Bridget Jones’s Borough Market
If you’re a fan of romantic comedies, you’ve likely seen the iconic British classic, the Bridget Jones film series. The series includes four films: ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’, ‘Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason’, ‘Bridget Jones’s Baby’ and soon, ‘Mad about the Boy’. Based on the novels by Helen Fielding, the books and films follow Jones, a hapless singleton in her thirties, as she navigates life’s many adventures and mishaps.
The films are set across various locations in England, with one of the most notable being London’s Borough Market, the city’s oldest fruit and vegetable market. The market plays a starring role in each of the films.
Here’s a guide to the key spots you can explore, next time you are there:
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Jones’s Flat: 8 Bedale Street
We begin at Bridget Jones’s iconic flat, located above The Globe Tavern, a pub dating back to the 1800s. The exterior of the pub is featured in the films, and many memorable scenes take place in and outside the flat itself. From Cleaver picking Jones up for the ‘Tarts and Vicars’ party in his convertible to cosy nights with Darcy, and the infamous blue soup scene, this location is central to Bridget’s story. In reality, the flat is a 3-bedroom property (although depicted as 1-bedroom in the film) and was listed for sale in 2018 for £700,000.
Greek Restaurant: 5 Bedale Street
Directly across from Jones’s flat is the Bedales of Borough wine bar, transformed into a Greek restaurant for the films. This is the setting for the legendary fight scene between Cleaver and Darcy, where their comedic brawl spills into the street and through the restaurant window – arguably one of the most memorable. Remind yourself of the most British fight you’ve ever seen with the clip below.
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004)
Hobbs Sandwich Shop, Bedale Street
Next to The Globe Tavern is Hobbs, a sandwich shop that was portrayed as a cab office named ‘Dial-A-Lift’ in the second film in the series. In subsequent films, it appears as itself. The shop is renowned for its delicious roast meat baguettes and has become a recognizable landmark for fans of the series.
Top of Bedale Street
This location features in a romantic scene where Jones and Darcy leave her flat after spending the night together. As he walks away, she texts him confessing that she misses him, prompting Darcy to turn back with the response, ‘Miss you too’. Bridget’s flat door also plays a crucial role when Darcy arrives to declare his love for her.
Bridget Jones’s Baby (2016)
Stoney Street
This is where Jones’s car is parked, with her friend and kids standing in front of it. She’s on a phone call, sharing details about a music festival, before meeting them at her car – another classic Bridget Jones moment of everyday chaos.
8 Bedale Street
In a typical Bridget Jones scene, a pregnant Bridget gets locked out of her flat after leaving her keys in the bank. She sits in an alcove next to her flat door until Darcy arrives to rescue her, embodying the character’s endearing mix of vulnerability and comic misfortune.
The heart of Borough Market features prominently throughout the film. It’s here where Bridget records diary entries, struggles with a Christmas tree, and shops for ingredients – including those for the notorious blue soup from the first film.
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (Scheduled for release in 2025)
As of now, there’s not much we can reveal since the film has only recently wrapped up. However, we’ve caught a few glimpses and will provide a full report this year once the film is released!
It’s safe to say the franchise continues to be a postcard to Borough Market. Stay tuned!
Book your tour today by emailing requests@totallytailored.com and discover the exact locations that brought Helen Fielding’s beloved character to life. Our expert guides will take you through the magical spots that made the Bridget Jones films so memorable.
This has been Totally Tailored reporting to you from Borough Market, over and out!
