The Borough Market is certainly the most enjoyable of London's food markets. For hundreds of years, this market operated as a food market and popular English dishes were available. In recent years the market has become a colorful market, full of fresh agricultural produce and gourmet food.

Despite the expensive products, and the lack of breakfast- the stands and restaurants only open up later, most of the experience is roaming about, walking through the stalls and looking around. Many of the stands offer a taste of their merchandise.

If you happen to be in the market past noon, you can wait for the market to switch over to trendy bars. These fill up quickly with the Londoners who come for an afternoon beer.
If you are in search of a fish and chips dish, try the restaurant Fish, or the stall Fish! Kitchen on the road that cuts across Borough Market. You can choose several types of fish. You can then venture to the sitting area or the church courtyard to enjoy your meal.

For those not interested on spending money- if you arrive an hour before closing time, you will find that many stalls sell their goods at half price. You can buy pastries, bread, cakes, cookies, soups and cooked foods.
The Borough Market dates back to the days the Romans ruled the area that would one day be London. The market was placed elsewhere 2000 years ago. In the Middle Ages, the entire area adjacent to the London Bridge continued to serve as a commercial center. In 1756, the Borough Market was relocated to its present site. The market has been here for 250 years.

The Borough Market underwent serious renovations before becoming what it is now: a market for good quality gourmet food, with prices to match. The market began to function as a social and cultural center, offering many culinary activities. The best chefs of Britain and Europe frequent the market, venturing to see and be seen.

A Closer Look: