SE1: The Place to Be

London Lite 7th October 2009

I know that living in London is not everyones cup of tea but being a short distance from Borough market means I can do my weekly food shopping at one of the best places in London. I often forget how fortunate I am to have it on my doorstep, its an integral part of my Saturday routine to pop down and buy my seasonal produce which is 90% organic, at reasonable prices. People don’t often believe me but I spend much less at Borough than I would in a supermarket, I can buy much more than I need including eggs, meat or fish for £30-35.

I’m the girl walking around with the bags over-spilling with greens and carrot tops – so if I do inadvertently attack you with my prime veg, whilst mooching from stall-to-stall then apologies in advance.

I know people complain about being ripped off, and yes it is true that some stalls can put up prices that would make your eyes water but over the past six years I have uncovered the best and cheapest stalls which means I avoid the tourist traps. If you want to avoid the crowds, go between 8-11am… come midday it gets ridiculous. After 3pm it calms down again before the market shuts at 5pm.

My secret squirrel guide to Borough Market:

Vegetables:

Wallaces (opp Monmouth Coffee on Stoney St)

Tanya & Rachel never fail to make me smile on even the coldest wintery day. Fresh, sesaonal, organic veg straight from Secrett’s Farm.

Ted’s Veg (Green market, nr Southwark Cathedral)

Organic veg from Lincolnshire, if Wallaces don’t have it, Ted will.

Fruit:

Wallaces (as above)

Chegworth Valley (Jubliee Market, accessible via Rochdale place/Stoney St )

The most amazing berries (that freeze beautifully) in the summer, apples & pears all year round. Everything either unsprayed or organic.

Eggs:

Sillifield farm (in main market next to the pork pies & opposite Borough Wines)

A box of free-range eggs for £1.20 that you pick yourself, if you’re feeling adventurous try their duck eggs too.

Meat & Chicken:

Northfield Farm (inside the market next to the large fish stall)

Often overlooked for the more media-renowned Ginger Pig, but my personal favourite. Brendan, my brilliant butcher, will always spend time to talk me through the current seasonal cuts of meat, bone/chop my chicken when I can’t be bothered to do it myself and never fails to disappoint with recommendations. Try their Collar bacon – it’s so yummy, once you’ve tried it, you’ll never look back!

Fish:

Furness Fish (inside the main market next to Northfield Farm)

Busy and always friendly, Furness fish have everything from Scottish salmon to Lobster to conger eel. They also have a game section if you fancy it.

Cheese:

Neals Yard Dairy (Stoney St)

If you’re a cheese lover, you can’t go wrong with NYD. They have the patience of cheese saints and are as passionate about their cheeses as Paul Smith (who’s got a boutique a few doors down) is about fashion.

Bread:

Flour Power City (Stoney St or Green market)

Try the Rye pumpernickel bread, toasted with a little butter or humous is just divine. You can buy 1/2 or 1/4 loaves if you want to try, but beware, it will get you hooked!

Misc:

Humous/Falafel: Arabica (Green market)

Fab falafel for your market munchies or test out the array of arabic delicacies. Fresh, no nasties and worth every penny.

Taramasalata/Feta & Halloumi Cheese: The Greek Connection (Green market)

Once you have tried their taramasalata (yes it is supposed to be white) you will never return to the supermarket version. The feta and halloumi also have the ability to send you back down memory lane to your wonderful Greek Island holiday.

Linseeds & Linseed oil: Flax Farm (Green market)

If you want the best linseed/flax oil in the UK, Flax Farm is the stall for you. It is organic and has a nice nutty taste which is often lacking from flax oil bought in health food shops. You can also buy flaxseed (brown or yellow), ground flaxseed which are a nice addition to your muesli or porridge

Tofu: Clean Bean Company (Green Market (opposite Flour Power City)

The best Tofu in the UK. Clean Bean make their tofu in Brick Lane in the traditional Japanese way. If you take your own pot then you get a discount too.

Olive Oil: Apuliablend (Green market opposite Ted’s Veg)

A recent discovery which I’d ignored for years, thinking it was too dear. Thankfully, I have been proved wrong. Delicious olive oil, superior to that I’ve bought in health food shops for the same price. You can spend lots of cash on very high quality oil if you choose to but if you want a good nutty oil that can be used for cooking and salads, this is your place.

Coffee: Monmouth Coffee (Stoney St)

If you love your coffee there is no where else to go. They are meticulous with their coffee sourcing from the best places in the world. You can buy whole beans or they will grind them for you – they also opened up their own roating house. Be prepared to queue and they don’t use anything other than full fat organic jersey milk.