Market voted 'Totally' great

London is rightly famed for its many attractions - splendid parks, vibrant museums and galleries. But what people most like about their capital, it seems, is shopping for Morecambe Bay shrimps or black summer truffles under a grimy railway viaduct.

Borough Market, London's best gourmet food market, is the winner in a poll of "Totally London" experiences, nominated by the public.

The market, held every Friday and Saturday under the viaduct into London Bridge station, ran away with 43.2 per cent of the vote, with Hyde Park coming in a distant second with 18.2 per cent. The South Bank arts centre was third with 10.8 per cent. Postman's Park in Aldersgate came 10th with one per cent.

The results of the vote were announced at this year's London Tourism Awards, in a ceremony at Claridge's today.

Other winners in the awards, organised by Visit London - the new name for the London Tourist Board - include the Hard Rock Cafe and the Natural History Museum.

Nominating "London's larder", the market's traditional name, one voter said: "This ancient part of London continues an age-old trend - selling foods to Londoners from across the globe."

The "totally London" winners, in a vote organised by BBC London, create the impression that Londoners are a sophisticated lot who like nothing more than rummaging among fresh Lancashire cheeses and organic venison sausages before wandering along the river to the National Theatre or Hayward Gallery.

But if one of the other 14 categories is any indication, tourists are perhaps less discerning. Readers of WHERE, a magazine for tourists, ignored the capital's many highly rated dining experiences when they voted the Hard Rock Cafe "best restaurant". Harrods was voted "best retailer".

Other winners in the awards, which showcase the best of London tourism, were chosen by industry professionals.

The "world-class welcome award", which recognises the achievements of those working at the front line of tourism, went to a cleaner, Brian Malunga at Somerset House. The judges found his energy and passion for London made him a favourite with visitors.

The Natural History Museum was named best attraction with more than 100,000 visitors. Apsley House, the ancestral home of the Duke of Wellington, was best attraction with fewer than 100,000 visitors.

Other winners include the National Portrait Gallery, which picked up the "tourism for all" award, in recognition of its commitment to disabled visitors.

A spokeswoman for Visit London said: "Borough Market seems an unusual choice, but it is quite a London place. The fact that there is such a variety of produce from around the world is what appeals to Londoners.

"The awards are all about celebrating the excellence of tourism in London."