My favourite borough in London.

'London city is made up of 33 small 'boroughs', each with their own governments, schools, centres, suburbs, and sense of identity.' 

Now, while a Sunday afternoon history lesson would be fun, today I am here to introduce to you (and show some serious appreciation for) my favourite 'borough', the aptly named Borough Market. 

Before I go any further, the Borough Market is not a borough in the traditional sense, but instead the oldest and largest food markets in London. Those cheeky Brits are just pulling our leg.

Tucked away behind a beautiful old church at the south-end of London Bridge, these markets could almost pass nondescriptly. So, when offered a guided tour from a fully-fledged London-ite, I was only too happy to oblige. Tourist duties OK, the idea of vege burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches had nothing to do with it.

Its 2pm on a sunny Saturday afternoon and the markets are buzzing. By buzzing, I mean there is people left right and centre and barely any room to move. While some would rather steer as far away from the crowds as possible, I think the busyness only lends to the atmosphere. After all, the Borough Markets are a wholesale market first and foremost, opening to more boutique stallholders and the public on certain days only. You can expect to find the regular fare here on a Saturday; bakeries, charcuterie, coffee, fresh produce, seafood and meat. 

We first stop at arguably the most famous stall at the Borough Markets, Kappacasein. These guys are a dairy specialising in cheese, and to showcase their product they sell Raclettes and the aforementioned grilled cheese sandwiches. The Raclette is a plate piled with baby potatoes, covered in melted cheese, served with gherkins and pickled onions. Deceptively simple, but after one bite you will be shifting hell and high water to visit this stall weekly.

If only to make ourselves feel less guilty, we chased lunch with a fresh juice from Kappacasein's neighbours; Total Organics. A Portobello Road local, they've set up camp here on weekends to inject health and vitality into those who need it after a less than healthy lunch, uh um.

Since that first, momentous visit, I have returned.. once or twice. Each time, I am seriously blown away by the incredible food, the passion, and the creativity that exists here. 

My one and only tip for anyone who is planning a visit; go on an empty stomach. For those outside of the UK, avert your eyes away from the following pictures.

Jaimee.