Borough Market - The Oldest in London

London is steeped in centuries of history, and Zone 1 fascinates many visitors and Londoners alike. Trading and markets have existed since the Romans settled in Londinium, as it was called in the Roman times.

A Childhood Memory

I've been going to markets since I was a kid and before they became trendy in the 21st Century. I can especially remember going with my mum on Saturday mornings. I'd bug her the day before and promised I'd be on my best behaviour as a kid. Whilst the rest of the family were sleeping, Mum and I would set off.

After what seemed like ages, we'd head home with our purchases wrapped up in paper bags with no plastic in sight. Like many in our neighbourhood, the markets were a focal point for the residents.

I remember a community feel in the marketplace, and chances are, we would bump into people we knew, and I tried to hurry my mum along because they were merrily engaged in conversation.

If it was a lucky day and the smallholder was in a good mood, I might have even gotten a free piece of fruit. I fondly remember the market, the noise, the crowds, the hustle and bustle.

Thankfully, I'm also enjoying the community market feel again as an adult. These days, I frequent my local farmers' market, frequented by over 1000 people on Saturday mornings. I enjoy talking to the farmers and their staff who diligently make their way to my hood each Saturday morning. I also go to the trendier markets like Borough when I'm in the vicinity.

Borough is a hardcore market, and I enjoy going when it's not busy, usually during the week. Saturdays are mental, but the buzz is electric.

Borough Market

Since the 12th Century, a medieval market has sold different farm produce. According to the market website, this date is questionable, as it was first established in 1014. Only in the 14th Century did Henry IV grant official permission to sell bread, wine and ale.

Borough Market transformed over the centuries to evolve into what it is today, but it did face closure in 1756 because it was seen as interfering with other trade and commerce in the area. However, after many local petitions, it survived.

You can sense the history in every nook and cranny as you walk around the market. Its location is poignant because of the river.

London Bridge was the link from one side to the other. For centuries, it was the only link to the centre. The Romans also built a wooden bridge in the 990s to protect themselves from the Vikings.

Tickle Your Speciality Foods Tastebuds

The market was a wholesaler and supplied stall holders in the 20th Century. If we fast forward to 1933, it is estimated that 1,750,000 bushels of fruit and vegetables were sold here. In the mid-1930s, 188 pitching stands were let to 81 different wholesale companies, with a further 203 stands in the uncovered periphery manned by farmers from the Home Counties.

During the 1990s, artisan food was revived. Since then, the market has flourished into a thriving melting pot of speciality and non-speciality foods from all over the U.K. and Europe. Amongst the produce on sale are fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat, game, baked bread, and pastries.

The 21st Century Pull Factor

The building was built in the 1850s, and it now sells speciality foods from all over the country and Europe. People from all over the world come here to see the market in all its full glory. Celebrity chefs, locals, and anyone who is anyone will tell you about the magnetic pull of Borough.

This place is bursting at the seams on Saturdays with produce and people. It's full of noise, hustle, bustle, colour, warmth and all the wafting smells of food, tantalising your culinary senses.

You'll see young and old patiently shuffling through narrow paths as they navigate towards the stalls. This gives it its charm, and you'll rarely see people pushing or shoving to move along. At Borough, you go with the flow.

Street Food People come just to sample the Street food from the vendors outside the primary market. You can understand why because you'll find great quality and variety of food worldwide.

There are Ethiopian, Indian, Thai, Chinese, British, artisan bakeries, ice cream, and coffee stalls, and this is just outside. When you walk inside? It's like walking into a food heaven.

If you want to see how one of the oldest markets in London has survived, evolved and positioned for the 21st Century, check out #boroughmarket when you're next in town.

Parting Comments

Markets have been integral to London for centuries, and Borough Market is the oldest market in London.

It's advisable to come early, especially on Saturdays, if you want to walk around the market leisurely. It is incredibly busy as midday approaches, and you might be shuffling with other people.

There are plenty of places to eat, and there's something for every budget and taste.

Thank you for your attention.

Tabby