16 reasons to visit the Borough Market of London

The Borough Market in London is the premier market to visit in one of the world’s iconic cities. With a long history, this market brings people together and celebrates everything that is amazing about local food. The Borough Market is an absolute institution in London and it should be on everyone’s list of things to do when they visit, whether you love food or not.

Borough Market opening hours

The Borough Markets are open six days a week. They may open longer during particular seasonal periods, especially Christmas. 

Weekdays are always much quieter than the weekend, except around lunchtime.  Tuesday are known as limited market days as not all vendors are open. 

To always ensure accurate opening times and check specific times,  go to the market’s website.

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	10 am–5 pm
Wednesday	10 am–5 pm
Thursday	10 am–5 pm
Friday	10 am–5 pm
Saturday	9 am–5 pm
Sunday	10 am – 4 pm

Borough Market History

There are many markets in London, but the Borough Markets are no ordinary market.  In the rough and tumble society of the waterfront and docklands along the Thames, this market in central London was said to have had its origins around the year 1014.    Despite the Thames now having many bridges to join both banks, back then, there was only one bridge, the famous London Bridge that allowed for cross-river access.

Although it may seem funny, even unlikely now, the residents of Southwark located on the southern side of the Thames and closest to this market, once fought against the city of London encroaching upon it.  Today, it is an important part of London’s South Bank and one of the best things to do in London, even if you are only here for a short time.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, this area came alive with market traders transforming this area into a thriving commercial hub.  Pubs sprung up as did theatres and other less than salubrious places of entertainment.

Following years of mayhem in the streets, corruption, difficulties with infrastructure and a growing need for a more secure, harmonious environment, the Borough Market as we see it today was formed.  In the 19th century, the increased population in London and the arrival of the railways further extended the value of the Borough Markets.

In the 1860s a railway viaduct was built right through the market, improving its accessibility and opening it up for further expansion and trade.  Evidence of the railways can be seen in the overhead viaducts, closed in glass roofs and incredible steel beams and girders that keep everything in place.

Change brought about this market in the first instance, and for centuries delivered the ongoing improvement and attention that it needed to survive and adapt.  The 1970s in London brought with it even more change, this time in a way that would negatively impact this market.  The population turned towards the convenience and comfort of the supermarkets, which were popping up all over London, enticing those who were once market-goers into the bright and shiny stores.

Like any good story, the wheel continuously turns and what was trendy five minutes ago is persona non-grata five minutes later.  Fortunately for the Borough Markets, the food, diet and health trends of the world’s population have put the markets firmly back in the popular trends once more.  With a substantial number of fresh food and fresh produce providers, artisanal food makers, growers, bakers, cheesemakers and the like, people are continuing to flock to the fresh markets all over again.

As you look around the crowds that come here on a weekend, it’s hard to think that will ever change.  One thing is certain, however.  History shows that change will continue to occur.  The Borough Markets will do what it has done for the last 1,000 years.  It will morph and move and blend with the changes of the day, but I’m betting it will still be around in another 1,000 years.

Why you should go to the Borough Markets in London

Whether you are a die-hard foodie looking for the latest food trend or inspiring ingredients to cook with, or just hungry and looking for somewhere to eat, the Borough Market is a must-visit. It’s also one of London’s iconic locations, and it’s in an area where there are other great things to see like the London Bridge and the Shard. You can spend a day just in this area alone.

If you are looking for something easy to take home for your dinner, or a special treat to surprise someone at home, you’ll also find that here.  A quick drink, tick.  Somewhere to catch up with a friend, yes you can.

It’s noisy, it’s crowded and wonderful smells both compete and mingle with each other, fighting for your attention. For the best experience, the perfect time to visit these markets is on Saturday.  Here every nook and cranny is occupied, with people wedged into the most unlikely of places, usually with a plate or hand full of something delicious.

There’s not a lot of seating here, just shops, stalls and restaurants heaving with people as they try to supply them with some of the tastiest food around.  As such, people will sit on anything they can find, even the street gutters!

