I cannot believe this was my first trip to Borough Market since I’ve lived in London. Made up of around 70 stalls and stands of gourmet food it’s comparable to heaven! Producers from all over the country bring a range of fresh produce to the market, including fish, meats, vegetables, ciders, cheeses, breads, coffees, cakes and patisseries. Open Thursday to Saturday the market is right next to London Bridge Station on Southwark Street.
I’d been told it gets busy, especially around lunch time so my friend and I met each other at half 10 in the morning on a Saturday. Perfect timing for breakfast / elevenses / brunch / lunch / tea I say! We were sensible and arrived with empty stomachs, giving ourself time to explore the ins and outs of the market before deciding what our first taster of the day would be. We tactically went with the approach of splitting everything we bought in half so that we’d have enough space (in our belly’s) to try as much food and drink as we could.
Serving Raclettes and toasted cheese sandwiches it was hard to avoid the delicious smell wafting from the Kappacasein stall. Established in 2000, Kappacasein producers its own cheeses, from Bermondsey Hardpressed, Bermondsey Frier, Bermondsey Red, Spalactic and ricotta. They use top quality ingredients including five types of onions and Poilane sourdough bread to create mouthwatering cheese toasties.
Crunchy sourdough toast with tangy onions and dripping oily cheese it was hard to beat. Continuing to explore the market the we surrounded by beautiful colours and fragrances.
It was hard to choose what to sample next, but the multiple flavours of fruit juices were just waiting to clench my thirst. I went for a fresh mango and orange juice.
The next thing to catch our eye was a Spinach & Feta SPELT croissant from Oliver’s Bakery, we requested it to be cut in half by the baker so we could both enjoy a taster!
In the afternoon we took a break from the food and visited the Fashion & Textiles Museum on Bermondsey Street. Currently showing The Glamour of Belleville Sassoon collection it was an enjoyable exhibition.
Heading back to the market, we picked up an Earl Grey ice tea with fresh mint and lemon. An earl grey fan anyway it was the first time I’d tried it as an ice tea. It was lovely and refreshing! Next summer I definitely want to learn how to make it myself.
Having tasted numerous chocolate brownie samples the next thing on our list was cake. This wasn’t a simple item to tick off our list with too much chose available it was difficult to decide!
In the end we decided to go for something unusual, a slice of Parsnip, Pear & Sea-Salted Caramel Cake. It was mouthwateringly good, moist sponge, sweet stinky caramel topping with dried pear fruits decorating the inside. Gorgeous!
After a terrific day at Borough Market we vowed to go back to do our Christmas shopping. Exchanging ice teas for mulled wines and macaroons for mince pies I can’t wait to go back!
Details
ADDRESS: 8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL
PHONE: 020 7407 1002
EMAIL: info@boroughmarket.org.uk
WEBSITE: www.boroughmarket.org.uk
OPENING TIMES: Open for lunch, Monday-Tuesday 10am till 5pm with the Full Market open Wednesday-Thursday 10am-5pm, Fridays 10am-6pm and Saturdays 8am-5pm
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/BoroughMarket
TWITTER: @boroughmarket
Just another London foodie 
If you like foodie markets, have you tried Broadway Market market yet … less touristy and more quirky but worth a visit.
Added to my list! Thanks London Unveiled!