A mixture of pomp and ceremony, with the visit of the Lord Mayor of London, big crowds and the best of British fruit, gave Borough Market every reason to celebrate its 250th anniversary.
In combination with the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers, celebrating their 400-year anniversary, well supported with fruit from the National Fruit Show, it was estimated that 10,000 people visited the market during the day.
“It was an amazing day. The Lord Mayor Alderman David Brewer was presented with the annual gift of fruit in the grandest style,” said Will Sibley, Master of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers. Only once before in their 300-year history has this annual gift been presented to the Lord Mayor outside the city of London.
The Lord Mayor, accompanied by the High Sheriff, then followed with the taking of a ‘Loving Cup’ to acknowledge that the livery company had fulfilled its obligation.
Jeremy Scott, chairman, National Fruit Show, who provided the apples and pears, supported by cider products from Taunton and cobnuts from Kent, said taking fruit from the annual trade show to a public event afterwards was important to maintain the relationship between growers and the public.
“If we can broaden the minds of the public into thinking that there are more varieties of apples available and they do taste superb, in the right conditions they will seek out those products, and we believe English apples fit the bill,” said Jeremy Scott.
There was great interest in all varieties available to taste and buy during the day. Will Sibley said that all the fruit sent to Borough Market for this celebratory occasion had been sold over the weekend.
Adrian Barlow, chief executive of English Apples & Pears, which provided Bramley apple pies throughout the day, said 3,500 portions were eaten by the public.