As the day rolls on, the side streets become even livelier with people sharing conversation and a pint and spilling out onto the road.

We love to walk around the Borough Markets ourselves, but we know it can be overwhelming the first time you visit. We’ve also checked out this tour and it’s great for seeing some of the best parts of the market you might not always find yourself.   Book your three-hour Secret British Food Tour here.

Where and what to eat

We have been coming here for years.  Whenever we are in London, we plan a visit to the Borough Markets.  Here is our list of some of the best things to do in the Borough Market.

1. Paella

The paella here is presented on a grand scale, served piping hot out of one of the largest paella pans you’ll ever see.  We just love watching them bring it all together.  It takes some serious muscles to move this much rice around.  Ask to get some from the bottom where it’s more likely to have the soccarat, the crunchy caramelised base that paella is known for.

2. Pastries

So it’s no secret that we admire the handiwork of pastries just as much as we love eating them. At Bread Ahead you can kill two birds with one stone, picking up amazing fresh bread and beautiful doughnuts.  Found just inside the market, off the Borough High Street entrance,  the caramel, chocolate, raspberry jam and our favourite, vanilla custard is a delight to eat.

Wander around a little more and you are sure to find Comptoir Gourmand, owned and operated by Sebastien Wind a chef and patissier.  Here you can select from a great range of French-inspired pastries (which also just happen to be my favourite).  Buy a treat to eat on the go, or get a takeaway box and take some home to share.

3. Spices

Looking for something to spice up your cooking?  Head to Spice Mountain and be presented with a visual feast of herbs and spices.  Small bottles and plastic containers of herbs, blended spice rubs, seeds and pods line the walls, representing ingredients sourced from all over the world.  It didn’t take us long to pick up a basket and start filling it with things to take home.

4. Bread

A number of bakeries call the Borough Markets their home.  Under the glass-covered Three Crown Square, Bread Ahead, a local London bakery, sells rustic looking loaves of bread, baguettes and sourdoughs all baked fresh at its off-site bakery in Bermondsey.

Foodie tip: If you are looking for a bread takeaway, try the single-serve focaccias here.

5. Fresh produce

Organic, free-range, homegrown fruits and vegetables of every type are piled high at vendors’ stalls all around the market.  Bringing the market alive are the farmers and producers, spruiking their wares at the top of their voices, willing you to come, try and buy.  This luscious punnet of raspberries was too good to pass by.

The Borough Markets are also the place to come for more unusual products that you might find hard to find elsewhere.  Like these mushrooms for example.  If you are looking for something to make a special meal, you’ll be sure to find it here.

6. Duck confit

The words duck and confit in the same sentence always, always cause us to salivate.  We love duck at any time, but confit duck raises the bar.  As we found ourselves deeper in the Borough market, a familiar smell put our senses on high alert.  There was duck close by!

It didn’t take long for us to spot the mountains of shredded duck at Le Marché du Quartier being moved around a BBQ hot plate.  It was a rather unusual sight to see it being prepared in this way.  The hordes of people queuing for this duck, however, indicated that this was no new kid on the block. 

As we waited for our turn at the top of the queue, the line behind us only got longer.  It was lunchtime here at the markets and despite there being an enviable number of places we could choose, the duck was always going to win us over.

It didn’t disappoint either.  I would have been eternally happy with the incredibly generous helping of duck on my wrap.  The inclusions of purple cabbage and baby spinach leaves added some freshness and also turned it into a monster of a thing to hold and eat.  The little crunchy bits cooked on the BBQ were the icing on the cake.

This is hands down my favourite place to eat at the Borough Market.  They have three options now available: duck confit wrap (which is enormous), the duck confit sandwich on brioche and the duck salad.  They have also added a few tables and chairs directly at the front of their stand which is very handy.  Come early on a weekday and you’ll find you can even grab a seat for yourself.

7. Drink

From small vendors selling organic juices to the cheeky Pimms and prosecco, what’s not to love about this iconic market space?

