If there’s one thing that makes me happy, it’s food. When I’m not eating it, I’m either thinking, reading, or talking about it. Needless to say, food and travel are my biggest splurges in life. These things make it almost impossible for me to save money.
I do try, but there are temptations waiting for me on almost every corner. It’s almost impossible. I’m sure many of you can relate!
To feed my insatiable gluttony for anything edible I’ve been scouring the food markets of London. And I can say without hesitation that Borough Market, one of London’s oldest running food markets, presides over them all like an almighty king.
If you can imagine a melting pot of food taken from all corners of the globe setting up a stall and offering their signature dish, then it would probably look something like Borough Market.
Opening times
Borough Market is open everyday except Mondays. Opening times vary but expect 10am-5pm Tue to Fri, 9am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun.
Some of the stalls are closed during the week, so if you want to experience it in full swing you’ll have to come on the weekend. Bear in mind that London’s most famous food market is popular among tourists so if you’d prefer to avoid the crowds, I recommend coming through the week. It’s super busy on the weekend, especially Saturdays.
Inside Borough Market
I don’t usually subscribe to the ‘bigger is better’ rule, but the size of Borough Market – particularly when all the stalls are open – is impressive. Though of course, it’s the quality of the food that make people return time after time. At its heart is fresh and local produce which has played a key role in the market’s success.
As you walk under the roof of the Victorian wrought-iron building, you’re immediately brought into a world of food. Freshly baked bread, perfectly decorated cakes, farm-grown vegetables, exotic seafood, and more varieties of chocolate truffles than you ever knew existed sit lying in wait.
With over one hundred stalls, you’re constantly breathing in new and enticing aromas with each footstep. Word of advice: no matter how tempted you are to stop at the first thing, you should at least do one round of the market before making any decisions.
Buyers remorse is real. We don’t want any regrets. As they say, good things come to those who wait.
Foodie highlights at Borough Market
The traders in Borough Market have all been carefully selected to maintain the high quality of goods available to buy. Due to this rigorous selection of only allowing the best, stall owners are experts in their craft. From the taste and appearance right down to where each ingredient is sourced.
Singing true to this is Chocolicious, a scrumptious little chocolate stall that sources its chocolate from Ghana, where cocoa has been growing since the mid-19th century. For the all-important filling, the chocolate-makers seek inspiration from their fellow traders at the market. They use cream from Neal’s Yard, China tea from Ceylon One and British seasonal fruits from the fruiterers all found in the market.
It’s admirable how many of their ingredients are sourced straight from the other stall owners. When we talk about things being locally made, Chocolicious is a great example.
Why not join a London food tour?
If you really want to explore London through your taste buds a guided food tour might the experience for you. The London Borough Market Food Tour has excellent reviews. It also includes the added bonus of taking you to Leadenhall Market, another London foodie gem.
Nearby attractions: where to go after visiting Borough Market
After pigging out at Borough Market, there’s a high chance that you’ll want to go for a walk to help you digest. In this case, I’ve whipped up a few ideas to get you moving:
Local vibes: To escape the crowds I recommend heading over to Bermondsey Street for a leisurely stroll. It’s one of my favourite streets in London where you will find a handful of nice shops, White Cube art gallery, and the fashion and textile museum. It’s also home to some great restaurants and cafes. Though after your trip to Borough Market I’m sure you’re not thinking of food…
Thames walk: Take a stroll along the River Thames where you pass by a variety of London’s most iconic landmarks and most well-loved street performers. There’s plenty of striking architecture to see along the Thames: Shakespeare’s Globe, National Theatre, House of Parliament, the list continues.
Museum stroll: If you have a penchant for modern art then it doesn’t get any better than the Tate Modern. There’s also Hayward Gallery that often puts on some excellent shows. Both venues are situated along the Thames path and easy to reach by foot.
Further information
Address: 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL
Opening times: Check the market’s website here for the most up-to-date information
9 responses
That’s amazing because I read the bolded introduction under the header pic to the post and literally said out loud, “Oh my gawd! That describes me to a T!” I’m a total foodie and put up lots of savory, often fattening food posts. But, what folks don’t see is all of the fruit, veggies and salads I eat the other 6 days/week to afford that luxury lol! Your pictures have my mouth watering, Shing! I have never had Paella (that’s what that one dish is, right?) and soooo want to try that soon! The lentil and potato curry sounds and looks yummy! And you mentioned bacon. Bacon….oh yes, please. The walk along the Thames sounds delightful too. Wonderful post, our friend! 🙂
Fruit and veg 6 days a week and sheer gluttony 1 day of the week – you have the perfect balance Mike!!
Oh you must try Paella Mike, but it can be one of those dishes which is hit or miss – when it’s good it’s beautiful, but when it’s overcooked and under seasoned it’s just a sloppy, mushy mess! Mmmm seafood paella with chorizo and saffron is truly divine!
The Borough Market has got to be one of the best places to eat and shop for food in the entire UK. I’d never get tired of that place.
Doubt I’ll never tire of it too! In times like visiting food markets I wish I had more than one stomach!
I love exploring local markets. That is seriously one of my favourite things when visiting Asia or Europe. I always try some freshly baked bread, perfectly decorated cakes, farm-grown vegetables and exotic seafood. The chocolate truffles look so delicious :)!
My favourite markets are in Asia! I can spend hours and hours walking around, staring wide-eyed at all the locals food and trinkets! Mmm yes, when you’re next in London you’ll have to visit Borough Market – the main days are Friday and Saturday!
Mmmm….I love food markets! My fav are the night markets in Beijing and the one in Barcelona! I have such a weak spot for sweets though….those macrons look so good! 😀
Hi Michelle! La Boqueria in Barcelona is my favourite too! Mmmm I can imagine the night markets in Beijing are a taste and smell to experience – I love the night markets in Malaysia, they have so much atmosphere, and are so cheap! Thanks for visiting!
Oh my godddd my sister brought me a £10 bag of handmade fudge from the Borough Market when she came back from London (her first solo trip ever) in October. The bag didn’t even last 24 hours.