Borough Market, Borough – Reader’s Review
Posted on: March 20, 2013
BOROUGH MARKET
Bedale Street
London, SE1.
RATING: 8
PRICING: Borough Club Sandwich – £7.50
WRITER: ADRIAN LEACH
WEB: www.boroughmarket.org.uk
Fully Paid Member of the Borough Club
Just outside the City boundaries across London Bridge in SE1, lies the much celebrated and well-loved Borough Food Market. Now the market has a rich and varied history, all of which you can read in much more detail elsewhere, but I am amazed at how many people do not realise where it is, let alone that it actually exists.
As recent as 2010, the market was in danger of becoming extinct due to the expansion of the Crossrail network but fortunately for us with taste buds that stretch further than a subsidised canteen, a compromise was struck between the two parties involved and the market has now benefitted from a little tidy up. Now, although it’s as glamorous as a fat fella in a pair of speedo’s and Jimmy Choos (so last year dahlings), please remember that this is an inner London market and if you’re looking for glitz and glamour then maybe a SW3 postcode may suit. But it is food you are after not décor, so let’s stick to the point of this blog page eh?
Smellivision not provided..
If you enter the market from Borough High St. to the left of Southwark Cathedral down some steps, you will come across some stalls that are not detailed on the official website (www.boroughmarket.org.uk). You will be met by some large pans of paella, hot cider and just further along on your left is a stall just before you enter the “Green Market” section, that I am sure went by the name of Bermondsey Bangers. I am unsure if that’s still what they trade under but anyway, you will hear the music (on my visit, it was late 60’s Ska and Blue Beat blazing out which gets my seal of approval) and if arriving after midday, you will see the queue. Be patient, it’s worth the wait I promise you and anyhow, it will give you time to look at the menu boards. The staff are extremely friendly, humorous and clearly enjoy the job. You can select (and I can personally recommend) the beef with Jalapeno peppers, the pork with organic garlic and venison with black pudding. These “sandwiches” (Baguettes) are packed with a skewer type, sausage shaped mixture of your choice.
You may have to busk for your lunch..
Both my colleague and I plumped for the Borough Club Sandwich (again). At a hefty £7.50 (yes, it’s a pleasure my wallet allows once a month), the customer is treated to a soft baguette the size of a horse racing jockey. Filled with rocket salad, grilled chicken pieces, bacon and grilled halloumi, it’s not exactly small and your doctor would not recommend one but this does the trick on a Friday dinner time after a heavy night out. Add your choice of condiments or sauces (Mayo and Salsa Verde is always a winner) and do remember a fork (you’ll need one to dismantle it without spillage) and get stuck in! It certainly beats a sandwich made and packed on an industrial estate on the outskirts of Berkshire or Essex during the night and although costly, it fills you up. My advice – do not plan much for dinner that evening.
Jockey’s Delight. 5 to 1 at The Clogged Artery Race at Borough!
Borough Food Market is open fully on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays (see website for details on how to get there, various stalls and travel connections, etc).
Excited About Lunch 
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