Borough Market is more than a shopping trip. It is a sensory journey into London’s food culture where history meets innovation in the heart of a bustling metropolis by the River Thames.
Just a short trip from HOLD Self Storage Kings Cross, it is a favourite for both locals and visitors.
In this guide, you will discover its heritage, must-try dishes and practical tips for visiting or trading at this iconic central London destination.
Key takeaways
- Borough Market has been feeding London for over 1,000 years and is one of the oldest food markets in Britain.
- Weekday mornings are best for avoiding peak times and enjoying a calmer browse.
- The market offers everything from fresh seafood to speciality foods and specialty foods.
- Its listed buildings add to its charm while housing a diverse range of food vendors.
- Guided tours and events deepen your connection to the market’s core purpose.
The history and heritage of Borough Market
Ancient origins
Borough Market’s roots date back to at least the year 1014, making it one of the oldest food markets in Britain. Some historians believe it may have existed earlier, serving as a great market town and a vital part of London’s growth. Located at the southern end of London Bridge, it was perfectly placed for traders arriving from the British coast to sell their goods in central London.
In 1756, the market officially moved to its current location on Southwark Street near Borough High Street, close to London Bridge station. This move accommodated its growth and formalised its role in retail and wholesale trade.
Victorian transformation
The 19th century brought significant redevelopment, with elegant iron and glass architecture creating the listed buildings that remain today. The present buildings, including the Floral Hall façade and railway viaducts, are part of the market’s listed architectural heritage.
These structures, along with railway viaducts, give the market its distinctive historic setting. The Floral Hall façade, relocated from Covent Garden, is a striking feature.
Modern revival
By the late 20th century, the market’s focus had shifted toward wholesale, but the 1990s revitalised it as a hub for artisanal food, fresh food, speciality foods, and speciality foods.
Specialist cheese shops, modern British restaurant concepts, and innovative food vendors brought fresh energy, reflecting the market’s core purpose of connecting producers to consumers.
Once focused mainly on its role as a wholesale market, Borough Market reinvented itself in the 1990s as a hub for artisanal food and speciality products.
This transformation mirrors how the market’s growth reflects London’s evolution into a global culinary capital.
Planning your visit
Opening hours and location
- Tuesday to Friday: 10am to 5pm
- Saturday: 8am to 5pm
- Sunday: 10am to 4pm
- Closed Mondays
Address: 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL
Closest Tube: London Bridge station (Jubilee and Northern lines, 4-minute walk)
Bus routes 43, 141, 149 and 388 serve the area, and National Rail runs to London Bridge station.
Best times to visit
Arriving early avoids the peak times and allows you to enjoy the market at its most relaxed. Weekday mornings, particularly Wednesday and Thursday, offer the freshest stock and the best opportunity to interact with traders. Steer clear of late Saturday mornings unless you enjoy navigating large crowds.
Admission and accessibility
Entry is free. The market is accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs, though narrow lanes can get busy. Public toilets, baby changing facilities, and step-free routes are available.
What to eat and drink
Street food highlights
The Black Pig: Famous across the market for indulgent pork sandwiches, The Black Pig slow-roasts its pork shoulder for hours until meltingly tender.
Served in a fresh ciabatta roll with crisp apple and fennel slaw, creamy aioli, and a punchy salsa verde, this is a dish that balances richness with freshness.
Regulars say it is one of the most satisfying hot sandwiches in central London.
Kappacasein: A star from the specialist cheese shops, Kappacasein’s grilled cheese toastie is legendary.
Using a blend of raclette, comté, and buttery leeks layered between slices of tangy sourdough, it is toasted until golden and oozing.
Known for drawing long queues even at off-peak times, it is a must-try for lovers of hearty, comforting flavours.
Furness Food Hut: The aroma of paella here hits you before the stall comes into view.
Massive pans of bomba rice are cooked with saffron and stock, then topped with a colourful mix of chicken, fresh seafood from the British coast, and seasonal vegetables.
Watching the cooking process is part of the appeal, and portions are generous enough to share.
Juma Kitchen: Bringing the flavours of Iraq to one of London’s oldest food markets, Juma Kitchen is best known for kubba halab.
These golden, crisp rice parcels are filled with aromatic spiced beef and served with a tangy sauce.
Their menu changes with the seasons, but the balance of texture and flavour in this signature dish keeps people coming back.
Fresh produce and specialities
Shoppers can find a wide range of premium ingredients for cooking at home:
- Fresh seafood like Scottish salmon and British cod, often sourced directly from the British coast for quality and freshness.
- British and Irish cheeses from specialist cheese shops, perfect for picnics or pairing with local wines.
- Seasonal produce from local farms, including heritage vegetables and hand-picked fruit.
- Exotic spices, rare mushrooms, and French-style bread to bring an artisanal food flair to any kitchen.