8. Oysters

Every good English and European market has an equally good oyster bar.  You’ll know one when you see it as there will most likely be tables out in front, packed with diners who are busy drinking sparkling wine and sliding the slippery delicacies into their mouth.

Dating back to 1792,  oyster farmer Richard Haward’s relatives have been in the oyster game and he continues that tradition with his stand at the Borough Markets.

9. Sausage rolls

Not exactly the healthiest of options, but if you are going to succumb to some hot flaky pastry, then you’d be best doing it at The Ginger Pig.   Here, the sausage rolls are so big you’ll need to find a friend to share it with.  You can buy them here warmed up and ready to eat, or as a takeaway.

Foodie’s tip:  If you want to buy more great British meats, head to the Ginger Pig butcher shop in Marylebone.  It can be found at 8-10 Moxon St, Marylebone, London W1U 4EW.

10. Saucisson

There’s no denying that properly made French saucisson is amazing.  The French Comte at the Borough Markets have quite a range, all found in beautiful displays, including the saucisse de morteau, a smoky concoction made from a 16th-century recipe.

11. Coffee

If you are someone that loves coffee, Monmouth comes highly recommended, but here’s the rub.  You either need to get there super early (before every else wakes up and decides they need a coffee) or go there during a non-typical coffee drinking time if there is actually such a thing.  Why?  Because the crowds that line up here to get a cup of that liquid gold that everyone seems to be incapable of doing without is epic.

12. Ice cream

Ice cream is always a good idea, even when it’s cold in London.  If you’d like to try something different, head to the Greedy Goat for some new-age icy treats which are also good for those who are lactose intolerant apparently, or to Gelateria 3BIS.  They’ve even got liquid chocolate running out of a tap that they fill your cone up with first!

13. Cheese

There’s cheese galore here.  Everything from your standard British staples to Italian Parmigiano Reggiano and fresh scamorza.  There is also buffalo mozzarella and plenty of beautiful French cheese.

Jumi Cheese has a great selection and you can buy from 100g minimum.  The Borough Cheese Co, Une Normande a Londres and Neal’s Yard Dairy are also good finds.

Our tip: If you love cheese make sure you don’t miss Kappacasein Dairy.  Even before you see the store, you’ll see the queues.  Even on a weekday, they are huge.  At Kappacasein you’ll find the ultimate cheese toastie and hot, gooey raclette.

14. Amazing charcuterie

From chilli chorizo to prosciutto and salumi, there is every type of charcuterie here that you can imagine.  Team them up with the saucissons you will have discovered (at tip number 10), bread and cheese for an amazing lunch.

Where are the Borough Markets?

The Borough Markets are located on the southern side of London Bridge, right next door to Southwark Cathedral and close by London Bridge.   Entrances are on Southwark St or Borough High Street. 

If you are coming from the London Bridge tube station, follow the signs for Borough High Street when you leave the station. 

The best street for access when you turn left onto the High Street is Stoney Street.  Here you will find market stalwarts Applebee’s fish, Monmouth Coffee, Tapas Brindisa, Richard Yaward’s Oysters and my favourite Le Marche du Quartier (confit duck).

Turning right, access is via Bedale Street, alongside the glass structure of the Borough Market Hall.

How to get here

By train

The closest train station is London Bridge.  Trains from all over London and the south of England stop here.  The nearest tube station to the Borough Markets is also London Bridge, with connections on the Jubilee or Northern London Underground lines.

By bus

Buses stop at London Bridge (routes 43,141,149,521) and also along Borough High Street (routes 43,141,149,521)

By car

There are various car parks located nearby, although remember, this is London, so catching public transport is definitely the easiest option.  Note also that this location falls within the London City congestion area so a charge will also apply for entry into the zone.

By bicycle

London is a great city for riding a bike as it’s very flat.  On my most recent visit, I rode the bikes around all day, stopping at the Borough Markets for my first stop.  I rode from Pimlico to Borough Markets (about 5.5km – 3.4 miles).  When using the city’s Santander bicycle hire service, you can ride all day for £2 provided you dock the bike every 30 minutes. Bikes for hire can be found in Park St and Southwark St.

