The Rise of Digital Resistance in London: A Local Pushback Against Over-Tourism and AI Algorithms

Black Pig: From Local Gem to Tourist Hotspot

Nestled in the heart of London’s Borough Market, Black Pig, renowned for its meticulously crafted pork sandwiches, has become a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike. This small but popular shop uses high-quality free-range pork from Blythburgh, layered between fresh ciabatta, and topped with unique ingredients like honey truffle and parmesan. With social media amplifying its appeal on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, Black Pig has transformed into a trendy photo-op destination. Unfortunately, the shift from a local favorite to an “Instagrammable” site has not been well received by London’s residents, who now find themselves vying with tourists in lengthy queues, often stretching over two hundred people. Locals, who once enjoyed this spot for its flavors, now witness scenes where some tourists discard the sandwiches after capturing their photos, sparking frustration among Londoners.

A Digital Uprising on Reddit

The local backlash has reached a tipping point. On Reddit, particularly in the “/r/London” forum, one frustrated user’s lengthy complaint described how influencers had “ruined Borough Market’s Black Pig,” calling it no…