Highlights of Borough Market in London, England

Borough Market

A typical Saturday afternoon

Borough Market has been a bustling part of the London epicurean culture for centuries. It is the only fully independent market you can find in the city. Today it boasts over 100 stalls of produce farmers, fish mongers, butchers, bakers, cheese purveyors, and food & drink experts specializing in the best Britain, Europe, and the world at large has to offer. It's not only a place to buy and learn all about food, but also a place to eat to your heart's content. Whether it be noshing away at samples or enjoying a good meal at many of the ready-to-eat options in the market. There is something here for everyone. If you live in London or are planning a trip, this stop is a must for all your foodie needs.

Fine hand-painted china

Dried fruit, nuts, and candy

The market is all made possible by a board of volunteer trustees. According to the formal objectives laid out in their Charity Commission registration, the members' commitments are to provide a market as a public amenity. On an annual basis any surplus is given to the London Borough of Southwark for the benefit of residents in the parish of St Saviour’s. They're an exceptional contributor to the community.

Variety of Gourmet Olives

Selection of Exotic Spices

Any good market needs a group of hard-working, friendly, and knowledgeable individuals who have a real passion for what they do. The people behind Borough Market are no exception.

The displays at the market that the purveyors have put together are exquisite. One in particular that stands out in my mind is a fish market that we visited to pick up some fresh halibut for a ceviche. In a smorgasbord of fish over piles of crushed ice, and decorated with fresh herbs, was a live lobster resting on the back of a monkfish. In the mouth of the monkfish was an whole langoustine. It was quite the display of creativity.

Fish Market Display

At one of the stalls in the Jubilee Market area I had the pleasure of speaking with a fantastic lady at D'issa, an award-winning purveyor of Croatian delicacies such as sheep milk cheese, jams, oils, wine, and one of my favourites, ajvar (a roasted red pepper dip/spread that goes with just about anything savoury). My cousin and I couldn't pass up the purchase of a flavourful pumpkin seed oil they offer. Check out their web-site at http://www.dissa.co.uk

D'issa

Please do yourself an enormous favour and pay the market a visit if you get the opportunity. It was one of the biggest highlights of my visit to England and I'm sure you will feel the same way.

This little independent blog entry could not possibly encapsulate all that the market has to offer. Please check them our for yourself online to learn more:
http://http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/

Eat well and stay fed!

B

Yours truly @ Borough Market in London, England