Borough Market, Food market in Southwark, England
This marketplace in Southwark spreads across several covered walkways and open courtyards south of the Thames, with dozens of stalls beneath 19th-century iron roofs. Brick arcades surround the main hall, while smaller sections branch into adjacent streets and buildings.
Records of a market on this site date back to 1014, though the current layout mostly comes from 19th and early 20th-century expansions. After a fire in 1850, the main structure was rebuilt with iron frames and glass roofs.
Regular tastings at many stalls invite visitors to sample cheese, cured meats, or freshly prepared dishes directly from vendors. Many traders offer conversations about the origin and production of their goods, sharing family recipes or traditional preparation methods.
Many walkways are narrow and can get very crowded on weekends, so arriving early in the day or during weekdays is best. Most stalls accept card payment, though some traders take cash only.
A network of tunnels beneath the market once served as storage rooms for goods arriving across the Thames. Some of these underground vaults now house restaurants and additional vendor spaces, accessible during opening hours.
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