With festive celebrations from London’s oldest market firmly centred on high quality produce, Borough Market’s popular annual tradition ‘An Evening of Cheese’ returns on 15th December from 6 – 9pm. The free to attend cheese-themed shopping extravaganza is led by the world-famous Market’s community of expert cheesemongers including Neal’s Yard, Heritage Cheese, Kappacasein and L’Ubriaco. Visitors can enjoy tastings, seek advice and put together a festive cheeseboard featuring unique and delicious cheeses from Britain, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Borough Market’s drinks traders Cartwright Brothers and Utobeer will also be on hand to keep shoppers refreshed.
For Londoners in search of an atmospheric backdrop to their seasonal food shop, the iconic arches of the Victorian Market will be be lit up and decked with beautiful traditional decorations and a large Christmas tree from 15th November, and from 1st December a weekly programe of live choirs and bands will soundtrack shopping for the best meat, fish, fruit and veg, Christmas puddings, cakes, cheeses and wine for the festive table. A new range of charity Christmas cards, designed by illustrator Rosie Brooks, will be available from the Borough Market Store, with all proceeds going to Borough Market’s zero food waste collection partner, Plan Zheroes.
In its role as a charitable trust, Borough Market is continuing to support small, independent businesses with the introduction of a seasonal pop up guest trader area in Green Market. Shoppers will see something new each time they visit throughout November and December, including jams from Queen of Tarts, Venezuelan Salsa and Arepas from La Pepia, the Wiltshire Chilli Co, Jones Crumpets, The Fresh Flour Co and returning favourite McLaren’s Christmas puddings. Borough Market’s newest trader The Date Sultan will also be in the Green Market area, providing ethically sourced versions of the festive favourite and serving up his pioneering salted caramel filled Medjool dates.
In the run-up to Christmas, Angela Clutton will be hosting a special free Christmas Drop-In Cookbook Club event to help members fully prepare for Christmas on Wednesday 7th December, 5pm – 7pm. Expect insider tips on seasonal treats from the Market’s traders, Christmas gift inspiration and festive recipes from her new cookbook, Borough Market: The Knowledge. Borough Market’s Cookbook Club is for anyone who loves good food, good cookery books and good company. Food lovers can sign up for free to join the club and book events.
For those who can’t make it down to the Market, or who just want to brush up on their skills at home, from 5th – 17th December Angela will also be hosting ‘Festive Knowledge’ a series of Instagram reels showcasing demonstrations from expert traders. Subjects range from oyster shucking with Hayward’s Oysters to Christmas cocktails with East London Liquor, icing with Taste of Joy and wreath making with Gated Garden, viewers will have everything they need to get ready for Christmas.
Borough Market is open every day, including Sundays, and shoppers can visit up until 3pm on Christmas Eve. Extended hours are on Friday 23rd December – 8am – 6pm for last minute food and treats. The rest of December hours are Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm, Saturdays 8am – 5pm, Sundays 10am – 4pm. For communal dining and street food, The Borough Market Kitchen will be open daily from 10am and is located in the covered Jubilee Place.
For more information on Christmas opening times and events please visit: https://boroughmarket.org.uk/events/christmas-opening-times-2022/
Kate Howell, Director of Communications and Engagement at Borough Market, said: “Year-round, there’s no better place to be for seasonal, sustainable food – but Borough Market really comes into its own at Christmas. Our traders’ wonderful displays are a delight for the senses and as London’s oldest market, the atmosphere is magical at this time of year – making shopping a really sociable occasion. Evening of Cheese is always a calendar favourite and we want to encourage shoppers to go beyond the standard cheeseboard this year, and try something new.
“Our traders know the story of their produce – from meat and fish to nuts, fruit and vegetables – and are looking forward to sharing their knowledge of the very best of Christmas food with our customers. For those who can’t make it down, or for the perfect Christmas gift for food lovers, our latest cookbook, Borough Market:The Knowledge is packed full of insider tips and recipes.”
Ways to shop:
· Borough Market’s delivery and collection service, Borough Market Online, offers an alternative way for customers across the UK to access Market produce either by click and collect, or by Borough Market’s carbon neutral delivery service, which means that high quality food and drink from some of the Market’s best loved traders is available nationwide for a single delivery fee.
