A Local’s Guide to Borough Market

Borough Market is a London institution with a rich history going back more than one thousand years. Dating back to at least 1014, Borough Market’s story is inextricably linked with that of London and more specifically, London Bridge.

The famous old bridge was constructed in 990 and was a far different structure than today’s drab concrete slab. At the time, it was the only bridge connecting the City of London, on the northern bank of the Thames, with the area of land south of the river, known as Southwark. Southwark was, at the time, not part of London at all—it was its own entity with its own rules and regulations.

The Market’s history is long and winding but the modern iteration of the market, now located just south of the bridge off of Borough High Street, began in 1756, when local residents cobbled together and raised £6,000 (over £1,000,000 in today’s money) for the purchase of an area of land called “The Triangle”, which would become today’s hotbed of commerce and activity. This new market would, as approved by Parliament, remain a market for the people in perpetuity under a charitable trust.

These days, there are more than 125 different stalls within Borough Market and a waitlist of nearly 2,000 proprietors. With that many options, finding the best ones can be tricky. Here's a local guide to the top food and drink picks.

Food

Khanom Krok

Thai stall Khanom Krok serves delicious dishes like mango sticky rice, but the highlight is the coconut milk and rice flour pancakes, topped with sesame seeds.

Must Try: Khanom Krok pancakes
Location: Borough Market Kitchen

Trethowan Brothers Cheeses

This North Somerset dairy offers award-winning cheeses like the Pitchfork Cheddar and Gorwydd Caerphilly.

Must Try: Gorwydd Caerphilly
Location: Three Crown Square

Shellseekers Fish and Game

With two stalls, Shellseekers offers fresh fish, game meats, and hot meals like baked scallops and gravlax.

Must Try: Pastrami gravlax and baked scallop
Location: Three Crown Square

Greedy Goat Ice Cream

Goat’s milk ice cream with sustainable ingredients and great flavor options.

Must Try: Salted Caramel
Location: Green Market

Drinks

London Cider House

Artisanal ciders from around the UK and a peaceful escape from the crowds.

Must Try: Cider slushie
Location: Between Three Crown Square and Borough Market Kitchen

Raya

Run by the same owners as Khanom Krok, Raya offers exotic produce and sugarcane juice.

Must Try: Sugarcane juice
Location: Three Crown Square

Southwark Tavern

This 1800s pub sits across from the market and used to be a debtor’s prison. Grab a pint and sit in the former cells.

Must Try: Halloumi fries
Location: Near entrance to Three Crown Square on Stoney Street

Quick Tips

• Avoid weekends and 12–2pm for a smoother visit.
• Take the train to London Bridge Station and follow signs.
• Skip viral spots with long queues—better stalls await.
• Look for Bridget Jones’s flat above Khao Bird.

Opening Hours: Tues–Fri 10–5, Sat 9–5, Sun 10–4. Closed Mon.

For a deeper dive, consider a tour with Celia Brooks—chef, author, and Borough Market expert for 25 years.