When its cold and rainy outside all you really want to do is snuggle up with a warm cup of tea and Netflix! But being pregnant it is important to get a bit of fresh air and regular exercise, so there is no way around it. Just be sure to always bring an umbrella, when going out in London!

Last weekend the weather was pretty bad, and I am not a big fan of rain! (she said, living in London)

So what to do – and where to go? As I love markets – and none of us have ever been to the covered  Leadenhall Market, we decided that this was the best idea ever – and off we went to Monument Station

Leadenhall Market dates back to the 14th century and is situated in what was the centre of Roman London. Originally a meat, poultry and game market, it is now home to a number of boutique retailers, restaurants, cafes, wine bars and an award-winning pub. Starting as the site of a manor, Leadenhall has survived changes in use, rebuilding, and even the Great Fire to become a popular destination for city residents, visitors and workers. (It truly is very beautiful here)

Even though the place is more picturesque without a lot of people, I was pretty dissapointed to find out that everything was more or less closed on a Saturday! Note to self: Make sure to google opening hours before going somewhere! 

Luckily it was a great pleasure just to look at the beautiful shops from the outside as well!

As mentioned earlier Leadenhall Market has gone through a level of hardship over the years, especially the Great Fire of London in 1666. A large part of the capital was gravely damaged by the blaze and Leadenhall Market bore the brunt of it. In 1881 it was down to Sir Horace Jones, who was tasked with revamping the City of London to give the market a fresh new look. Sir Horace was the architect behind the likes of Billingsgate and Smithfield Markets and went about redesigning Leadenhall. The old stone structure was done away with and replaced with wrought iron and glass and was granted Grade II heritage-listed status in 1972.

Bonus-info: Part of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” was filmed in Leadenhall in 2000/2001. The market was used to represent the area of London leading to the popular wizarding pub The Leaky Cauldron and magical shopping street Diagon Alley

Don’t forget to visit the historic pub “The Lamb Tavern“, when you are here. The pub stretches out across three impressive floors and has been part of the tapestry of the city of London since 1780

When visiting this area of London, I recommend that you go for a walk across London Bridge. The weather was pretty bad, but we were lucky enough to be able to enjoy the beautiful sight of the River Thames and the iconic Tower Bridge

The impressive 95-storey skyscraber The Shard in the background! (I can warmly recommend the Afternoon Tea at Restaurant Ting. One of the most amazing experiences, I have had – with a breathtaking view. Read more here) 

Just across the bridge you will find one of London’s most popular food markets “Borough Market“

In spite of the rain, there were many people at the market last Saturday! No wonder – the food here is amazing!

Borough Market’s gourmet food market consists of more than 100 stalls and stands. Producers come from all over the country and bring a range of fresh produce to the market, including fish, meats, vegetables, ciders, cheeses, breads, coffees, cakes and patisseries. Other stalls specialise in produce imported from abroad. (Open on Saturdays, but NOT on Sundays!)

Frenchie loves clams – I am more of lobster person myself!

When I spotted the macarons, I simply had to bring some at home! Will you look at these colourful beauties!(My favourite was the caramel version) 

At the market there are plenty of yummy things to taste…

So of course I went directly to the cheese shops for a tasting experince!

The French Comté always gets a visit from me, when I am around!

I am a big fan of their Roquefort Saucisson!

But my favourite is the Mont d’Or, which I sadly am not allowed to eat, while being pregnant!

Luckily there were many other cheeses, that I could try – and bring home!!!

No cheese without great bread (I prefer the sourdough version)

We were a bit hungry, so we decided to share the most amazing cheese and olive pain from Bread Ahead

If you up for more solid food, there are plenty of street-food stalls to choose from

Some more exotic than other…

Busy days at Borough Market…

The oyster stalls/ bars were very popular…

Especially combined with a glass of bubbles 

I wanted to have a quick look at the vegetables before heading home

Beautiful and healthy…

I am very big fan of mushrooms in all shapes and sizes, and here I could find more or less everything, that I was looking for to prepare a warm winter-dish at home

The mushroom box was so pretty and everything looked so tasty!

This is how Frenchie and I spent a rainy Saturday in London! I love markets – and if you find a covered market, this is where to go, when it’s pouring down for comfort food and something delicious to bring home

Back home I found a cosy spot to rest, get warm and enjoy my lovely macarons… 

X Louise