Borough Market’s new indoor garden is now open

The glass structure at the corner of Borough High Street and Bedale Street – which was built as part of Network Rail's project to construct a new rail market through the market – offers shoppers a place to sit, eat, relax and chat, while discovering more about the market and the food it sells.

The space will be used as a classroom, a kitchen, an orchard, an information hub and a dining hall.

Throughout the year, the Market Hall will be used for growing hops, fruits, flowers, herbs, olives and salad leaves, resulting in a fragrant and visually stimulating environment as well as providing a focus for educational programmes.

The hall's structure has been designed to maximise its horticultural potential, with huge amounts of light flooding in through the glass, vertical planters running up the pillars, and benches constructed with planting spaces at either end, all of which has been supported, in part, with funding from Natural England.

As part of the market's commitment to sustainability, the plants will be watered using a rainwater irrigation system and the resulting produce will be used for cooking demonstrations, tastings, workshops and, in the case of the hops, potentially even the brewing of a Borough Market beer.

"Our new Market Hall has created in essence a city garden for London – one that will offer visitors with a place to sit, eat, relax and chat, while discovering more about the market and the food it sells," said Donald Hyslop, chair of the trustees of Borough Market.

"It is a place of exploration, a place where shoppers can be made aware of seasonal produce and special events."

Adam Wallace from Natural England added: "We were delighted to support this work at Borough Market, which is helping to create a green oasis of herbaceous plants for millions to enjoy every year in the heart of London.

"The work at the market helps to underline the links between the food we eat, the natural environment and the wildlife it supports, as well as the farm businesses that deliver both."

The Market Hall is now open for all to enjoy during Borough Market trading hours Monday to Saturday.