Borough Market, Historical Food Market in London

With its cosmopolitan culture, London is a showcase for diverse and colourful cuisine, its traditional English fare constantly enriched by many ethnic influences. Over the years, the city has become a benchmark for street food, with many markets following the trend by offering dishes from the four corners of the globe. Such is the case of Borough Market, one of the oldest markets in the world. Right in the heart of the capital, it welcomes curious travellers and gourmets alike every day.

Borough Market is one of the oldest and arguably most famous markets in London. Located in Southwark, its origins can be traced back over 1,000 years. The market as we know it today dates from the Victorian era, and you may have seen its iron vaults and Art Deco entrance in various films. It was the setting for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Bridget Jones’s Diary, among others.
 

Open every day except Monday, the market is divided into three areas. Three Crown Square is home to the main producers, Green Market is dedicated to fruit and vegetable vendors, while Borough Market Kitchen is devoted to street food.
 

Enjoy the happy marriage of flavours and values – Borough Market is an association run by volunteers, working for the good of the community. Producer selection, traceability, impact reduction, educational initiatives... Borough Market works for the benefit of everyone: vendors, customers, local residents and visitors.

• 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL
• Open Tue-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm

The market is a reflection of the city: vibrant and cosmopolitan. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining options, and the stalls change throughout the year. Try dishes from Italy, China, India, Singapore and the Middle East, as well as some of London’s most famous specialties, such as fish and chips and delicious burgers. If the weather is overcast, don’t worry – the market is covered, and you can also head for the surrounding pubs and restaurants.
 

Take the opportunity to make a few purchases in the market so you can take home some of the local produce.

Have you found a stand to your taste? Now all you need is a place to perch and enjoy your meal. The market has a few tables, but it can be difficult to find an available seat when it’s busy. Take a stroll around the stalls – you’ll find benches here and there.

The market is located at London Bridge station, right in the centre of the capital. Wherever your London hotel is located, you can get there easily by train, underground (on the Central and Jubilee lines) or bus.
 

The most enjoyable way to get there, however, is on foot. The market is located not far from the River Thames, at the end of a pleasant walk from South Bank. The Tower of London and Tower Bridge are also around 20 minutes’ walk away. It’s the ideal place to stop for lunch after a visit or a walk, or to feel the pulse of the city in the morning if you’re staying nearby, at Novotel London Bridge, for example, less than 10 minutes’ walk away.

Borough Market is only a few minutes from some of London’s most famous landmarks. Right next to the market, Southwark Cathedral can be visited free of charge every day. Famous for housing the tomb of William Shakespeare’s brother, it was also frequented by the famous playwright.

• Southwark Cathedral, 1 London Bridge Montague Close, London SE1 9DA
• Open Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 8:30am-5pm

Visiting London with the family? Then don’t miss the Golden Hinde, just a few steps from the market. A replica of explorer Sir Francis Drake’s historic galleon, the ship can also be visited every day of the week.

Drake’s galleon is also located at the entrance to Clink Street, a not-to-be-missed alleyway in which you’ll find the ruins of Winchester Palace as well as the fascinating Clink Prison Museum, built on the site of one of London’s oldest prisons.

At the end of this street, you can begin a walk to the South Bank. You’ll pass Shakespeare’s Globe, a replica of the most famous English writer’s former theatre. Finally, admire the Tate Modern, the Millennium Bridge (which you can cross to get to St. Paul’s Cathedral) and further on, the London Eye, which offers a breathtaking view of London and, of course, Big Ben.

The market is located at the foot of the Shard, one of the city’s tallest skyscrapers. You can ride up to the building’s 72nd floor to enjoy a drink with an incredible view of the capital. At the end of the day, it’s the ideal place to watch the sunset over London.

Cross London Bridge station and enter Hay’s Galleria, a former warehouse transformed into a passageway with a Victorian glass roof. Housing shops and restaurants, it opens onto the river and offers panoramic views of the City. Looking for a unique place to visit in London? Just to your right, HMS Belfast, a Royal Navy cruiser that served in World War II, immerses you in the heart of England’s recent history.

Further on, past City Hall, recognisable by its round shape, you’ll find Tower Bridge, London’s most famous bridge. Inside the towers, admire the complex bascule machinery and take the opportunity to cross the glass walkways while watching the cars and red double-decker buses below.

To finish, your walk brings you to the Tower of London, where the famous Beefeaters, guardians of the Crown Jewels, await you.

• Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB
• Opening times vary depending on the time of year – visit the Tower of London website to check times and book tickets
• £34.80 for adults, £17.40 for children aged 5 to 15

Located right in the heart of London, close to numerous monuments and museums, Borough Market is an essential food stop for all travellers passing through. Its cosmopolitan atmosphere, ideal location and Victorian architecture make it a true embodiment of the London spirit. Not to be missed!