London has long been a paradise for shoppers, boasting mega malls like Westfield, famous districts such as Oxford Street and Carnaby Street, and historic luxury department stores including Harrods and Selfridges. Now, a new accolade has been bestowed upon a London spot: Borough Market has been named the UK's greatest place to shop, based on TripAdvisor reviews. With over 14,000 reviews averaging 4.6 out of five, this 1,000-year-old market has surpassed all other retail destinations.
Located next to London Bridge, Borough Market is believed to have been feeding London since 1014, when traders gathered to sell grain, fish, and livestock. It was formally established as a market in 1756, with the current buildings mostly constructed in 1851. While not the place for wardrobe updates, the market offers a magnificent spread of fresh home-grown fruit and vegetables, artisan products, and gourmet goodies from around the world, including entire stalls dedicated to mushroom pâté, dates, and pork pies.
What to Find at Borough Market
Visitors can pick up impeccable cheese from Neal's Yard Dairy, Italian cured meats from Alpine Deli, Seoul-style kimchi from Bermondsey Gut Kimchi, premium olives from Borough Olives, or banging chilli sauces from Funkee Foods. The market is a sensory feast, and visitors are advised to come hungry to enjoy the numerous samples available.
Recent Reviews
One recent TripAdvisor review read: 'I had never been to Borough Market before and was instantly hooked. Anyone who has a love of “proper” food could spend hours here.' Another said: 'This market is simply extraordinary! A continuous explosion of colours, scents and irresistible flavours that overwhelm you as you enter. There are foods from all over the world, with spectacular stalls offering cheeses, truffles, cold cuts and specialities of all kinds.'
Top UK Shopping Destinations on TripAdvisor
Seven of the UK's top-rated shopping destinations are in London, including Covent Garden, Harrods, and Portobello Road Market. The full list of the UK's best shopping destinations according to TripAdvisor reviews is as follows:
- Borough Market, London
- Covent Garden, London
- Camden Market, London
- Harrods, London
- Portobello Road Market, London
- The Trafford Centre, Manchester
- Fortnum and Mason, London
- Bicester Village, Oxfordshire
- Westfield White City, London
- Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, Cheshire
For more shopping inspiration, Time Out has compiled a list of the 50 best shops in London. Additionally, a major north London shopping and dining hub is getting three new retailers, and the City is set to host a food market right next to the new London Museum.
