Fruits and foods on sale at Borough Market, London. (Photos: Pete Sankey)

We're shopping thousands of miles away today at London's trendy Borough Market. It's another brolly day in the city and we're thankful for the layers beneath the coat. The market scene is as busy as any in sunny Jamaica, for what, after all, is a little rain in a country known for its constant drizzle?

Borough Market's history dates back a thousand years. It is the hot new place to be seen picking up larder supplies on Fridays and Saturdays. Lovers of gourmet and organic fare, as well as top chefs and restaurateurs, have all at some time or other jostled through the crowds in search of fresh flowers, venison, ostrich eggs, pork, ham, speciality breads, game, poultry, beef, fish, olives, cheese, wines and beers all housed under one roof.

A cook prepares the much in-demand scallops inside Borough Market.

It's not difficult for Thursday Food to figure out why Borough Market is the place to shop. Hot scallops are in great demand at £3.50 a serving, as are hand-made pickles and Ostrich burgers sizzling on the grill alongside Ostrich minute steak.
Patrons fork out £3 per order and commence eating right away.

Enrico of Sardinia Organic allows a group of Jamaican journalists and their British Airways hosts to sample his free range of cheese and sausages. It's a goodwill gesture that's much appreciated by his dedicated patrons who, in addition to sampling, are definite fans of the fine organic and speciality foods.

A variety of breads available at Borough Market in London.

Although there's no sign of cooking goddess Nigella Lawson (we do, however, spot her later inside Selfridges Food store with hubby Charles Saatchi), London's beautiful people are part of the mix as are those into a healthier lifestyle.

What we love most about Borough Market is the fact that the beautiful are in fact serving the beautiful. Food is as trendy as woollen capes, and the stalls are decidedly retro chic. Care has been taken to present foods and products in as attractive a manner as possible. Little wonder that Borough market, located under the railway viaduct, won the 2003 Visit London, Totally London Award nominated by Londoners as their favourite place to visit.

A basket of ostrich eggs on sale in Borough Market.

Borough Market is located at 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 and opens Fri 12 noon - 6:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

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