London Bridge area guide

Borough Market, now famous across the capital as a foodie heaven, directly reflects the history of this most ancient of London boroughs. London Bridge itself first came into being as the crossing to the Roman Londinium (now the City) and from mediaeval times the high street to its south emerged as an important food market. Neighbouring Bermondsey as the centre of the country’s leather trade, reflected still in its place names.

Despite this industrious past, reflected too in the extensive warehousing now converted to very desirable homes along the river, the borough is one of London’s greenest, with 130 parks and open spaces. The largest is Southwark Park, with its sporting facilities, café, an art gallery, boating lake and gardens.

With good transport and a compelling mix of property the area has seen extensive development in recent years, with no sign of letting up. On its southern border Elephant and Castle is now going through major regeneration, designed to create a new town centre for the district, with 5000 new jobs, 4000 new homes, a new shopping centre, a new station for the Northern Line, a new leisure centre, and several new public spaces. Local people will enjoy a dramatically improved physical environment with tree-lined streets, open spaces and a largely traffic-free infrastructure.

Key streets and locations

Head to Bermondsey Street on a Saturday and you’ll also find the Maltby Street Market, featuring excellent fresh produce and a chance to sample local beers from the Kernel Brewery.

HMS Belfast, the last remaining warship of its kind, is a great place to take the whole family for an interactive experience of Britain’s naval history.

The London Bridge skyline is dominated by The Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe. There are three levels near the top which offer the best views across London.

Borough Market, across the road from London Bridge Station, is UK’s oldest food market. Open Thursday to Saturday, the market has more than 70 stalls selling a variety of artisan cakes, cheese, meat, fish, vegetables and breads.

Visit the Hays Galleria for spot of shopping in a remarkable space.

Shakespeare’s Globe, the Young Vic and Old Vic all have deservedly excellent reputations.

Transport times

(Source TFL)

Restaurants

Aqua Shard / Oblix

Magdalen

Gaucho

Cantina del Ponte

Restaurant Story

(Source Tripadvisor)

Council Tax Bands

Southwark Council Tax Bands