Bastille Day at Borough Market in 2016 brought French-inspired food, entertainment and red, white and blue decorations to a Sunday in London. I went along for breakfast at Bread Ahead, a wander through the festival and a coffee stop at London Grind. The celebration took place on Sunday 10 July; this film was first published on 13 July 2016.
A Sunday celebration at Borough Market
The walk begins near London Bridge station on a windy day. From there, I headed towards the market, ready to join a London celebration of all things French. The festival sign advertised music, entertainment and French food from noon until eight, with the event taking place ahead of Bastille Day itself.
The opening of the film also reflects its moment in time. It was recorded shortly after the EU referendum, and I briefly discuss the result before returning to the reason for the visit: food and a look around the market. Once inside, the decorated stalls and gathering crowds give the afternoon a different feel from an ordinary shopping trip.
Bread Ahead pastries and a raspberry doughnut
Bread Ahead was the first stall to catch my eye. Its display mixed French-inspired pastries with familiar bakery favourites, and there was plenty to consider before choosing breakfast. I picked up a croissant, a croque-monsieur-style savoury option and a doughnut. It was an enthusiastic start to the food tour.
The doughnut was filled with vanilla cream and finished with raspberry coulis and raspberries. By the time I took it out of the bag, the topping had shifted around. That did little to spoil it: the film catches my first bite and an immediate positive verdict. It was a rather generous interpretation of a French breakfast, but one I was happy with.
Later, another display of chocolate and cream éclairs made me wonder whether I should have waited before making all my choices. That is part of the pleasure of wandering Borough Market. Every few steps bring another counter worth stopping at, even when breakfast is already accounted for.
Music and entertainment for Bastille Day at Borough Market
Between food stops, I paused to watch the entertainment. A crowd gathered beneath the market roof, with tricolour balloons above them and performers drawing people into the open space. The video includes several stretches of music and activity, giving a sense of the festival beyond the food stalls.
There was also a Bastille Day bar, with a handwritten board offering fizz, Kir Royale and wine. Nearby, the printed festival sign made the date and programme clear. These details anchor the film in that particular Sunday celebration, rather than a general visit to the market.
A coffee detour to London Grind
After the pastries, I wanted a coffee. Monmouth was closed when I checked during this Sunday visit, and I did not initially spot another option inside the market. That sent me on a short detour towards London Bridge.
Instead, I walked to London Grind, in the old bank building near the bridge. It was open, and the camera follows the visit from the exterior into the café. Inside, red neon lettering glows against the exposed brick wall, while the counter and espresso machine feature in the film.
A black Americano was the result. With coffee in hand, I headed back to Borough Market for another look at the stalls and street performances. On the return walk, I spotted Flat Cap making coffee inside the market after all. The detour had been enjoyable, but it turned out I had overlooked an option on the first circuit.
Remembering the 2016 visit
The afternoon combined a full breakfast, a good coffee and time to watch the festival unfold. The film ends with a final walk near the market and my thoughts on the Sunday atmosphere. It preserves the stalls, shop openings and market-day observations as I encountered them in July 2016.
For a later visit to the same area, explore my Borough Market breakfast with Monmouth Coffee and Bread Ahead in 2019.
