Name: Borough Market
Address: London SE1 9AL, UK
Telephone: 020 7407 1002
Rating: 4.6

Huge market under the railway lines, for British-reared meat and artisanal baked and dairy goods.

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Borough Market has been serving Londoners for over 1000 years, with its origins tracing back to at least the 11th century.

Years of History

Borough Market is located in the Southwark area of London, near London Bridge, making it easily accessible.

Location, Location, Location

Initially, Borough Market was primarily a wholesale market, but it has evolved to include a significant retail component.

Early Days

The market is located near Southwark Cathedral, a beautiful and historic church that adds to the area's charm.

Nearby Landmark

Borough Market is renowned for its focus on artisan foods, specialty ingredients, and high-quality produce.

Focus on Quality

The market was rebuilt in the Victorian era, resulting in the beautiful architecture that is still admired today.

Victorian Era Transformation

Borough Market

Borough Market, a cornerstone of London's culinary landscape, distinguishes itself through its unwavering commitment to artisanal producers and sustainable practices. Unlike typical markets, Borough prioritizes direct relationships between farmers, growers, and consumers, fostering a vibrant exchange of knowledge and passion. The market's historical significance is palpable, evidenced by its location near Southwark Cathedral and its evolution from a wholesale market to a haven for food enthusiasts. A unique aspect is its focus on rare and heritage breeds, offering meats and cheeses unavailable elsewhere. The market's influence extends beyond its stalls, shaping culinary trends and inspiring chefs across the city. Its dedication to preserving traditional foodways and supporting small-scale producers sets it apart, making it more than just a place to shop; it's a living testament to the power of food and community. The market's architecture, a blend of Victorian ironwork and modern design, further enhances its distinctive character.

Introduction

Borough Market is a vibrant hub of artisanal food culture, showcasing the best of British and European cuisine with an emphasis on handmade and sustainably sourced goods. The market's revival in the mid-1990s focused on retail rather than wholesale, inviting artisanal businesses like Neal's Yard Dairy, Brindisa, and Monmouth Coffee Company to establish themselves, encouraging them to open their premises to retail customers. This shift solidified the market's reputation as a foodie hotspot, drawing visitors seeking unique culinary experiences.

The market is home to notable food traders such as Neal’s Yard Dairy, offering a wide selection of British and Irish cheeses with knowledgeable staff providing samples and expertise. Bread Ahead is renowned for its doughnuts and sourdough loaves, also offering baking classes at their bakery school. Olivier’s Bakery provides French-style bread and pastries, with croissants and pain au chocolat being particularly popular. These vendors reflect the market's dedication to quality and tradition.

The Borough Market Act of 1756 established a system of volunteer trustees who ensure the market stays true to its roots, keeping it fair for traders and shoppers while running events and classes to educate people about food. This community-focused management helps maintain the market's special atmosphere, making it more than just a place to buy food, but a place to experience artisanal food culture.

Artisanal Food Culture

Borough Market's historic ambiance and diverse architecture have made it a sought-after film location. The market and its surrounding streets have provided the backdrop for numerous films, offering a versatile setting for various narratives. Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) prominently features Borough Market, with scenes filmed around Bedale Street, including Bridget's flat above The Globe Tavern, and the wine bar across the street, transformed into a Greek restaurant for the film's memorable fight scene. The market also appears in Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004) and Bridget Jones's Baby (2016), with Hobbs sandwich shop, portrayed as a cab office in the second film, becoming a recognizable landmark for fans.

Beyond the Bridget Jones series, Borough Market served as a location for Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), where it stood in for the Leaky Cauldron, and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009). The market's adaptability allows it to represent different settings, from a bustling London street to a magical entryway. Its appeal extends to upcoming productions as well, with Borough Market set to appear in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (2025).

Film Location

Borough Market's culinary heritage is deeply rooted in its origins, tracing back to at least the 12th century, possibly even earlier mentions from 1014, establishing it as one of London's oldest food markets. Originally a wholesale market, it strategically thrived due to its proximity to the Pool of London's riverside wharves, becoming a vital food distribution hub. By the mid-1990s, a shift occurred, revitalizing the market into a retail space that celebrates both British and international flavors. This transformation involved recruiting long-term traders through events like the Food Lovers' Fair, and inviting wholesale businesses to open retail-accessible premises.

The market's dedication to culinary tradition is evident in its vendors, such as Richard Hawards Oysters, a family business since the 1700s, serving up to 12,000 oysters weekly. Monmouth Coffee, established in 1978, exemplifies ethical sourcing by working directly with single farms to ensure fair trade. Borough Market offers a range of culinary experiences, from traditional English flavors to diverse international delights, reflecting London’s rich culinary culture. The market's architecture, including glass and iron structures from the 19th century, adds to its old-world charm. Borough Market remains a place where food is celebrated for its taste, its connection to producers, and its role in bringing people together.

Culinary Heritage

Borough Market operates as a charity, overseen by a board of volunteer trustees, highlighting its deep commitment to the community. This structure ensures that all market activities benefit shoppers, traders, neighbors, and anyone affected by the market's operations. The market's dedication to social connection is evident in its daily activities, fostering a sense of community among visitors and vendors.

The market's evolution reflects its ongoing commitment to community needs, transitioning from a wholesale hub to a beacon for sustainable food production and short supply chains. This transformation underscores its adaptability and dedication to serving the community's evolving interests. The Borough Market Food Policy further exemplifies this commitment, setting principles to guide the market's approach to food in the years to come, emphasizing quality, sustainability, and ethical practices.

The market's charitable trust actively works to ensure food is made and sold in ways that benefit people and the planet, promoting the pleasure of eating while upholding social and environmental values. This mission is central to its operation, influencing everything from trader selection to community engagement initiatives. The market's governance by a charitable trust ensures that its primary focus remains on serving the community, fostering social connections, and promoting a sustainable food system.

Community Trust

Borough Market's architectural narrative is a compelling blend of historical layers and functional adaptation, reflecting London's own evolution. Originally a chaotic trading hub, the market's transformation gained momentum with the Borough Market Act of 1756, leading to a more organized space. The Victorian era marked a significant phase, highlighted by the construction of a grand market hall in 1851, showcasing cutting-edge iron and glass design.

Railway viaducts, constructed in the 1860s, are a striking feature, dividing the market into sections and adding an industrial charm. These brick arches support overhead trains, with some arches now housing shops and eateries. The relocation of the Floral Hall from Covent Garden in 2004 exemplifies architectural recycling, serving as a grand entrance with its elegant Victorian cast-iron and glass structure.

The market also boasts Grade II listed buildings, including the Art Deco entrance on Borough High Street, built in the 1930s. The juxtaposition of old and new is a theme, with the Shard looming nearby, contrasting with the market’s low-rise buildings. Refurbishments, including the re-erection of the Floral Hall's South Portico, demonstrate a commitment to preserving architectural heritage while adapting to modern needs. These elements combine to create a unique atmosphere, where centuries of architectural evolution are palpable.

Borough Market

Did You Know?

Years of History

Location, Location, Location

Early Days

Nearby Landmark

Highlights from Reviews

Location