I’d been wanting to visit Borough Market for a while now, so when the opportunity presented itself recently I couldn’t wait to pack up my camera gear and set off for London.
Borough is one of London’s most highly regarded markets and from spending the afternoon there it’s easy to see why. The hustle & bustle of the crowd, the smells, colour and noise – the perfect combination of old traditions and new cuisines. Pretty much everything you could want from a market and then some!
I was bowled over by the sheer volume of products available and the mix of people. From tourists to suited and booted local businessmen – pretty much every other person had a camera too. And the produce was so fresh and inviting – I can see why so many of London’s top chefs are frequently spotted shopping there.
I was particularly delighted to discover a stall selling apples from the Brogdale Farm collection. One variety in particular that took my fancy was called Frambroise, which was a beautiful pinky colour, had a firm, crisp texture and a hint of raspberry in its flavour. Seeing the apples at the market is all the more exciting to me as I’m planning a trip to the Brogdale Apple Festival later this month.
Despite being laden down with camera kit, I managed to find some space in my bag to bring back some of the Brogdale apples and also a rather handsome date and walnut loaf (my current Autumn breakfast obsession) – well I couldn’t go all that way and leave empty-handed, now could I!And it would have been rude not to stop for a bite to eat while I was surrounded by such an amazing selection of food, so I managed to squeeze in a sublime pork and stilton burger – all in the name of research, of course. All in all, a fab day and a very happy tummy!
Highlights of my visit
- A visit to the Monmouth coffee shop
- Having the opportunity to chat to some really knowledgeable & friendly stall-holders.
- Seeing the Shard rising up against the backdrop of the market, almost like something from another planet.
If you are planning a visit yourself, do check the opening times on their website before you set off. I went on a Friday and it was still very busy, but on weekends you can expect much bigger crowds.
I am determined to get to Borough Market when I’m home in the UK next. It’s year’s since I’ve been and I miss wandering and snacking. This post was a wonderful reminder.
Yep, wandering and snacking – it’s wonderful for that, isn’t it. So much to choose from though! I hope you get to visit when you’re next in the UK 🙂
My Dad took me to Borough Market for the first time last year and I can safely say it is now one of my favourite places in London. Your beautiful photography captures it perfectly. I can practically hear the hubbub and smell the sausage rolls and the cheese in Neal’s Yard…
I don’t think I’ve met anyone who doesn’t love it there – just has such a lovely atmosphere, doesn’t it.
I used to work around the corner from Borough, and Friday lunchtimes were always my favourite, as they were market days.
Your photos really evoked the sights, sounds and smells of the market for me. Thanks Heather
Thanks Mel! How lucky to have worked near the market – it really is a wonderful place with such a nice atmosphere too. I can’t wait to go back!