FOOD & DRINK BLOG

There are few things finer than a stroll by the Thames with the prospect of refuelling at Borough Market, London’s largest and oldest artisanal food market.

Come prepared to face the masses (especially on a Saturday) and jostle your way down the labyrinthine passages - past smoking grills, truffles piled high and dusted with cocoa, and beautifully misshapen fruit and veg - into market squares full of yet more highly-calorific treats and regional delicacies.

Every stall is carefully selected by committee to ensure that it has the appropriate credibility and taste appeal to fit in with the hallowed halls of this foodie institution. It has been said that securing a trader’s spot at Borough is more difficult than booking a table at El Bulli. What this means for you and me is that wherever you end up – and the best bet is to let your senses guide you - you are guaranteed a meeting with deliciousness at every turn.

Some stalls worth highlighting: the Arabica Food and Spice Company for its incredible dips and Middle Eastern salads (they are also the king of samples and happy for you to try everything); Shell-Seekers for perfectly formed, bijou portions of griddled scallops and bacon served in-shell with crusty bread; and the delightful Cinnamon Tree Bakery - a tiny stand that sells damn good cookies and the best brownie in Borough by miles (I’ve tried them all).

Borough is more al fresco delicatessen than cockney souk, but there are bargains to be had if you look hard enough - try your luck at closing time. Even the steeliest of stallholders seem ready to indulge in a spot of 2-4-1 if you turn on the charm.

Borough Market is open: Thursdays: 11am - 5pm, Fridays: 12pm - 6pm and Saturdays: 8am - 5pm.
Nearest Tube: Borough or London Bridge.

Find out more fantastic reasons to visit London.