BLOG: A Thousand Stories, Saturday in Borough Market
Borough Market has been a bustling melting pot of trade since 1756, and somehow seems to be more of a destination now than ever.
An unwavering focus on fresh produce, independence and sustainability has seen centuries of locals and tourists alike weave their way through the maze of stalls that huddle underneath the arches as trains creak their way into London Bridge overhead.
Whilst its array of choice is undoubtedly part of it’s charm, it can also serve to overwhelm both the minds and the senses of those looking to explore it. So, we thought there could be some value in sharing a few recommendations, an itinerary of sorts, that could see you spend a sunny summer Saturday getting a true taste of this London institution.
We begin, as so many good days do, with a coffee. Monmouth Coffee Company, perched on the corner of Park Street, specialise in single origin produce for those of you who like your coffee ethically sourced and roasted locally, in this case just down the road in Bermondsey. Bolivia, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Brazil, all represented with distinction here from people who really care about what they put in your (re-usable) cup.
If you’re looking for some sustenance to set you up for the day then Little Bread Pedlar, another Bermondsey-based-business, fill the Monmouth counter with an abundance of seasonal bakes and pastries. Given the month we’re in, a Strawberry Elderflower Danish is a certain possibility…
Grab your breakfast to go and take a wander as the market rumbles into life, it’s an easy hour taking in this carefully rehearsed routine. Wine merchants delicately hand-write their tasting notes on the new Tuscan vintages and grocers take in a fresh delivery of Isle of Wight tomatoes. Gujarati spices start to slowly release their aromas, ready for their starring role in today’s special.
By now it’s approaching lunchtime and the sights and smells have certainly built up an appetite, so time to delve in and find a spot for a bite.
This takes us to Kolae, a beautifully designed Thai restaurant, specialising in dishes from the Southern Provinces, set over three floors of what was the warehouse of Neal’s Yard Dairy. A first drink of the day may be in order, which is a choice between Lost and Grounded Helles or Wanna Go To The Sun if you’re looking for a beer, if not the Thai Herb and Salak Gin Sour is a top recommendation.
The front of house team here are all excellent, led by Damian and overseen by Jonno, always on hand for an explanation or recommendation. As for the food itself, the mussel skewers with calamansi lime are marinated to perfection and the southern gati curry with prawns is a delight for those with a higher tolerance to spice.
In truth, the whole menu is worthy of special mentions, cooked on an open grill in full sight of the restaurant and designed to be shared. One thing you must not miss, though, is the young coconut sorbet with salted Thai tea caramel and peanuts, finish with one of those to share and thank us later.
Time for an afternoon wander, where you’ll find plenty of options within ‘walking off a meal’ distance. Whether you’re looking to watch a film, visit a cathedral, listen to live music or take in a play, all are possibilities without having to break the bank, or walk more than 10 minutes from the market.
However you spend that time, as we enter into early evening and you head back into the market you might stumble past, as people stumble out of, The Globe Tavern. If you’re a Bridget Jones’s Diary fan you may recognise this pub from the outside, its first floor flats provide the bachelorette pad as seen in this pop culture classic of a film. The beer selection here is worth venturing inside for too, with a host of independent breweries represented on an ever-rotating tap line-up and a great cask selection too.
Dinner time approaches and all that walking, watching and drinking has got the stomach rumbling all over again.
Luckily, in the newly developed Borough Yards, Akara waits to welcome you in. Akara is a type of crispy black-eyed bean fritter that is popular in West African, specifically Nigerian, and Brazilian cuisine. The restaurant takes the best of both and fuses them together to create a menu that really takes you on a journey through various regions and countries.
Aji Akokomi and Ayo Adeyemi have had already had major success with their first restaurant, Akoko in Fitzrovia, and have definitely built on that here. Limewashed walls, exposed brickwork and an entirely glass façade give the space a lovely natural feel, a clear intention for the whole dining experience from the ceramic tableware to the attentive but relaxed service.
Unsurprisingly, the Akara dishes are the star of the show here in another menu that is best enjoyed to share, with great veggie and vegan options as well. Do explore the large plates too, the short rib Suya and Lagos chicken being two particular stand-outs.
The night is then yours to spend how you wish. That could be sitting up at the Akara bar for a pint of Lost and Grounded Keller Pils whilst watching Cristian, who manages the bar with expert care, make an immaculate Cacao Negroni. Or it could simply be enjoying a glass of wine on the terrace at Bedales overlooking the market below.
However the day ends, perhaps slightly bloated with a wounded bank account, you can be happy in the part you’ve played to support and preserve independent business in an industry that needs it. The forest may shrink, but if we vote for the trees and not the axe, then green shoots will continue to show.
Written by Fraser Clark / Lost and Grounded Brewers
The amazing places to find Lost and Grounded Brewers in and around Borough Market:
- Akara, Arch 208, Stoney Street, SE1 9AD
- Berenjak, 1 Bedale Street, SE1 9AL
- Camille, 2-3 Stoney Street, SE1 9AA
- Caravan London Bridge, 30 Great Guildford St, SE1 0HS
- Kolae, 6 Park Street, SE1 9AB
- Mc & Sons, 160 Union Street, SE1 0LH
- Padella, 6 Southwark Street, SE1 1TQ
- Rambutan, 10 Stoney Street, SE1 9AD
- Texas Joes, 8-9 Snowsfields, SE1 3SU
- Utobeer, 24 Borough Market, SE1 1TL
Photo by @monmouthcoffee
Photo by A-nrd.com
Photo by @theglobese1
Photo by @fraserscott
