Smithfield Market, London: All year

London's famously rowdy meat market.

London's most famous meat market takes place in these cathedral-like buildings, divided by the Grand Avenue, from 3am in the morning, when the finest cuts are available for trade or individual customers. Buyers are encouraged to scout around for the best prices and to chat to the vendors, many of whom have been selling here for generations.

While the market has been here for over a thousand years, the oldest of the current buildings goes back about 140 years. The poultry market was destroyed in the war, but was rebuilt in 1963 with the largest-spanning domed roof in Europe. Smithfield has a raucous history to go with its architecture. Before 1852, it was a livestock market, but the chaos caused by the arrival of the animals forced it to be relocated and for Smithfield to specialise in quality cut meat. It was also the site of the annual Bartholomew Fair, subject of a play by Ben Jonson, which ran for 700 years before being shut down for drunkenness. 

Smithfield Market

225, Central Markets, London EC1A 9LH

Opening hours:

Monday-Friday, 2.00-8.00

Photos

Cover picture and photo n°2 - From

http://www.smithfieldmarket.com/

Smithfield Market, London: All year
Smithfield Market, London: All year
Smithfield Market, London: All year
Smithfield Market, London: All year

Opening Hours

Monday:
02:00 - 08:00
Tuesday:
02:00 - 08:00
Wednesday:
02:00 - 08:00
Thursday:
02:00 - 08:00
Friday:
02:00 - 08:00
Saturday:
Closed
Sunday:
Closed
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