Gloriously ripe, runny Bries; crumbly Caerphillys; specialities from Emilia Romagna and Emmental. Fabulous fromages from around the world.
How many gourmet cheese stalls does one street market need? Apparently a dozen or more.
If you need evidence of the changing face of London, head for Borough Market; offering myriad gourmet delights on the doorstep of London Bridge Station.
I was on my way to lunch at Aqua Shard; high in the sky, but my attention was diverted to street level and the many market delights.
First opened in 1851 on its current site (and refurbished a decade ago) - it has a history that dates back 1000 years, although it was under recently more a wholesale market that a retail one. Its recent resurgence reflects the gentrification of Southwark and surrounding south-east London suburbs.
Borough Market boasts that it "is a source of quality British and international produce, but it is more than just a place to buy or sell food".
The Market is a place where both locals and tourists come to connect, to share food and fun.
Today, it is regarded as London's most renowned food and drink market. It has featured in movies from Bridget Jones's Diary to Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, and even Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Borough Market is located in the heart of central London, easily accessible by train, tube, bus, bike or on foot.
The layout reflects its storied history, with a warren of passageways and open spaces; new discoveries around every corner. The vibe is typically London, with traders exchanging banter with their regulars.
Three Crown Square, the Market's largest trading area, is devoted to fresh produce, including fruit and veg, meat, fish and cheese, while the spaces around the periphery offer an eclectic blend of foodstuffs and ready-to-eat meals (from pie and mash and jellied eels to soul food).
Borough Market is open from Monday to Saturday, although the full market only operates Wednesday to Saturday.
For details see www.boroughmarket.org.uk.
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