London’s Borough Market has been thrust into the spotlight after two social‑media influencers were escorted out for filming a review without permission. Gerry del Guercio and Paul Delany, who run the food‑review account Bite Twice on TikTok and Instagram, were approached by security while filming a dessert from the popular vendor Humble Crumble. The market requires anyone filming or taking photographs for professional purposes to obtain prior approval—a policy the duo was unaware of.
According to a market spokesperson, the policy has been in place for some time and is designed to prevent disruption to stallholders and visitors. It prohibits filming between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on weekdays and at any time during the weekend. While the market values the role of food reviewers in showcasing its traders, it must also maintain a comfortable environment for all visitors.
This incident underscores a growing trend: hospitality venues are establishing filming and photography policies to manage the increasing number of influencers and content creators. Many restaurants now specify rules for influencers, with some requiring pre‑booking and approval for paid or gifted content. The National Trust, a UK heritage charity, exemplifies this approach with a policy that obliges influencers to pre‑book through its Filming and Locations Office.
The rise of online video reviews and foodie content has led to a surge in influencers visiting restaurants and markets, often without permission. While some establishments welcome the free advertising, others worry about the disruption and congestion caused by filming. As the line between amateur and professional content creation continues to blur, venues are increasingly seeking clear guidelines for influencers and creators.
Borough Market is currently reviewing its policy, and the incident has sparked a broader conversation about the need for clear communication between venues and influencers. For Bite Twice, the experience has not deterred them; they have already posted new reviews on their social‑media channels. The episode serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting the rules and regulations of establishments when creating content.
Comments are closed for this story.