What is it?
Dating back to the thirteenth century, this historic food market (London’s oldest) is a sprawling cornucopia of gourmet goodies. It has been in its current location since 1956 and now boasts over 100 stalls. While its history is in British produce, nowadays you can find a global smorgasbord of traders. You might recognise it from films like Bridget Jones and Harry Potter, too.
Why go?
To try some of the best food sellers London has on offer and soak up the hustle and bustle of this historic market. It’s best to visit Borough Market on an empty stomach so you have room to snaffle samples of the bread, cured meats, cheese, olives and pastries on offer.
And if you’re after something a little more substantial, its street-food vendors offer all manner of top quality dishes; everything from succulent and salty French confit duck sandwiches, aromatic Ethiopian stir-friend stews, Spanish chorizo sarnies, Tuscan porchetta-inspired spit roast and even the humble scotch egg (elevated, of course).
Don’t miss:
The Italian sandwiches from the Black Pig are among some of the best in London. Their signature is the honey truffle and parmesan pork ciabatta.
Ticketing info:
No ticket needed, just turn up.
When to visit:
10am-5pm Tues-Fri; 9am-5pm Sat; 10am-4pm Sun
The market is closed on Mondays, except during December when it’s open 7 days a week for Christmas shopping. Not all traders are there all the time.
Time Out tip:
Being London’s best and most famous food market also has its pitfalls: it can get extremely cramped and chaotically busy. We’d suggest arriving early to avoid the crowds and grabbing a coffee from Monmouth on the market’s south side. It’s the perfect way to kick off your day. And if the crowds become too much? Pick up some bits to go from Neal’s Yard Dairy and Bread Ahead, then head down to bankside for a riverside picnic.
Recommended: London’s best markets