Mei Mei is right in the heart of the feelgood buzz of Borough Market. On the changing menu you’ll find things like assam fish curry, deep fried chicken rice, nasi lemak, and a fantastic coconut milk ‘Captain’s Curry’ that warmed the cockles of our grumpy little hearts on one particularly savage rainy Thursday. The woman responsible for this bright-bowls, big flavours spot is Elizabeth Haigh, a chef who gained critical acclaim at fine dining spot Pidgin before opening Mei Mei.

Check out Borough Market’s Jubilee-weekend makeover complete with regal bunting and vintage music. Seven new recipes have been commissioned for the occasion – one for each decade of the Queen’s reign – which you pick up in a free Jubilee newspaper distributed at the market. Jun 2-5. Free.

Whether you’re exploring the South Bank or heading up the Shard for a bird’s-eye view of the capital, it’s worth taking a mealtime detour to bustling Borough Market. A true feast for the senses, it offers a huge variety of delicious street food made fresh on-site. From vegan burgers to meat pie and mash, you’ll be spoiled for choice. While there, don’t miss out on the culinary shopping or free cooking demonstrations. The market has a modified schedule, so check their website before going.

Dating back to the thirteenth century, London’s oldest food market is a cornucopia of gourmet goodies. It used to highlight British produce but nowadays you’ll find global traders and street-food vendors: enjoy French confit-duck sandwiches, Ethiopian stews and scotch eggs (elevated, of course). Once notable for its crowds, the market now has a Covid-safe capacity. Arrive early (get coffee from Monmouth), pick up from Neal’s Yard Dairy, Brindisa and Bread Ahead, and head for a riverside picnic.

For a thousand years, a market has existed at the southern end of London Bridge, making this still-busy ancient gathering point a superb spectacle. Overflowing with small shops, food stalls cooking in close quarters and wholesale greengrocers catering to London's top-end restaurants, Borough Market makes a delicious lunch stop, afternoon grazing session or pure dinner-party inspiration. Expect it to be crowded, even on days with limited traders.