Banana Store makes the most of its excellent location beside Borough Market by allowing punters every Saturday to bring in their own ingredients – purchased from the market – to be cooked by the in-house chefs. A unique concept in London.

The Venue
Based in the Old Borough Market Trustees Building, this venue was used as a banana store for unripened bananas from the West Indies in the 1800s. Its location is undeniably excellent, situated as it is between Borough Market and Southwark Cathedral.

Consisting of a bar, diner and gallery (the Banana Store displays artwork for sale, so make sure you bring your credit card), it’s an eclectic and well placed addition to the locale. With enough space for up to 80 people standing or 35 at tables, it’s spacious with some of the most comfortable sofas you’ll have ever parked your behind in. Be sure to also check out the restaurant, situated in the basement of the building - an intimate space with bold colours on the wall and a restful ambience.

The Atmosphere
The staff here are efficient and polite and service is prompt, even at peak times. Unsurprisingly, Banana Store has a roaring lunchtime trade thanks to the large number of offices located in and around London Bridge. On Saturdays, expect a tourist slant alongside local Londoners visiting the market, popping in here for refreshment. However, it’s worth noting that this venue is only open until 4pm on Saturdays.

The Food
With exciting menus that change fortnightly there's plenty to tempt your tastebuds and with Borough Market next door they guarantee the freshest food. Starters cost from £6 for calamari rings with aioli or portabella mushrooms with goats cheese and marjoram. Mains are reasonably priced for the area, costing £9.50 for a super burger with bacon and mushrooms, with desserts coming in at £3.50 for ice cream - rising to £5.50 for sweet of the day.

On Saturdays there is the Eat What You See offer, which allows people to have items they’ve bought from Borough Market cooked by the chef for just £10 per person. Booking a table is recommended, however, as this offer tends to draw in huge crowds.

The Drink
Banana Store offers Guinness, Budvar and Leffe Blonde on draught, with Peroni, Becks, Mickelob, Magnums, Abbinger and IPA available bottled. Wine is priced at an average of £4, with a bottle of white Sauvignon Blanc costing £16.50 or a red Pinot Ancora at just £14.50 a bottle. Champagne is also available if you’re out to celebrate, costing just £40 for the house bottle.

The Last Word
Banana Store is very different from others in the area, the decor is quirky and the menu good value for money. With a unique selling point of bringing your own food to be cooked it is definitely on to a winner.

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