Borough Market: London’s Famous Food Market

When you come to London on a UK visit visa and feel hunger pangs all of a sudden, you must visit Borough Market. Although not one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, it is a wonderful destination for sampling international cuisines in the city. When it comes to street food, this food market leaves others far behind in London.  Alongside a wide range of cuisines, it also occupies a special place of importance in the hearts and minds of visitors due to its 1000-year-old history. It has been operating in London since 1014 and is one of the hidden gems in London. Just like in the past, Borough Market is also popular among people at present due to its strategic location adjacent to London Bridge. Each year, the market draws about 4.5 million visitors. This fact speaks volumes about its popularity. It has more than a hundred stalls in which you can find a long list of items. Prominent among them are cakes, coffees, bread, ciders, olive oil, vegetables, fish, meat, and other groceries. In addition, it also has several restaurants and cafes. Read on to know more about the market and its opening hours.

Highlights of Borough Market

Exploring this place is akin to working your way out through a maze of tunnels. You can easily go astray and lose your way if you wander about this place. Borough Market has many narrow passageways that are lined up with stalls. You can expect delicious delights, regardless of whichever passageway you enter. If you prefer items like fish, meat, cheese, vegetables, or fruit, you might want to head to the largest trading area of the market. This place is known as Three Crown Square. It is the place wherein you can find all the aforementioned items and buy them. Market Hall is another major attraction of the market. It is popular as a greenhouse for growing plants. Here, you can also spot workshops and food demonstrations. To check out the aforementioned attractions, you will need some time in hand. If you do not have much time in hand, you can move to the stalls that are on the southern side of Southwark Cathedral. Apart from mouthwatering chocolate and artisan foods, you will also find foods of specific regions. These include the ones that belong to Cambria, France, the Balkans, and Ethiopia. Apart from stopping by one of the popular Borough Market restaurants, you can also go to a cafe for lunch or a quick bite. Stoney Street abounds with cafes, whereas you will find many stalls for lunch or a quick bite in Green Market. The latter is nearby the Southwark Cathedral.

Special Tips for Visitors to Borough Market

• Being a busy place, the atmosphere of Borough Market remains crowded most of the time. If you wish to visit the market when it is less crowded, try coming here as early as possible on Saturday. The best time to come here on a Saturday is during the opening hours. Alternatively, you can also come here in the afternoon on Wednesdays, as the atmosphere of the market remains less crowded on these days.
• Borough Market gives a feeling of splendor during the Christmas holidays. Upon visiting the market at this time, you can try out mulled wine and eggnog. These are the special attractions of the food market for visitors on Christmas.
• If you wish to go to the nearby tourist spots, Southwark Cathedral is the best option for it. You can reach here in just two minutes on foot.
• Because Borough Market is a dedicated place for foodies, you’d be better off arriving here on an empty stomach and with an appetite. This will let you eat as much as you want – the primary reason for which you would want to visit the market.

All About Visiting Borough Market

Following your arrival at Borough Market in London on a UK tourist visa, you will need about three to four hours to explore it and get your preferred items. But there are also some winding streets here. If you wish to explore them, you would need some additional time in hand. In addition, you also need to bear a few things in mind while visiting the market. Do not forget to carry an umbrella or a raincoat as it may rain anytime. Wear walking shoes to walk comfortably. Given the possibility of pickpocketing, keep an eye on your belongings. As dogs are not allowed in Borough, and it is a smoke-free zone, you will need to conduct yourself accordingly after you enter the market.

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Borough Market Opening Times

You can enter Borough Market free of cost. But to achieve your objective of visiting the market, you must come here at the right time. It remains closed on Sundays. On the other days, you can visit Borough Market at the following times:

• Monday to Thursday – 10 am to 5 pm
• Friday – 10 am to 6 pm
• Saturday – 8 am to 5 pm

Before you come here on any Monday or Tuesday, remember that only a few traders remain here on these days. Even though market traders do not keep their shops open on Mondays and Tuesdays, those who own street stalls remain present on these days. Such traders include charcuterie sellers, cheese mongers, and bakers. Besides, vegetable and fruit sellers also sell their items on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Conclusion

The environment of Borough market remains busy with several people and activities between Mondays and Saturdays. In the oldest market in London where you can buy food as well as a long list of other items. Plus, you can also get along with sightseeing and photography, the adored things to do in London Borough market. Keep the timings and regulations in mind for an invaluable experience of exploring the place as a tourist

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