Sweet treats and drinks
Bread Ahead: Known city-wide for its baking school and high-quality pastries, Bread Ahead draws the longest queues for its crème brûlée doughnuts.
Each one is filled with rich custard, topped with a crackly layer of caramelised sugar, and dusted lightly for extra sweetness.
Humble Crumble: A modern twist on a British classic, this stall serves hot crumble pots that are fully customisable.
Choose from seasonal fruit fillings, crumb styles, and decadent toppings like custard or whipped cream. The theatre of assembling your crumble in front of you adds to the fun.
Turnips: Famous for giant chocolate-covered strawberries, Turnips transforms seasonal produce into a decadent treat.
The fruit is dipped in glossy, rich chocolate and served fresh for maximum impact, perfect for snacking as you explore.
For drinks, Monmouth Coffee offers ethically sourced and expertly brewed coffee, while Swan London provides a refined modern British restaurant experience with carefully selected wines and views over the River Thames.
Seasonal food guide
- Spring: Asparagus, wild garlic, soft cheeses, fresh bread.
- Summer: Heirloom tomatoes, berries, barbecue-ready meats.
- Autumn: Root vegetables, game, artisanal pies.
- Winter: Mulled wine, festive baked goods, imported citrus.
Navigating the market
Market sections
- Three Crown Square: Fresh seafood, top-quality meat, produce.
- Green Market: Smaller food vendors, street food, seasonal produce.
- Borough Market Kitchen: Casual dining and street food from around the world.
Insider tips
- Take a full loop before buying.
- Share portions to try more dishes.
- Carry a reusable bag and keep valuables close.
Trader spotlights
Neal’s Yard Dairy: One of the most celebrated specialist cheese shops in the UK, Neal’s Yard Dairy is devoted to championing traditional British and Irish cheeses.
Their knowledgeable staff offer tastings and guidance, helping you find the perfect cheese for your palate. Standouts include their creamy Colston Bassett Stilton, nutty Montgomery’s Cheddar, and soft, floral Tunworth.
This is a stop that cheese lovers simply cannot miss when they visit Borough Market.
Olivier’s Bakery: Known for its mastery of French-style bread and artisanal food baking, Olivier’s is a sensory delight for bread enthusiasts.
The shelves are stacked with crusty sourdough loaves, flaky croissants, and rich pain au chocolat, each baked fresh daily.
The bakery also offers hearty tarts and pies, making it a great spot for picking up something savoury or sweet to enjoy along Stoney Street.
Brindisa: A cornerstone of Borough Market’s Spanish offering, Brindisa is best known for its chorizo roll. This crowd favourite combines juicy grilled chorizo with roasted red peppers and peppery rocket, all tucked inside a crusty roll.
Beyond the sandwich, Brindisa also sells a whole host of Spanish delicacies such as manchego cheese, olives, and ibérico ham, perfect for assembling your own tapas at home.
Tours and events
Guided tours
Borough Market offers its own official guided tours, which run on selected days throughout the week, usually Wednesday to Saturday. Led by expert guides, these tours last around 90 minutes and take you through the market’s history, architecture, and best traders.
Expect to hear fascinating stories about the market’s origins as a wholesale market, learn how its growth reflects London’s evolution, and discover hidden corners most visitors miss.
Prices for official tours generally range from £25 to £35 per person, often including small tastings along the way. Spaces are limited, so booking in advance through the Borough Market website is recommended.
Independent tour companies such as London Bites also operate here, with food-focused walks costing around £50 to £75 per person, depending on the number of tastings included.
Cooking demonstrations
Free cooking demos are held regularly at the market’s demonstration kitchen, typically on Thursdays and Fridays from 12pm to 2pm.
These sessions feature local chefs and guest cooks preparing dishes using delicious food and speciality foods from the day’s traders. It’s a chance to learn professional cooking tips, watch recipes come together step-by-step, and even sample the finished dishes.
Special events and seasonal celebrations
Borough Market hosts themed events throughout the year, celebrating the changing seasons and festivals. Highlights include:
- Spring Festival in March, featuring dishes with asparagus, wild garlic, and early strawberries.
- Summer Street Food Week in July, with extended hours and live music in the Borough Market Kitchen.
- Autumn Game Week in October, showcasing game meats and hearty dishes perfect for cooler months.
- Winter Festive Market in December, when the present buildings are decorated with lights and stalls offer mulled wine, mince pies, and handmade gifts.
Many of these events are free to attend, making them ideal for visitors alike who want to soak in the atmosphere.
Paid workshops during these festivals may cost between £20 and £50, depending on the subject, such as bread-making, cheese-tasting, or pairing British coast seafood with wines.
