On a culinary trail

London’s most renowned foodies' hub, Borough Market is a haven for those who love eating and can travel any distance to try scrumptious delicacies

It's not only about taste when it comes to food in Borough Market in London. The high quality on offer also makes it special for foodies. Extremely popular with locals as well as with people all over the UK, Europe and the rest of the world, the market has become a vast repository of culinary knowledge and understanding. It’s a place to explore, to ask questions, to discover new flavours and to savour a unique atmosphere where food is everything one can think of.

Here, many of the stall-holders are themselves producers; people who grow, rear or bake the food that they sell. Others are importers with intimate knowledge of whichever corner of the globe they source their products from.

Borough’s past

The history of this popular market goes back to the 11th century. The London Bridge attracted traders selling grain, fish, vegetables and livestock. In the 13th century, traders were relocated to what is now Borough High Street and the market has existed here ever since.

In 1755, the market was closed by the Parliament, but a group of Southwark residents raised £6,000 to buy a patch of land known locally as The Triangle, once the churchyard of St Margaret’s, and reopened the market. The Triangle, where you’ll find Northfield Farm and Furness Fish and Game, is still at the heart of the market today.

Food markets

As you get on exploring the market, you cannot afford to miss the few of the stalls including Northfield Farm for rare-breed meat, Furness for fish and game, Elsey & Bent for fruit and veg., and Flour Power City Bakery for organic loaves. Leave home hungry to take complete advantage of the numerous free samples and be prepared for lengthy queues for the famous barbecued-meat rolls from the Brindisa stand. Events, such as seasonal tasting days, run throughout the year.

For convenience, the market is divided into areas, namely - Three Crown Square, Stoney Street, Green Market, Winchester Walk, Bedale Street, The Market Hall, Middle Road, Jubilee Place, Rochester Walk, Park Street and Southwark Street. So pick and choose the zone you wish to explore.

Guided tours

Borough Market has also teamed up with passionate cook and food writer Celia Brooks to offer a Gastro-tour of Borough Market. The three-hour events can be booked for individuals or groups and have been developed by Brooks as a way to teach, entertain and inspire. In the tour, she highlights some of the vast array of produce available in the market with specially arranged tasting sessions and you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about how these artisan foods are produced.

These include rare breed meats, charcuterie, fine cheeses from Britain and beyond, homemade Turkish treats, French creamery delicacies, gourmet seasonings and many more. A tutored wine tasting and tasting session at one of Borough Market's renowned restaurants are also included.

So experience the unique world of food if you are in London and take back memories that will last a lifetime.