Nick-named 'London's larder', Borough Market sits under the cover of a series of handsome Victorian wrought-iron sheds near Southwark Cathedral. It's a vast place, teeming with traders, food stalls, punters, produce and onlookers.
The market was officially established in 1756, although the first records of trade here actually date back to 1014 when it was a more moveable entity, usually held out on the street.
In recent years, it's gone from an obscure wholesale produce market to a rich assortment of stalls selling niche local and international ingredients, and serving hot dishes from around the world, bread baked in every way and an extraordinary number of cakes.
This private half-day tour takes you around the market in the company of an acclaimed chef and food writer whose knowledge and insight will help bring the market to life. You can arrange a morning or afternoon tour, the former starting in the Rabot coffee shop and the latter kicking off at an oyster and prosecco stall.
Your guide has been running tours here for the past ten years and as the only guide licensed to do so, her expert knowledge of the produce and her relationship with the traders is unparalleled. This, combined with her passion for food in general, makes this a thoroughly engaging and enjoyable experience.
Every tour is slightly different, although you’ll usually begin by discussing your tastes and interests, as well as the history of the market. You’ll spend the next three hours slowly meandering through the market’s lanes and alleyways, stopping to chat with various stall owners and sampling a huge variety of food and drink.
Expect such delicacies as local hand-dived scallops and naturally-reared steak, Iberico ham, homemade truffle ravioli, and ginger and wheatgrass shots. There are over 100 traders in the market so the variety of produce is vast, enabling you to base your route and visits around your personal likes and dislikes.
You’ll visit both the raw ingredients section and the hot food stalls area of the market, as well as exploring alleyways that even locals often miss. Along the way you'll be regaled with historic anecdotes, treated to an insider's view of the market and its traders, and get to meet some of the many local characters that give the market such a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere. The tour usually ends with a wine tasting and charcuterie plate.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our England specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle
Get a glimpse into the lives of the British monarchy on this full-day tour that takes in the austere Buckingham Palace in London and then tours the fascinating State Apartments of imposing Windsor Castle, the preferred royal home.
Greenwich walking tour
Explore delightful Greenwich, a leafy borough renowned for its magnificent architecture and strong connections to the maritime and scientific world. Stroll through the Royal Observatory, stand straddling two hemispheres, and learn about the race to reach China aboard the Cutty Sark.
Literary tour of London
Discover some of the secrets behind London's most famous literary figures on this fascinating half-day walking tour around Bloomsbury, one of the city's most creative corners. Wander through historic streets with an expert guide and finish up at the British Library.
Mini Cooper tour
Buckle up and sit back for the ride of a lifetime as you whizz around London's backstreets in a classic Mini Cooper, ticking off the sights as you go and discovering some of the city's hidden charms with a local expert.
St Paul’s Cathedral
Discover the history behind St Paul's Cathedral on a private guided tour with a local expert. Learn about its design and construction, the craftsmen who worked on it and climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views over central London.
Theater performance at Shakespeare's Globe
Immerse yourself into the world of William Shakespeare with a trip to the Globe Theatre. This replica faithfully reproduces the original's thatched roof, open-air performance area and actors who encourage the audience to get involved in the production.
Westminster Abbey and the Tower by boat
Avoid the crowds as you discover London’s most important sites with a private guide. This intimate tour visits Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London, where you can see the Crown Jewels, with a connecting boat ride along the Thames.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
