Borough/Bankside

Cricketfish is published in the Borough/Bankside area of Central London. It is an area with a rich and colourful history. Activities within the city of London were regulated. Borough, just outside the city walls, became a den of iniquity filled with prostitutes, theatres (including Shakespeare's Globe Theatre), prisons, workhouses and bear baiting.

Borough High Street leading to London Bridge (for centuries the only bridge over the Thames) used to be lined with coaching inns which accommodated traders bringing their goods to market. The Southern end of Borough High Street, near Tabard Square, was where the pilgrims set off for Canterbury in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and Charles Dickins’ father was locked in a debtor's prison in Marshalsea Street.

Attractions

Borough Market

Borough Market, or “London’s Larder”, has been selling produce to hungry Londoners for over 1,000 years. However, during the past two it has been expanding and the choice of food is now better than it has ever been. A great place pick up some delicacies for Saturday lunch. However, make sure you go early. The market is almost a victim of its own success and it can be difficult to push your way through the crowds if you arrive around lunchtime. Check out the Borough Market website for more information.

Southwark Cathedral

The main structure of Southwark Cathedral was built between 1220 and 1420 on site occupied by a church for over 1,000 years. Now it is squashed between London Bridge and the overhead railways lines. If you walk down the steps on the South West end of the bridge you will find yourself in the cathedral gardens – a good place to sit and eat the venison burger you just bought at Borough Market. See here for more information.

Bankside

The walkway leading from Southwark Cathedral all the way along to Westminster Bridge is called the Bankside. On a warm evening there is nothing better than strolling along with the Thames past the Globe Theatre, Tate Modern, London Eye and Oxo Tower. There are a number of restaurants and bars to stop off at if you get hungry.

Globe Theatre

The Globe Theatre has been rebuilt on the site that it occupied in Shakespeare’s day. There are daily performances. See here for information about how to purchase tickets.

Tate Modern

The Tate Modern is an old power station converted into a world class modern art gallery. Every year an artist is commissioned to create an installation in the old turbine hall. Entry is free but you may have to pay for visiting exhibitions. See here for admission information.

Bermondsey Street

Bermondsey Street is my favourite street in SE1. Historically it contained tanneries but has recently undergone a makeover to convert old warehouses into trendy apartments and design studios. The street is slowly filling up with restaurants, bars and quirky boutique stores.