London is considered one of the top gastronomical places in the world, but where do all the tasty ingredients come from?

About 40 per cent of fruit and vegetables in London have been sourced from New Covent Garden Market (NGM), Nine Elms Lane, Wandsworth.

Helen Evans, director of business development, said the 20 restaurants considered London's finest all source their ingredients here.

The bustling 57 acre site trades when most consumers are in bed, between 12am-6am, so when I arrive at 7am some companies are already beginning to shut-up shop.

It is the end of summer season and the building is filled with delicious smells of fresh strawberries, apricots and cherries.

Helen explains September is the start of apple season, with NGM the go-to destination for the best bramley, cox and discovery apples.

Where the food is sourced and the season is central to the market, with trader Sidesalads using display screens to show images direct from their farmer's fields.

Helen said: "As consumers we have become used to having strawberries at Christmas. There has been a slight reaction to that now, people understand produce and where it comes from. While you can have a strawberry at Christmas - it won't taste great.

Few Londoners know it exists but with redevelopment of Nine Elms the whole market space is to change, while a new Garden Heart area will act as a food and flower hub to the public.

Helen said: "There will be new businesses, street food - the space used for lots of different things at all times of the day.

"I want the local area and London understanding better what we can do, and having access to the experts."

New Covent Garden Market, Nine Elms Lane, Wandsworth, times vary depending on type of market, pedestrians free, vehicles £5, call 020 7720 2211 or visit newcoventgardenmarket.com