Borough Market

Borough Market competed with markets from Mexico, Barcelona, Munich and Thailand. I have to say the food market in Barcelona was excellent.

I’ve been going to markets ever since I was a kid, long before they became trendy in the 21st Century. I can especially remember going with my mum on Saturday mornings once in a while. I’d pester 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.

I have very fond memories of the market, the noise, the crowds, the hustle and bustle. After what seemed like ages, we’d head back home with our purchases all wrapped up in paper bags with no plastic in sight.

These days, I frequent my local farmers' market and 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.

The Full list

The top 10 markets for food and drink (according to the Global Tastemakers Awards)

1. Borough Market, London

2. Chatuchak Market, Bangkok

3. Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, Lyon

4. Mercado de la Merced, Mexico City

5. Marché couvert des Enfants Rouges, Paris

6. Mercat de la Boqueria, Barcelona

7. Granville Island Public Market, Vancouver

8. Nishiki Market, Kyoto

9. Vucciria, Palermo

10. Viktualienmarkt, Munich

History of Borough Market

With over 1000 years' worth of history, Borough Market is still going strong.

Since the 12th Century, a medieval market has been around selling different farm produce. This date is questionable according to the market website, which says it was first established in 1014. It was only in the 14th Century that Henry IV granted official permission to sell bread, wine, and ale.

Borough Market transformed over the centuries, evolving into what it is today. Still, it did face closure in 1756 because it was seen as interfering with other trade and commerce in the area. However, after much local petitioning, it survived.

You can sense the history in every nook and cranny as you walk around the market. Its location is also 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 mid-990s to protect themselves from the Vikings.

Tickle Your Speciality Foods Tastebuds

The market was a wholesaler that supplied stallholders 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 saw a revival. 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. Among the produce on sale are fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat, game, bread, and pastries.

The 21st Century Pull Factor

The present 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.

On Saturdays, this place is bursting at the seams with both 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 is what 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 just outside the main market. You can understand why, because you’ll find great-quality, varied food from all over the world.

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

Parting Thoughts

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

I prefer going during mid-week because it’s quieter. If I miss the farmer at my local farmers' market, I will go to Borough Market as they have a stall there. It’s nice to see a familiar face when people from all over the world surround you.

Thank you for your attention

Best wishes

Tabby