Borough Market! A must-stop for all food lovers heading to London. Borough Market is located at the southern end of London Bridge and is one of the oldest and most popular food markets in London.
The market is famous for its impressive range of quality foods, supplied by traders from all over the country and even from abroad. On a tour of the market, you’ll find everything from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses, cured meats, baked goods, and exotic foods. Borough Market is also a great place if you want to eat, with many small bistros offering dishes not only from Britain but from all over the world.
Borough Market dazzles not only with its gastronomic diversity but also takes pride in quality and sustainability. Many vendors get their products directly from small farms and manufacturers. The market also hosts a number of events, from cooking demonstrations and workshops, through guided food tours, to autograph signings by famous chefs.
As it is probably the most popular market in London, prepare for a high concentration of people. However, lines in front of stalls rarely occur, if you want to buy something good, you will be served immediately.
History of Borough Market
The marketplace as we know it today began to form in the 13th century. Over the years, Borough Market has faced many challenges. For example, in 1754 it was closed due to chaos and disorder it was causing in the area, as decreed by an Act of Parliament. However, local residents saw the value of the market, joined forces, and in 1756 purchased land known as “The Triangle”, where the market began to operate again. This move was successful, and Borough Market flourished once more. Throughout the 19th century, Borough Market evolved alongside the Industrial Revolution. It became a wholesale market, supplying shops, restaurants, and the public.
In the 1850s, the market was rebuilt and additions were made to the buildings that are still in use today. An interesting historical feature of the market is the Art Deco entrance on Southwark Street, built in the 1930s. By the end of the 20th century, the market was in decline as more and more businesses began using wholesale suppliers outside of central London. But just as it seemed that Borough Market’s long history was coming to an end, it found a new lease on life. Thanks to the revived interest in artisan and local food in the late 1990s, the Borough Market was revitalized. It once again became a retail market and became a bustling haven for food lovers.
I have visited London many times and although I now prefer smaller markets not so overwhelmed with people (like, for example, Broadway Market), I always stop at Borough Market for at least a little while. It has its great charm.
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