Borough Market in London is a bustling hub of food, culture and community. One of the largest and oldest food markets in London, Borough Market has served local residents and visitors for centuries. With stalls featuring artisanal cheeses, organic produce, fresh-baked breads, and cuisine from around the world, Borough Market is a food lover’s paradise in the heart of London. But this iconic market is so much more than just a place to grab a bite – it has a rich and fascinating history spanning over a thousand years.
Borough Market is an integral part of London’s cultural, social and culinary fabric. For locals, it’s a regular shopping destination to get high-quality, fresh ingredients. Chefs frequent the market to source seasonal produce for their menus. And for visitors, it provides an authentic taste of London’s vibrant food scene. Borough Market also supports small-scale producers and sustainable agriculture. In an age of globalisation and fast food, Borough Market helps preserve the art of traditional food production and the importance of knowing where your food comes from.
The story of Borough Market began almost a thousand years ago. The earliest mention of a market in the area dates back to the 11th century. Located at the southern end of the old London Bridge, it served as a convenient place for farmers, fishermen and traders to sell their goods to the people of London.
Over the next few centuries, the market grew in size and importance. Laws were put in place to regulate what could be sold and by whom. A royal charter granted in 1406 officially recognised Borough Market as a key centre of trade for the city. Market stalls were grouped by the type of food sold – fish, grain, vegetables, etc. This allowed for better organisation and quality control.
As London’s population exploded in the 19th century, Borough Market had to evolve to keep up with increased demand. The market buildings were expanded and renovated. New technology like railway transportation allowed goods to be brought in from further away to feed the growing city. However, Borough Market also started facing stiff competition from newer markets and wholesalers that could offer lower prices.
Despite the challenges, Borough Market underwent a major revitalisation in the 1850s. The old buildings were replaced with grand new structures of glass and iron, reflecting the market’s prominence. Specialised sections devoted to fruits, vegetables, baked goods and other foods were established. Although Borough Market primarily served a wholesale function to supply other markets and vendors, it still drew crowds of ordinary shoppers looking for bargains and hard-to-find items.
The 20th century brought more changes and challenges for Borough Market. The economic hardships of the 1930s Great Depression and the rationing during World War II dealt a blow to the market. As London rebuilt after the war, the rise of supermarkets and changing shopping habits led to a decline in traditional markets like Borough.
By the 1990s, Borough Market was a shadow of its former self. But luckily, a dedicated group of individuals and local organisations refused to let it disappear. They campaigned passionately to preserve Borough Market and breathe new life into it. In 1998, Henrietta Green was invited to host the Food Lovers’ Fair, which brought more traders to the market. The emergence of the artisanal food movement provided the spark Borough Market needed. New vendors focusing on organic produce, handmade cheeses, and unique ingredients moved in, and Borough gradually transformed into a destination for food lovers.
Fast forward to today, and Borough Market is thriving once again as one of London’s top culinary destinations. Over 100 stalls offer an unbelievable range of foods from around Britain and the world. The aroma of freshly baked bread, handmade cheeses, organic produce, and dishes from cuisines across the globe fills the air. Locals and tourists alike flock to the market for their weekly shopping, to savour prepared foods, or just to soak in the lively atmosphere.
Several stands have been institutions at Borough Market for generations. Sillfield Farm, for example, has been selling heritage pork sausages and other speciality meat products at the market for over 20 years. Neal’s Yard Dairy’s store at Borough Market helped kickstart the artisanal British cheese renaissance back in the 1980s. Other vendors featured in popular TV shows or supplied ingredients for famous restaurants have become attractions in their own right.
Borough Market is also committed to sustainability and reducing food waste. Unsold or excess produce is donated to local charities to be distributed to those in need. The market works with farmers and producers who follow ethical and environmentally friendly practices. Borough Market isn’t just feeding Londoners but is helping to build a better food system.
Over the years, Borough Market has attracted its fair share of celebrities. Top chefs like Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsay and Nigella Lawson have been spotted shopping for ingredients. In 2014, the market received a royal visit from Queen Elizabeth II herself. She toured the stalls, met with vendors, and was presented with a special hamper showcasing the market’s finest products.
