Smithfield Market
London’s oldest wholesale meat market, where history and commerce meet in the heart of the city.
Smithfield Market is London’s oldest wholesale meat market, operating for over 800 years. Located in the heart of the City, it’s a historic hub where traders gather each night to buy and sell meat, housed in grand Victorian buildings designed by Sir Horace Jones. The market’s legacy is woven into London’s history, from medieval livestock fairs to modern-day commerce, and its atmosphere remains a unique blend of tradition and industry.
A brief summary to Smithfield Market
- Grand Ave, London, EC1A 9PS, GB
- +442072483151
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Budget
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-7 am
- Tuesday 12 am-7 am
- Wednesday 12 am-7 am
- Thursday 12 am-7 am
- Friday 12 am-7 am
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to experience the market’s busiest hours and see the traders in action.
- Dress warmly, as the market is open at night and can be chilly, especially in winter.
- Respect the traders and follow hygiene regulations if you wish to enter the stalls.
- Explore the surrounding area, including St Bartholomew’s Hospital and the historic streets of Clerkenwell, for a fuller sense of Smithfield’s context.
- Check the market’s website for any special events or guided tours that may offer a deeper insight into its history and operations.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Smithfield Market location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Smithfield Market
A Living Legacy of Trade
Smithfield Market stands as one of London’s most enduring institutions, with roots stretching back to the 12th century. Originally a smooth field just outside the city walls, it became a bustling livestock market where horses, cattle, and sheep were traded every Friday. Over the centuries, Smithfield evolved from an open-air market into a covered wholesale meat market, reflecting the city’s growth and changing needs. The grand Victorian buildings that dominate the site today were designed by Sir Horace Jones and opened in 1868, marking a new era of organized trade and modern infrastructure.Architecture and Innovation
The market’s architecture is a testament to Victorian ambition and engineering. The Central Meat Market, General Market, and Poultry Market buildings are arranged around a grand avenue, their iron and glass structures allowing for efficient movement of goods. Beneath the market, a network of railway tunnels once brought meat directly from across the country, a revolutionary feature for its time. The buildings have been carefully preserved and adapted, with temperature-controlled stalls and modern hygiene standards, ensuring that Smithfield remains a vital part of London’s food supply chain.Stories from the Past
Smithfield’s history is rich with tales of commerce, celebration, and even tragedy. The site hosted the famous Bartholomew Fair, a centuries-old festival of food, drink, and entertainment that drew crowds from across the city. It was also a place of public executions, where figures like William Wallace and Wat Tyler met their fate. The market’s legacy is not just one of trade, but of the social and cultural life of London, where the rhythms of the city have played out for generations.A Night Market Experience
Today, Smithfield Market operates as a wholesale hub, open from midnight to 7am, Monday to Friday. The atmosphere is electric, with traders unloading meat from articulated lorries and forklifts moving through the central avenues. The market is a tight-knit community, with families and businesses passing down their trade through generations. Visitors can witness the bustling activity, though access to the stalls is restricted to those in protective clothing, reflecting the market’s commitment to hygiene and safety.Modern Challenges and Future
Smithfield Market continues to adapt to the changing landscape of food commerce. The rise of supermarkets and new regulations have brought challenges, but the market remains a symbol of London’s resilience and tradition. Efforts to preserve its heritage and ensure its future are ongoing, with debates about its role in the city’s economy and culture. Smithfield’s story is far from over, as it continues to evolve while honoring its past.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sir William Wallace Memorial
0.1 km
A solemn 1956 memorial to Scotland's greatest patriot, executed here in 1305 for resisting English rule.
Holborn Viaduct
0.3 km
A grand Victorian bridge spanning London's hidden Fleet valley, blending engineering innovation with ornate artistry and rich history.
London City Wall - Bastion 14
0.5 km
Explore Bastion 14, a medieval bastion built on Roman foundations, revealing centuries of London’s ancient city defenses in the Barbican.
London City wall
0.5 km
Explore the ancient Roman and medieval London City Wall, a monumental symbol of the city’s enduring history and resilience.
Temple Bar London
0.6 km
Explore Temple Bar, London’s historic ceremonial gateway rebuilt by Christopher Wren, rich with royal heritage and striking 17th-century architecture.
Ludgate Circus
0.6 km
Historic Victorian junction where London's ancient Ludgate once stood, blending rich legend, architecture, and urban vitality.
3 Gunpowder Square
0.6 km
A modern square in London’s financial district commemorating the dramatic history of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot and Guy Fawkes’ daring conspiracy.
Roman London Wall (St Alphage Garden Section)
0.6 km
Explore the ancient Roman and medieval layers of London's historic city wall nestled within the peaceful St Alphage Garden in Barbican.
Queen Anne Statue
0.6 km
Historic statue commemorating Queen Anne’s reign and the completion of St. Paul’s Cathedral, symbolizing Britain’s royal heritage and resilience.
Staple Inn
0.7 km
Explore Staple Inn, a historic Tudor building in London, showcasing stunning architecture and a serene courtyard amidst the city's vibrant life.
Guildhall Library
0.7 km
Discover London's rich history at Guildhall Library, a treasure trove of knowledge with rare manuscripts and engaging exhibitions for all.