Market values and sustainability
Borough Market prioritises sustainability, supporting farmers from the British coast, reducing waste, and promoting seasonal eating. Leftover food is donated to community projects, and packaging is often compostable. This ethical approach is a vital part of the market’s identity.
Beyond the market
Borough Market sits in one of the most vibrant corners of central London, surrounded by historic landmarks, cultural attractions, and places to eat and drink. Extending your visit beyond the market itself can turn a quick shopping trip into a full day of exploration.
Southwark Cathedral: Just steps from the market, this beautiful cathedral offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling metropolis outside. Known for its Gothic architecture and tranquil gardens, it is free to enter, although donations are welcome.
Visitors can enjoy exhibitions, a charming café, and a glimpse into over 900 years of history.
Stoney Street: A lively stretch lined with wine bars, coffee shops, and bakeries, Stoney Street is perfect for relaxing after exploring the market.
From casual cafés serving fresh food to intimate spots specialising in artisanal food, there’s something for every taste.
The Shard: A short walk away, this glass skyscraper is home to some of the city’s most striking views.
The viewing platform offers a panoramic look across the River Thames and central London, while its restaurants and bars provide a high-end dining experience.
Swan London: Located next to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, this modern British restaurant is a stylish place to enjoy lunch or dinner.
Expect menus featuring seasonal British coast seafood, prime meats, and international delicacies, all served in an elegant setting with river views.
The South Bank: A riverside area filled with galleries, street performers, and open-air food vendors. Walking along the Thames Path from Borough Market to the South Bank offers stunning views of listed buildings, bridges, and London’s ever-changing skyline.
The Golden Hinde: This full-sized replica of Sir Francis Drake’s galleon is moored just minutes from the market. It offers family-friendly tours that bring Elizabethan maritime history to life, making it an engaging stop for both adults and children.
These attractions, combined with Borough Market’s own historic setting, form a whole host of experiences that reflect the area’s core purpose as both a cultural and culinary hub.
Whether you’re here for retail therapy, sightseeing, or a deep dive into London’s food scene, there’s no shortage of things to do once you step outside the market gates.
How to set up a stall in Borough Market
Who runs the market and permits
Borough Market is managed by a charitable trust. Trader acceptance is guided by the trust’s Food Policy, which emphasises quality, traceability, sustainability, transparency, fair prices, social equity and variety.
Eligibility and required documents
Prospective traders must apply via the official online form and comply with the Food Policy criteria. Examples of required documents likely include product provenance details and evidence of sustainable sourcing.
Application process step by step
- Submit business and product details via the official Borough Market website.
- Waitlist if no vacancies exist; you may register your email for alerts
- If shortlisted, you may be invited to visit or undergo a trial period
- A successful trial can lead to a permanent pitch, conditional on ongoing adherence to market standards.
Fees and pitch details
No published figures currently exist. Pitch allocation depends on size, location and schedule. Costs are likely several hundred pounds per week in prime spots.
Application process verified
Submitted via Borough Market official site. Last checked: August 2025.
Trader checklist
- Completed application via official site
- Food Policy alignment (quality, sustainability, traceability)
- Product provenance / sample images
- Ability to participate in trial period
- Readiness to meet ongoing quality standards
Final thoughts
Borough Market is a vital part of London’s food culture, blending its history as one of the oldest food markets with a thriving present full of fresh food, speciality foods, and international delicacies.
Whether you come for delicious food from creative food vendors, browse specialist cheese shops, or enjoy the market’s historic setting by the River Thames, every visit offers something new.
Need self storage? HOLD is here for you
HOLD is on a mission to transform self storage in London.
Our Croydon facility is coming soon, bringing digital-first, modern storage solutions even closer to Borough Market traders and shoppers.
In the meantime, our Kings Cross location offers secure business storage for stock to flexible personal storage units. Our 24/7 access, secure facilities, and simple online booking make storage hassle-free.
Whether you are a trader needing extra retail stock space or a visitor looking for short-term storage during your week in central London, we can help.
Visit us in Croydon or book online today.
Frequently asked questions
Does HOLD offer business storage for Borough Market traders?
Yes. HOLD provides secure, flexible units ideal for stock, packaging, and seasonal goods, with 24/7 access.
Can I store personal items after a Borough Market trip with HOLD?
Absolutely. HOLD’s Kings Cross location offers personal storage perfect for visitors alike and locals needing extra space during the week.
What’s the best way to avoid peak times at Borough Market?
Visit midweek in the morning to steer clear of the largest crowds.
Why is Borough Market considered a vital part of London?
Its combination of history, listed buildings, whole host of food vendors, and retail opportunities makes it central to London’s food scene.
Which dishes are must-tries for first-time visitors?
The Black Pig ciabatta, Kappacasein cheese toastie, Bread Ahead crème brûlée doughnut, and fresh seafood from the British coast are all highly recommended.
