Lady’s Mouth-Watering Borough Market Guide

If there’s one thing I love as much as travel, it’s food. Whether I’m eating at an award-winning restaurant or a street food stall, I enjoy a good bite. And London has no shortage of places for it. One of my favorite locations to immerse myself in the city’s food scene is Borough Market. If you’re interested in exploring, today I bring you A Lady in London’s Borough Market guide.

Borough Market Guide

Just south of the river near London Bridge station and Southwark Cathedral, Borough Market is one of the city’s most beloved foodie meccas.

It’s been in existence in one form or another for around 1,000 years and has undergone a lot of changes over the centuries.

Today’s market dates to the 1990s. Tucked away under railway bridges and into little corners, it has a hidden feel that makes it exciting to explore.

The stalls at Borough Market sell everything from fresh fish to prepared foods. Around and above them are cafes, shops, pubs, and restaurants. If you want to eat, you’ll have no trouble doing so here. This is one of the best south London markets.

Best Day to Visit Borough Market

The market is popular, so it’s expanded its opening times over the years. It’s now open every day of the week.

I prefer to visit Borough Market on weekdays, as they’re less crowded than weekends. I also like arriving early since the market gets busier as the day goes by.

As far as seasons go, there’s a good reason to head to the market in any season.

Winter is great because it’s quieter and less crowded, and spring is fun because it gets buzzing and the flowers come in.

Summer is exciting with all the outdoor areas full of people, and autumn is lovely with the harvest produce around.

Best Food at Borough Market

As far as what to buy at Borough Market, there’s no shortage of things to tempt the taste buds.

Prepared foods like the chorizo sandwich from Brindisa’s outdoor stand are some of the most popular. There are also great juices and handmade chocolates around.

I can never leave without picking up a fresh loaf of bread, and I’m always tempted by the fat olives and thick slabs of brownies.

That said, some of the best food at Borough Market is the food I’ve sampled on a whim. It’s the exploratory part of the experience that’s often the most rewarding.

Best Shops and Restaurants

Away from the stalls, there are a lot of good places to shop and dine at Borough Market.

Shops like The Ginger Pig are famous, and Borough Yards is full of fun finds. I’ve even done a food treasure hunt in London here.

I’ve had many a meal at Roast, the restaurant above the stands. I also love stopping for a latte at Monmouth Coffee in Borough Market. This place is one of the best coffee shops in London, and it’s a staple in the area.

It’s hard not to love the split-level interior, and I like getting a seat by the window and watching the world go by in the market.

Around the corner from Monmouth Coffee, Neal’s Yard Dairy is another classic. This cheese shop is heaven, and it’s a sin to leave without sampling a few cheeses and bringing some parcels home.

I had the opportunity to tour Borough Market with Wolfgang Puck once, and one of my best memories from the day was visiting Neal’s Yard Dairy with him.

There are a lot more restaurants and cafes in Borough Market, too. Bedales of Borough Market is a fun wine bar with tables overlooking the market stalls.

I’ve heard great things about Padella, and the restaurants and bars tucked away by Southwark Cathedral look tempting.

Drinks at the Market

As far as drinks go, there’s no shortage of places to have a glass of wine or pint of beer. A lot of the vendors sell sangria, mulled wine, and other seasonal drinks right from their stalls throughout the year.

It’s fun to pick one up on a sunny afternoon or cold winter day and walk around the market with it.

There are pubs around the perimeter for sit-down drinking, too. The Southwark Tavern has atmospheric underground niches and fun pub quiz nights.

Best of Borough Market

I hope you’ve enjoyed this Borough Market guide. It’s a London classic, and worth visiting time and again. Just make sure to bring your appetite with you.

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