Borough market the gastronomic landmark and prominent tourist destination in South
London where tens of thousands of food lovers and tourists converge to soak in a 13th century atmospheres amidst British games to enjoy traditional British delicacies is in the eye of a storm. It is caught between traditional shop owners and Trustees who are trying to evict them. The old shop owners, some of them who have been doing business here for generations allege that the Trustees are using the markets international reputation as a foodie destination to woo high end retailers who could pay much higher rents than them. It seems to be a typical case of tradition versus money power, old shop owners however have more to stake claim to their ownership than just sentiment and a long stay, Mr Andy Sugarman, secretary of the tenants ***ociation says that the Trustees have reneged on an agreement signed with them in 2003 which ensures them a hold of the place until 2014, he accuses the trustees of trying to evict present occupants under one guise or the other in order to bring in high end retailers at fancy rents.
The dispute ***umes a tradition versus modern business twist as Boroughs has been a symbol of British foods like British cheese, organic fruits, artisan breads and cold pressed olive oils. It is not just the traditional food but also the markets cobbled streets and covered walkways which ring in history and tradition. The place provided the backdrop for famous movies like Bridget Jones Diary and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Retailers complain that their food stuffs being subjected to surprise checks to prove their quality and justification to stay on and do business is only adding insult to injury, they claim that these tests are a mockery and go against traditional taste and cheaper products. They cite the example of Maria Morruzis famed Maria Market Caf as having failed to make the grade in these so called quality tests.
The Trustees however argue that they have to safeguard the markets centuries old reputation of being a destination for great food and will invite high quality delicatessen to set up shop here if it needs to be done. They claim that a handful of individuals who do not want to change with the changing times and tastes cannot be allowed to hijack the market in the name of tradition.