Borough Market is one of our favourite places in London. I wouldn’t be lying if I told you that it is one of the places we have been going to most weekends since we have lived here.
Although this is “just a market” for some people, we would define it as a “celebration of British produce”. The place itself, the atmosphere, and the quality and variety of the products we can find added to the market’s location make this place very special.
And it is for all these reasons that we love this place, and we recommend everyone who visits London to visit it.
About Borough Market in London
Borough Market is where you can find a wide variety of fresh, quality produce frequented by top chefs from around the UK. It is known that there has been a market in this area dedicated to the buying and selling of produce and livestock since before 1014, so we are talking about a market that originated over 1000 years ago, making it the oldest market in London.
London Bridge has always been one of London’s most important landmarks and was the most accessible area for the sale of produce and livestock in its day. Farmers and traders came to sell their produce and livestock. During its more than 1000 years of existence, the market has changed location several times and was even banned in 1754 because of the traffic it caused. The building in which it stands today was designed in 1851 and was renovated in 2001.
What to See at Borough Market
In addition to the food stalls, numerous stalls serve street food from different countries with vegetarian and vegan options. There are also several restaurants, many cafés and stalls selling plants and flowers.
Some scenes from the Bridget Jones films were filmed in Borough Market, and we can see the famous pub, “The Globe”, that appears in the movie inside the market. Bridget’s front door in the film is on the side of this pub.
Market stalls
In Borough Market, you will find specialized stalls of everything you can imagine. Stalls selling fish, meat, vegetables and fruits, cheeses, bread and sweets, oysters and shellfish…
Street Food
Among the market stalls, you will find stalls serving takeaway food; we have to highlight the paella, the oysters, and the mussels with fries. There is a designated street food area (follow the directions for “hot food this way!”) with numerous food stalls from different countries, perfect for trying foods. There is a seating area and public toilets, which is always helpful to know when you travel!
Borough Market Restaurants
There are several restaurants, pubs, and cafes in and around Borough Market. One restaurant that stands out is Roast, located at the top, overlooking the market. They offer British breakfasts and brunches, an option we like if you want to eat something early in the day. 
Why visit a market? I promise you won’t be disappointed; here you can see another side of London. This is a place where everyone looks happy. Simply grab a beer, some fresh fish & chips or even a traditional British pie… or some of the best falafel you will find in London and relax, laugh and enjoy the day!
When is the best time to visit Borough Market: Opening times
The entire market is open from Wednesday to Saturday until 5 or 6 pm; the restaurants in the area are open Sunday to Tuesday.
- Monday 10:00 – 17:00, some stalls only
- Tuesday 10:00 – 17:00, some stalls only
- Wednesday 10:00 – 17:00: Full Market
- Thursday 10:00 – 17:00: Full Market
- Friday 10:00 – 18:00: Full Market
- Saturday 08:00 – 17:00: Full Market
- Sunday 10:00 – 16:00: Full Market
How to get to Borough Market in London
Borough Market is located at 8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL. The nearest tube stop to Borough Market in London is London Bridge in London Zone 1.
Secret spots near Borough Market in London
For those of you who like to discover secret corners of London, I have to say that we love the pub The George Inn, which has a lot of history and that goes unnoticed by tourists as it is a bit hidden. I recommend you to go there if only to see the façade.
Other secret spots we discovered walking around the area include Cross Bones Graveyard and The Old Operating Theatre.
Things to do near Borough Market in London
As Borough Market is located near London Bridge, you can walk to many interesting places from here in just a few minutes. We would recommend the following:
- London Bridge
- Tower of London
- London Dungeon
- Visit The Shard
- HMS Belfast
- Imperial War Museum
Official website: https://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/
