Borough Market; it’s outer membrane layered with numerous office blocks typical of the Southwark area, but when one finds oneselve accidentally slip into one of its many side streets, lured by a trail of flower petals, organic leaves and the scent of fruitful wine one has to wonder whether they are on the yellow brick road being led towards Oz. A spectacular colourful square of people and stalls awaits the visitor – Hungarian mushrooms hand picked and placed into brown paper bags, artichokes with leaves as proud as a swan’s feathers, enthusiastic stallholders urging you to taste their Parmesan in favour of the stalls opposite.
Inauspicious warehouses converted into trendy wine bars and pubs, beer barrels and crates used as outdoor furniture, where inside you will find Belgian beer, vintage cider and Vanilla infused red wine on tap. A dainty teahouse fit for the Mad Hatter is decorated with glistening glass chandeliers, hanging teacups and sheets of fairy lights.
After hours you may be lucky enough to bump into a merry man from Slovakia who skips from person to person strumming his guitar as he sings a witty song designed per individual, afterwards folding his green hat from his head with a bow in the hope of a tip.
A few honey beers later, you may collect your bags together bursting with tomatoes and cheese you’ve yet to taste and find the market empty except perhaps for a road sweeper who may give you a knowing wink as you pass.
