VIBE

Though there’s been a food market on this site for over 700 years, it’s only in the last decade or so that Borough Market has transformed itself into the bustling community market and foodie haven that it is today. This is one of the oldest (and largest) food markets in the world (the old fashioned wholesale operation still runs in the early mornings), and the sprawl of maze-like alleyways lined with narrow stalls has a decidedly Old World feel. The selection is absolutely unbeatable–you can easily pick up anything from primo olive oil to organic cherries or an emu steak.

GO HERE WITH

Friends; family; kids

WHY WE LIKE IT

The quaint, eclectic atmosphere is pretty cool, and the superb quality and variety of food on offer is incredible. This is a great place to pull together a picnic lunch or just snack your way through yummy samples.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Some of the stalls are overpriced. Also, a (coherent) map of the market might be helpful if you’re there for specific items, rather than grazing as you meander the alleys.

GOOD TO KNOW

Parking is very limited, so don’t bother trying to drive. (It’s really easy to get here on the Tube anyway.) Parts of the market are under redevelopment, so at the moment, besides the Central Market, there are also two other self-contained areas, Jubilee Market and Green Market. (Signs in the area make it easy to navigate.)

CLOSEST COMPS

Read more about Borough Market in The Diary

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