DAY AFTER day tourists trudge around Borough Market holding strawberries drizzled in chocolate and while they’ve got a hold of the TikTok trendy treat – they’re missing some absolute gems.
As visitors, it can be hard to find the best places to go especially in a market full of pretty and usually very busy stalls, however as a team who work amongst it, here are our top-rated spots for your next visit, and where to avoid.
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Tasty treats
Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor said: “If you really want to try some of Borough Market’s best treats without the huge price tag – check out Too Good to Go. They have everything from Bread Ahead to cheese mongers.
“My favourite place to eat is El Pastor – one of two restaurants (the second at Kings Cross) where the tacos are huge and the horchata is deliciously refreshing.
“While not as cheap as they used to be, the All That Falafel van is a great quick eat that will fill you up all day, with a wrap being around £6.
“If you want a fancier drink, you’ll find me in Swift. Its small, but the bar crew are always happy to make you something off the menu (not that you’ll need it, with a whole book of options).”
Watch the price tag
When it comes to where to avoid, Kara got burned by a hefty price tag at a conveniently placed sports bar.
She explained: “Right outside of London Bridge is Redwood. You might think it’s the best place to have a drink after work or before getting a train because it’s outside of the station.
“But I paid £18 for a glass of Malbec which is ridiculous even for London prices.”
Avoid the ice cream
Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski tried the new Dubai chocolate ice cream trend, and was left disappointed.
She said: “Made up of a concoction of pistachio cream mixed with shredded filo pastry, all coated in a silky chocolate case – it’s no surprise the Dubai choccie bar has taken the world by storm.
“The treat hails from a small cafe, Gelateria 3Bis, at the edge of the market. After asking for one Dubai chocolate, a rather naked-looking gelato was handed over to me.
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Sophie continued: “Where was my pistachio sauce? Where were the sprinkles I’d seen decadently splashed over the top? After shelling out a staggering £6.50, I walked away realising that this was a classic case of Insta vs reality trickery.”
French feast
Lisa Minot, Head of Sun Travel added: “Well it has to be Boro Bistro for me.
“I’ve been a loyal fan of the cosy Boro Bistro for more than a decade. This cute independent, fiercely French bar and restaurant has rarely changed in all those years.”
Lisa continued: “In summer, its expansive courtyard al-fresco tables in the shadow of Southwark Cathedral are a fabulous sun trap, in winter, there’s heaters and fluffy blankets to keep you warm.
“Inside is a joy, this place was serving up charcuterie boards years before they hit the social media sites alongside a small but changing menu of tapas-style dishes that highlights seasonal specialities.
“Also not to be missed are the very quirky loos – head downstairs and enjoy the surprise.”
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Charcuterie delights
Another suggestion from Lisa is Une Normande a Londres.
She said: “This stall has also been in the market for many years as supplies the cheese and charcuterie for Boro Bistro. There’s a vast selection of French cheese and the knowledgeable staff that will happily help you put a cheeseboard together.
“For me, it’s my go-to for the Christmas cheese. As with a lot of the stalls in the market, it’s not cheap.
“And be sure to insist on the size of cheese portions that YOU require, don’t let them just cut you off a vast chunk. But the consistent quality and range of cheese mean its a go to for me for special occasions.
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The other market
Veronica Lorraine, Gardening Editor and Associate Head of Features, told us: “Tabard Street Food Market is a proper hidden gem.
“Forget the chaos of actual Borough market – this has five or six stalls every lunchtime, is loved by locals – always a good sign – and serves everything from Filipino and Thai food to Jerk chicken, Falafal wraps, Souvlaki and Philly Steaks.
“There’s ACTUAL table and chairs to sit and eat which are often free (unlike Borough Market), a park right next to it so you can eat al fresco and the prices are slightly lower than it’s rip-off neighbour.
“You might have to queue, but you won’t be pushed, shoved and jostled like Borough and all the food truck staff are really smiley.”
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Take a walk
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill revealed her favourite spot: “Being fairly new to the area, when I ventured out for lunch, I was quite happy when I found a quiet spot away from the very busy Borough Market.
“Just a 10 minute walkaway on Crucifix Lane, I discovered Kin + Deum which is home to tasty Thai dishes like classic Pad Thai, pineapple rice, peanut satay and of course a katsu curry.
“They’re all reasonably priced and you get a lot for your money too, and wash it all down with a small cup of refreshing lemongrass tea at the end.”
Here’s are hidden gem restaurants in another of London’s tourist trap Leicester Square that are actually great.
Plus, Sun Travel pop into the UK’s best ice cream shop & it serves Aperol, Pimms & cornflake scoops.
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