Modern-Day Foodies in Old-World London at Borough Market

[Nicholas Kontis]

Every November, now for as long as I can remember, I spend a week or two, ok, last year three in London for the World Travel Market, London's massive travel show. One of the first things that I do after I park by bags at my digs in Canary Wharf is to hop the tube a couple of stops to perhaps to  the greatest outdoor-indoor food market in the world, Borough Market. Situated by London Bridge, and a stone’s throw from the River Thames, Borough Market is food lovers heaven.

The entrance to "Foodie Heaven"

The 13^th Century old, Borough Market is London's most renowned food market; a source of exceptional British and international produce, and besides offering fruits, vegis and meats from around the country. You'll find an array of international cuisine and treats such as Turkish coffee, Spanish chorizo, olives from Greece, giant North Sea prawns, Thai soups, steak sandwiches, pastries to die for, and more. Borough Market is also just a hip and cool place to hang out. A step back in time in the a modern world.

Chorizo Sandwich From Tapas Brindasa Spanish Food Shop

Conveniently located on London’s Jubilee Line, a stone’s throw from Tower Bridge, this “foodie’s paradise” does not disappoint. Truly, there is something for everyone at this world famous food market. Before there was a food movement and the food network, there was Borough Market.

Come hungry and walk the maze of scrumptious food stalls. There are free samples along the way. Many famous London chefs come to meet the fishmonger and to select fresh produce for the nights meals.

Brothers Oyster and Porter House

When to go:  If you can try to visit on a Saturday morning. The atmosphere is electric. On a Saturday you get the real pulse of Londoners in this fashionable market place.

How to get there:  London Bridge Tube Station is five minutes away on the Jubilee line.

Fresh bread baked daily

Don’t Miss:  The chorizo sandwich at Tapas Brindisa. The lines are long for a reason. Treat yourself to a double chorizo. Yes, it’s that good. Gelateria 3Bis serves up Italian gelato to cure any sweet tooth.

Nick’s Tip:    Come early, unless you like crowds. Especially on Saturday mornings. After 4p.m. find reduced prices on fish and shellfish. Try the baklava at the Turkish Deli. Oysters on the half shell at Brothers Oyster House.

Cured Olives

Best place for a cold beer:  The size of a small office, The Rake, in Borough Market, can squeeze in about 40 people and, consequently, is usually buzzing with market traders, shoppers and beer buffs. Because of its small size, you will have ample opportunity to mingle other market shoppers.

Best Coffee in town: Monmouth Coffee

Borough Market is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. When I walk through the cavalcade of eateries, I can picture Dickens and Wilde on their Saturday meanderings.

There's something fishy going on at Borough Market

Now, how many food markets are around that are older than the United States.

Learn More:  www.boroughmarket.org.uk    www.visitlondon.com

About the Author: Nick Kontis - Travel Expert and Founder of the World Travel List

Nick Kontis started out as a world traveler at an early age traveling back and forth between California and Greece every summer. But it was a backpacking trip around the world at age 24 that proved to be a life changing experience. After traveling by car, train, plane, bike and, boat around the world, it would be this trip of a lifetime that would lead to a life as a travel entrepreneur and world traveler. Nick has been on both radio and television. Featured on Arthur Frommer’s television show, and referred by Lonely Planet writers. Frequently mentioned as the “father of around the world airfares.” Arthur Frommer once said, “If Jules Verne were alive today he would use Nick to go around the world in 80 days.” Nick and his various travel companies have sent over 10,000 people taking their dream trip through airfare discounts of as much as 50% off the airlines published fares. Now Nick promotes travel through his World Travel List and ‘Trip Rambler’ by World Travel List. Having traveled to over 80 countries Nick hopes to inspire others to travel the world. 80 countries visited and counting follow Nick's "passion for travel" on the World Travel List

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