Borough Market is one of my favourite discoveries in London, however, the crush of people and thousands of camera-snapping tourists can make it a bit of a trial to visit. I like to walk through a market – not shuffle, which is the usual state of this market on a Saturday (watch out – it’s closed on Sunday). However, London does have a flourishing set of farmers markets that are hidden from the tourist stampede. You just have to know where to find them.
There is a great web resource London Farmers Markets which has maps of every market in London, along with opening hours. It also includes a handy list of the growers who (usually) show up.
I’ve found a great market in Marylebone which happens every Sunday. It has the lovely feel of a local market, and sets up shop in a quiet car park off the main road. It is chock full of fantastic stalls, including goat cheese, pies, and the most fantastic sausages. Guinness and Beef sausage anyone?
On a Sunday morning we try to wander through the market and pick up something unusual and special for the week. There is also an amazing salad-bar style stall. There’s boxes upon boxes of greens – including lots I had never tried before (always the sign of a good market). Sorrel salad anyone?
Additionally, this market is not far from Regent’s Park – making a perfect afternoon of market-visiting followed by park-wandering.
Plus, you get to feel part of the best parts of London -which of course happen outside of the famous museums, gardens, and promenades. Although I would recommend visiting Borough Market – but perhaps not for your weekly shop.
After living in America and New Zealand, Emma Wells moved to London where she began to cover life, work and travel in and around London on her blog On London Time. She shares advice for newcomers, travelers, and visitors alike. Beyond London, she writes about traveling on the cheap across Europe and around the world as well as food, books and tea.
