to London’s Borough Market will prove to any visitor that the food culture is alive and thriving and anything but bland. This covered market at 8 Southwark Street just south of Southwark Cathedral is London’s oldest and biggest market and today one of its busiest. The market has been at its current site for over 250 years and has seen a resurgence in the past decade.

In 1755 the residents of Southwark petitioned to start a market near High Street following an act of Parliament that terminated the original market. The residents raised enough funds to buy an area called The Triangle that has been added to over the years and is to this day the site of Borough Market. The market began to decline in the late 1800s with rail expansion over the market and the decline of the retail section. Today’s bustling market is in stark contrast to the dying market of even ten years ago. In 1999 the retail section of the market was reintroduced and revitalization was kick-started with Henrietta Green’s Food Lover’s Fair with several of those same vendors still participating in the market today.

Today you will find a combination of locals and tourists packing this 4.5 acre market consisting of four main areas: Crown Square, the Green Market, the Jubilee Market, and the shops and restaurants that surround the market. The market is open Monday to Saturday, but there are fewer vendors open on Monday and Tuesday so visiting Wednesday through Saturday gives you a fuller experience. Visitors should come early to beat the worst crowds and make sure you bring a sturdy bag or two to carry all your goodies. You will find a variety of items for sale including fresh meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, and artisan items such as cheeses, cakes, and olive oils. Sellers provide a mix of local produce and imported goods from the rest of the UK and all over Europe.

If you are there at lunchtime be prepared to queue with the locals as this is a popular destination for grab and go food as well as sit down meals. On Saturdays when the market opens at nine a.m. headed Maria’s Market Cafe, located in the middle of the market’s Three crown Square, for a great full English breakfast.

If you tire of the crowds the market is within walking distance of several great attractions including Shakespeare’s Globe Theater and the Golden Hinde, a full-size replica of the ship that was captained by Sir Francis Drake for his journey around the globe. The market is conveniently located just outside the underground’s London Bridge Station providing quick access to the market and from the market to other sites. Whether you play it safe with some fresh produce and breads or get a little adventuresome with some blood sausage don’t miss this great market and foodie gathering place.

Headed to another destination? Check out our information on Adelaide Central Market in Australia and Mercat de la Boqueria in Barcelona. Safe travels and happy eats!