Borough Market

Seth and I were off to Borough Market to meet up with a fellow Wellington cellist, Lavinnia.

For those who don’t know, this market is London’s most famous, boasting a wide selection of local and international foods. You can trace its roots back to the twelfth century, with the current buildings it resides in dating from the 1850s. Unlike many other markets we have been to while traveling, the wholesale stalls are situated inside. Perfect, one would think for the English winters and according to recent news reports, it’s going to be the coldest one in decades.

We went on a Wednesday, a perfect choice as this is when new stock arrives. Heading in on several buses, despite the slight swaying if you are upstairs, is probably the best way to get about in London. For us the £1.50 fare with a free transfer is better than £4(ish) trains as we can buy a camembert for that price!

Speak of the cheese…

The market was fairly busy even for a week day, I can only imagine what it would be like on the weekend.

There were piles of produce, the likes we had yet to see in London. On a side note, we have no idea what is up with fresh fruit and vegetables in supermarkets here. It looks like a post-apocalyptic world with somewhat mangy looking carrots and half the baskets empty. Our local Sainsbury’s manages adds to the overall effect by leaking quite heavily in rain. Apparently New Zealand is quite spoilt for choice when it comes to our fresh produce.

Trying to decide what to purchase first.

We arrived with a hunger ready for some yummy eats. Starting off with an onion bhaji from the food vendors further in.

It was a touch hot in temperature.

Meeting Lavinnia next to Monmouth, a coffee place deemed excellent by Seth, we scouted out something more.

Quite a mouthful.

We found ourselves by the Big V Burger stall, with several vegan burgers on offer. I picked the classic cheese burger, with Seth after something a little fancy he picked the Holy Smoke, barbecue and caramelised onions. Holy pickles they were good! Couldn’t tell anything was vegan about it and they disappeared instantly, who knows where they went.

We moved off for a little wander after our feast of a lunch, needed to walk off those burgers.

Church right next to the market.

The Shard.

Kinetic sculpture next to our afternoon tea spot.

Hard to say what the best part of the whole experience was, possibly the stalls of tens of varieties of fresh mushrooms. Giant pans of fragrant paella, risotto, and fried mushrooms for days! We are definitely spoiled for choice and will come back often to try new things.