Fresh peas, Turkish lamb, spicy sardines

“ON THE AMALFI COAST, I HAD SOME OF THE BEST MOZZARELLA I’VE EVER EATEN (SECOND TO THAT OF BOROUGH MARKET OF COURSE!)”

Behind the scenes at Borough is a small team of dedicated professionals whose job it is to keep the wheels of this historic market turning. Most of them are completely obsessed with food, thanks in part to their daily exposure to exceptional produce and expert traders. We’ve asked them to share their thoughts on the ingredients and dishes that spark their excitement when summer rolls around.   

Alex Praag is Borough Market’s Operations Manager, responsible for managing the team that keeps the market running smoothly, day by day.

What’s the item of summer produce you most look forward to?

Perhaps not widely appreciated enough, but peas and summer beans make up some of my favourite summer recipes – light, fresh and tasty. I remember growing peas as a child with my dad and the joy that this sweet treat would bring us!

Tell us about the most memorable meal you’ve ever eaten on a summer holiday. Where was it and what was it?

Do I have to choose just one?! First was the delicious Caprese salad I had in Praiano, on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Some of the best mozzarella I’ve ever eaten (second to that of Borough Market, of course!), enjoyed while sitting on the cliff tops overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. A second would be the carved lamb in Istanbul – the waiter came to collect our order and the next minute he was carving up a whole lamb that was hanging in the window, waiting to be grilled. 

It’s a perfect barbecue day. Are you the one firing up the barbecue or part of the crowd sitting with a cold drink while someone else sweats over the coals?

I’m most often front and centre, holding the helm at the barbecue. I really enjoy slow cooking, so usually it’s me sat nursing the coals for several hours before the guests arrive. Attending to the barbecue for multiple hours has definitely made me appreciate the value of a good cool box.

What’s your ultimate barbecue dish, either for cooking or eating?

My favourite barbecue dish is grilled chicken with watermelon, feta and mint salad – such a winning combination! Maybe a few buttered corn cobs on the side too…

If you were planning your perfect picnic, what foods from Borough Market would you add to your basket? 

The lemon-marinated olives from Oliveology are the perfect complement to any picnic – maybe with spicy sardines from The Tinned Fish Market and Olivier’s Bakery’s rosemary sourdough.

Where in London would you take your Borough Market picnic basket for an afternoon in the sun?

I’d head up to Hampstead Heath and spend the day basking in London’s answer to the countryside.

What’s your summer sundown tipple of choice? In an ideal world, where would you be sitting to enjoy it?

A cold West Country cider while sat on the beach. Unbeatable!