Borough Market’s atmospheric setting has also made it a popular filming location. It’s been featured in movies like Bridget Jones’s Diary, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. In the Hollywood version of Sherlock Holmes, Holmes and Dr. Watson race across Borough Market’s roof while pursuing a suspect. The highly popular Korean drama Goblin also shot scenes of its main character enjoying street food around the market. Being featured on the big and small screen has only boosted Borough Market’s profile as an iconic London destination.
While today Borough Market caters more to retail customers rather than wholesale trade, it still retains its original character as a working market. Deliveries come in daily from all over Britain and Europe to supply the market stands. The old Victorian truss roof and arched glass windows allow in plenty of natural light, and narrow winding alleyways between buildings add to the charm. A walk through Borough Market reveals its many historical layers, right down to the worn cobblestones beneath your feet.
As a charity organisation, Borough Market reinvests profits back into the surrounding community of Southwark. The Borough Market Cookbook Club promotes food education through workshops, cooking demos and book signings. Local schools and youth groups are invited to the market to learn about food origins and healthy eating. The Young Marketeers program teaches students to grow and sell their own produce, with proceeds going to food bank charities.
Borough Market also hosts several festivals and themed events throughout the year. There’s the annual Apple Day celebration in October, featuring unique heritage apple varieties, cider tastings, and bobbing for apples. At Christmas time, the market transforms into a winter wonderland with carol singing, mulled wine, and stalls selling festive gifts and decorations. Over the summer, the Evening of Cheese gathering lets visitors sample cheeses from Britain and beyond, accompanied by live jazz. With such a lively event calendar, there’s always a reason to make a return trip to Borough Market.
So what can we learn from Borough Market’s long and storied past? For one, Borough Market is an incredible example of resilience. It has survived wars, plagues, economic turmoil, and redevelopment many times over the centuries. Its ability to preserve the best of its heritage and traditions while still adapting to changes in society has been key to its longevity.
Borough Market’s continued success today is also a testament to the growing awareness around food. People want to know more about where their food comes from, how it was made, and who made it. They crave unique, high-quality products and exciting new culinary experiences. Borough Market offers exactly that – a bustling, dynamic space to discover and appreciate the art of food.
When you shop or eat at Borough Market, you’re participating in a tradition that goes back centuries. You’re supporting a community of foodies, artisans and entrepreneurs. And you’re experiencing a piece of London history. There’s truly no other place quite like it.
Borough Market is located in central London, near London Bridge, at 8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL. It’s easily accessible by public transport, just a short walk from London Bridge Underground and train stations.
The earliest known mention of Borough Market dates all the way back to the year 1014. The market received its first royal charter in 1406.
Borough Market’s sheer size, diversity of offerings, and long history sets it apart. It’s also known for its high-quality speciality foods like handmade cheeses and organic produce that can’t be found elsewhere. Additionally, Borough Market functions both as a retail market for the public and a wholesale market for the food industry.
In the late 20th century, Borough Market transformed itself from a struggling wholesale market into a popular retail destination for artisanal and speciality foods. It has also prioritised sustainability by reducing waste, supporting local farmers, and promoting ethically sourced products.
Yes, Borough Market is open to visitors year-round, 10 AM – 5 PM Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM Saturday, and 10 AM – 3 PM Sunday. Times may vary around the holidays.
To avoid the crowds, go on a weekday or Saturday morning. For the widest selection of goods, Thursday’s full market day is best. Savvy shoppers visit near closing time to get discounts on remaining produce. But really, any day you can visit this magnificent market is worth it!
As you’ve explored the rich history of Borough Market, why not complete your journey with a visit to Fish! Restaurant? Since 1999, we’ve been proud to call this iconic location home, serving the freshest fish and seafood sourced directly from our doorstep. With our simple yet classic approach to cooking, every dish celebrates the heritage and quality of Borough Market’s produce. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a foodie, or just looking for an unforgettable dining experience, Fish! offers the perfect way to savour the essence of London’s culinary heart. You can contact us online for more information, to book a table, or for delivery. Come and be a part of our story – your table is waiting!
