BoroughMarket

| Borough High Street | http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk | ingested at least bi-monthly |

London‘s oldest food market is a foodie’s dream, its origins dating back to the time of the Romans where she stood south of the original London Bridge. There is something mesmerizing about the fresh produce and fine foods on offer here which draws an incessant crowd of locals and tourists alike on Market days (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays). The kaleidoscope of colours radiating from the green grocers as well as the huge array of sea-creatures, still shimmering and stiff-fresh over the ice-bed beneath them can be spell-binding.

Tomatoes on the Vine and fresh organic produce from the Green Grocer

Stiff-fresh Fish

Some of the capital’s best street-food can be found here, many of which have become Saturday brunch staples for me. Its impossible to miss the Chorizo, Rocket and Piquillo Pepper Sandwiches, freshly grilled outside Spanish food purveyor’s Brindisa – just look out for the longest queue in the market. MyOhMy it worth the wait though – the smoky-sweet, savoury heat from the paprika sausauges coupled with the peppery rocket and sweet roasted peppers are to die for. Venison Burgers with fresh Cranberry relish from West Country, Ostrich Burgers by Gamston Wood Ostriches and Bratwurst from the GermanDeli are also excellent alternatives for the carnivores in you. If burgers and sandwiches are not your thing, you will find reliable Paella roasting in a ginormous pan beside Southwark Cathedral (London Bridge-end) as well as freshly-cooked Green Curry by the fishmongers inside the covered market. New Forest Cider or freshly-squeezed juices by the organic grocer offer a much deserved respite from the indulging.

The infamous Chorizo, Rocket and Piquillo Pepper Ciabatta sandwich

gotjuice?

Don’t forget to leave the market without a visit to award-winning butchers The Ginger Pig who offer a fantastic selection of produce ranging from prime steaks to forgotten cuts like ox cheek and pig’s tail. Other goodies to take home with you include Olives from BoroughOlives, PateMois’ hand-made mushroom patè, or a wedge of creamy Comtè from the Borough Cheese Co. (perfect with thin slices of apple and a good Prosecco).

Borough Olives and a rather big pot of Green Curry

Mind you, none of the seductive produce or mouth-watering street food is all that cheap and it’s often easy to get carried away over-indulging or stocking up on things you don’t really need. But when the sun is out, and you’re feeling a bit peckish, there is seriously no better way to kickstart a Saturday afternoon.

G.

(Photography Courtesy of Yirong Li)