Borough Market gastrotour: the ultimate inspiration
Any development chef worth his salt knows that food appreciation trips are vital if he is to find out the latest trends. And just three minutes walk from London Bridge station is a national treasure bursting with exciting foods.
TV chef Celia Brooks Brown, who is also a food writer and industry consultant, regularly takes intimate groups of clients on her gastrotour of Borough Market, and you cannot fail to be inspired by this hive of activity.
First off, the group is offered fresh cooked scallops at Shellseekers. "There are three fishmongers on the market, but this is my favourite because owner Darren Brown and his brother hand dive for the scallops," says Brooks Brown. The fishmonger explains how much the fish industry has changed over time: "Years ago, no one ate monkfish and I used to use bass as pot bait when I went fishing," says Brown. "Now both species are prime fish!" He predicts that cuttlefish and gurnard will be next in demand.
Next, Brooks Brown pauses to chat to Sue Farr, the owner of an ostrich farm. The guide is keen to show the group a recently laid ostrich egg, but she's too late because it's already been sold to the local truffle maker - you get the feeling that nothing stands still for long here.
At the Total Organics juice bar, the group samples a green shot, which looks like it would be more at home in a witch's cauldron. The drink is wheatgrass juice and Brooks Brown says that one shot provides the same amount of vitamins as an entire week's recommended intake of fruit and veg.
There isn't space to go into detail about all the other delights, which include Isle of Wight smoked cherry tomatoes and gooseberry chutney. But suffice to say that the market is well worth a visit and a guided tour is the best way to appreciate the hustle bustle atmosphere, without being caught up in it. So before you go jetsetting on a voyage of discovery, take a look in your own back yard and checkout what Britain has to offer.
Contact: http://www.celiabrooksbrown.com
