Borough Market is one of London’s most famous markets- and contains exclusively food vendors!
Head down to Southwark and you’ll start seeing the crowds of visitors intent on grabbing a bite. With more than 100 vendors covering about 4.5 acres, there’s a real wealth of options to choose from.
Borough Market has been around in one form or another since at least 1276, with it being officially relocated to today’s site in 1756. It’s a staple for the city and beloved by locals and visitors alike.
It’s a great place to grab a light meal, or even just to explore the area!
You may recognize certain TikTok viral foods like their chocolate covered strawberries or the famous Crème Brûlée donuts, but there are no shortage of new things to try.
I found it funny that you could always tell when a vendor had gone viral by the length of their lines. Luckily, they’re usually prepared for their newfound fame with appropriate staffing.
The crowds were pretty intense on the holiday weekend I visited and I felt like I had to fight for my life to get where I needed to go- particularly by the entrances to the market. A second visit midweek was still crowded but much more manageable.
While standing tables are usually available, the covered seating at the corner Borough High St and Stoney St was always full when I passed by. I typically get lucky with seating outside the market on a bench along Winchester Walk.
Markedly not immune from viral influencing, I got “The Best One’” the viral pork sandwich at The Black Pig. Despite the extensive line, with no less than a dozen people working behind the counter, it took me no more than five minutes to collect my sandwich from start to finish- and you know what? It was indeed very good.
The internet was on to something!
Don’t just listen to the internet though- take a wander through the stalls and see what appeals to you! You might just find the next big hit.
The Market is open six days a week and closed on Mondays- but check their website for the most up to date information.
I don’t recommend taking cash to this market, but card and ApplePay works perfectly fine!
Here, at Our Crossings, we’re big advocates of stuffing ourselves full of outrageously good food on an outrageously regular basis. And whilst there are a whole host of spots to do that in London; ignoring the best food market in the city would be a crime against deliciousness, even when planning a visit to Borough Market has gotten a whole lot more overwhelming given the sheer amount of people! Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
What a lovely comment! Are you based in London?
I have a fair amount of dietary restrictions so this was one of the few times I’ve been to a food specific market and I was surprised by how popular it was!
No, we live in Sligo, Ireland 🥰
Very cool!
The title gave me a chuckle, I remember how crowded it was when we visited! We also grabbed sandwiches from The Black Pig and loved them.
The title made me laugh when I was writing it! The Black Pig comes by it’s reputation honestly!
Looks like fun and btw, love your photos. Travel on!
It’s certainly a way to see a lot of unique food options! Maybe next time I’ll wait on that long line for doughnuts.
Ah, I loved Borough Market when I last visited London! It was absolutely packed (and claustrophobic) during the lunch-hour crush, but I still had a wonderful time wandering the stalls and trying some of the food. Most memorable would have to be the steak ale pie I got at Pieminster– SO good, and I dream about that pie to this day. Thanks for sharing your time there!
I LOVE a good savory pie- I got one there as well, though I’m not sure who made it. I actually went to Borough Market twice during my stay since my hotel was so close and there was SUCH a difference in the crowds from the Bank Holiday to a normal weekday!
Great title. Really caught my eye. Food!
I was pretty pleased with myself when I thought of the title as well! Bon appetite!
It’s always a bummer when things go viral and then get overly crowded. At least there was a good reason for the sandwich, it sounds like, but I’m not sure I’m brave enough to deal with those crowds. My goodness.
To be fair, my first visit was on a Bank Holiday and the crowds were so shocking they made every subsequent visit look less crowded by comparison! Definitely not for the faint of heart, though.
Ahh I’m sorry it was so busy for you. I work in Borough and am at the Market at least once a week – it’s really hit and miss with the crowds!
Oh wow, what a great area to spend time in! Do you have any recommendations for the best time to visit (or the best food that Instagram hasn’t caught on to yet 👀😋)