Market tips

• If crowds are not your thing, you are best to head to the markets during the week.  If you must go on Saturday, aim to be there as soon as the market opens.  By lunchtime, the market will be swarming with people.
• Go with an empty stomach as you will find plenty of food to satisfy even the greatest of hunger.
• Sounds boring but if you plan on being here for a while, wear comfortable shoes.  The area around the Borough Markets is also brimming with heaps of great places to visit so you will more than likely find yourself walking a lot.
• If you are planning on buying things to take home, consider taking a shopping bag (or two) with you.
• Go with a friend so you can get to taste more of the great food by selecting different things to eat.
• Be prepared to wait.  If you really do want to go to Monmouth for that famous coffee or any of the other really popular cafes and stalls, you’ll need to get in a queue.
• If you can, plan to spend some time just taking in the ambience of the markets.  Pull up a seat, get yourself a drink and listen to the great music that is often played in the streets.

Love food tours like us but don’t like doing them with others? Why not try a private London market tour?

FAQs

• Is the Borough Market open every day? In the past, the market was only open six days a week. Now it’s open every day of the year. See the opening hours above for exact times of operation.
• I have mobility issues. Is the Borough Market accessible? The Borough Market is mostly at street level, so there is access for people with walking difficulties and wheelchairs. Be mindful that it can become very busy and congested here, especially on weekends.
• Are all the vendors just thrown in together or is there some “organisation” to the market? the market is organised in such a way that, where possible, similar vendors are located in the same area. The Three Crown Square has a lot of large vendors, while the Green Market has smaller vendors and those selling fresh produce. The street food traders can be found in the Borough Kitchen area.
• Can I ride my scooter around the market? Unfortunately, scooters and bikes are not allowed inside the market.
• Can I take my dog? Yes, you can in the general market area.
• Do I need cash at the market? Most of the vendors now utilise contactless payments, especially following the covid-related events of the last few years. Some vendors may have minimum purchase amounts, so if this is an issue, check before making the transaction. There are ATMs in the market.
• Is the Borough Market better than the Portobello Market? It depends on what you are looking for. Borough Market is all about the food, whereas markets such as Portobello Road and Brick Lane have antiques, arts and crafts, a flea market and food.
• Is there a park nearby where I can buy food and take it for a picnic? Mint Street Park is about a 10-minute walk from the market. Close by is also the Red Cross Garden. Alternatively, you could find a spot alongside the Thames or there is a grassed area in front of the Tate Modern.
• Can I buy breakfast at the market? While most of the food at the market is generally aimed at lunch and dinner, you can certainly find typical breakfast or brunch type items here such as croissants, focaccia, pastries and bread. If you are a little more experimental, you’ll find plenty of international foods here that are tasty for breakfast.
• Is the Borough Market undercover? The majority of the market is undercover but this is an expansive market and vendors can also be located outdoors or in the streets. Seating can also be outdoors. It’s London, and rain is always possible, so take an umbrella or a waterproof jacket with you.

Things to do near Borough Market

1. The Shard – Go to the top of one of London’s newest attractions and get an amazing 360-degree view of the city.
2. Shakespeare’s Globe – Take a sneak peek inside or see a show at this reincarnation of the original theatre used by Shakespeare.
3. Southwark Cathedral – located right next door to the Borough Market, the sounds of the bells can be heard throughout the market.
4. Clink Museum – learn about the history of the rough and tumble world of southern London in this kitsch but interesting jail museum.
5. The London Bridge Experience – learn all about this landmark bridge and its place in history.
6. Tate Modern – an impressive art gallery full of exhibitions, a bookstore, a cafe and a wonderful viewing platform to get some unusual city views.
7. HMAS Belfast – Operated by the Royal Navy, this warship is now part of the Imperial War Museum.
8. Golden Hinde Museum – Climb aboard the galleon ship used by Sir Francis Drake to circumnavigate the world.