Fleet St
0.7 km
Discover Fleet Street, London's iconic thoroughfare, where history, law, and journalism intertwine in a vibrant urban landscape.
The National Firefighters Memorial
0.8 km
A solemn tribute in London honoring the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who served during the Blitz and beyond.
Guildhall
0.8 km
Discover Guildhall, London’s medieval civic heart where Roman ruins, grand halls, and centuries of history converge in the City’s vibrant core.
Hare Pl
0.8 km
Discover Hare Place in Temple, London—a serene historic enclave steeped in centuries of legal tradition and architectural charm.
Unmissable attractions to see
Cloth Fair
0.1 km
Step into medieval London on Cloth Fair, a historic street where merchants once traded fabric and the city’s oldest houses still stand.
St Bartholomew's Gatehouse
0.1 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of St Bartholomew's Gatehouse, a must-visit historical landmark in the heart of London.
St Bartholomew the Great
0.1 km
Explore St Bartholomew the Great, a historic Anglican church in London, rich in architecture, culture, and tranquility, perfect for all visitors.
The Charterhouse
0.2 km
Explore over 600 years of London history at The Charterhouse, from medieval monastery and Tudor mansion to enduring charity and museum.
Golden Boy of Pye Corner
0.2 km
Discover the Golden Boy of Pye Corner, a gilded statue marking where London’s Great Fire ended and a moral tale of gluttony began.
40 Charterhouse Square
0.3 km
Historic Charterhouse Square in London’s Barbican blends medieval legacy with iconic Brutalist architecture and vibrant city life.
The Chocolate Cocktail Club
0.3 km
Discover the sweet side of London at The Chocolate Cocktail Club, where chocolate meets cocktail artistry in a delightful atmosphere.
St John's Gate
0.3 km
Discover the medieval gateway of St John's Gate, home to the Knights Hospitaller and the origins of St John Ambulance in historic Clerkenwell.
Museum of the Order of Saint John
0.3 km
Discover the rich history of the Order of St John at its historic London Gatehouse, blending medieval heritage with modern humanitarian legacy.
Holy Sepulchre Church
0.3 km
Discover Holy Sepulchre London, the largest City parish church, famed as the National Musicians’ Church with centuries of history and vibrant worship.
The Viaduct Tavern, EC1
0.3 km
Step into a lavish Victorian gin palace where London’s legal history and ghostly tales converge beneath ornate ceilings and historic cellars.
Bleeding Heart Yard
0.4 km
Explore Bleeding Heart Yard, a hidden gem in London filled with historic charm, delightful dining, and a tranquil atmosphere amidst the bustling city.
Postman's Park
0.4 km
A serene London park honoring everyday heroes through a unique memorial of selfless sacrifice, nestled near St Paul’s Cathedral.
St Botolph’s-without-Aldersgate
0.4 km
Historic Georgian church at London’s eastern City gate, blending medieval roots with Victorian artistry and community resilience.
St. Etheldreda's RC Church, Farringdon
0.4 km
Discover London's oldest Catholic church, St. Etheldreda's, a medieval gem steeped in history, sacred relics, and stunning stained glass artistry.
Essential places to dine
St. John
0.1 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Madison
0.8 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Ikoyi Restaurant
1.2 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.3 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.4 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Sarastro
1.4 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Margot
1.5 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
1.5 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
1.6 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in the heart of Covent Garden, blending vibrant flavors with a lively, cozy atmosphere.
Balthazar
1.6 km
Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.6 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
14 Hills
1.6 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Inamo Covent Garden
1.6 km
A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Circus
1.7 km
Experience Covent Garden’s vibrant Asian fusion dinner theatre where culinary artistry meets captivating live performances.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Barbican Shop
0.5 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
One New Change
0.7 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
London Silver Vaults
0.8 km
The world's largest underground marketplace for fine antique and contemporary silver, hidden beneath historic Chancery Lane.
Exmouth Market
0.9 km
Discover Exmouth Market, London’s vibrant street of eclectic eateries, lively bars, and independent shops in the heart of Clerkenwell.
1 Poultry
1.0 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
Unique Gifts
1.0 km
A compact London gift shop filled with original, handpicked presents and quirky souvenirs for those who love something different.
Pop Up Luxury Shop
1.0 km
Exclusive, curated luxury shopping in a stylish London pop-up setting blending fashion innovation with boutique charm.
Twinings - The Strand
1.0 km
Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
not just a shop
1.1 km
Discover unique, handcrafted art and design by UAL’s students and alumni at this creative retail hub in central London.
The Royal Exchange
1.2 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
The Old Curiosity Shop
1.2 km
Step into a Tudor-era timbered cottage steeped in Dickensian lore, nestled amidst the vibrant heart of modern London.
Bankside Arches Boutique
1.2 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
The Store X
1.2 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
Persephone books
1.2 km
Discover the hidden treasures of 20th-century women’s literature at Persephone Books, a Bloomsbury gem celebrating forgotten female voices.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
1.3 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Parrot
0.7 km
Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
The Old Bank of England
0.9 km
Historic Victorian pub on Fleet Street housed in a former Bank of England branch with grand interiors and legendary London tales.
Flight Club Shoreditch
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
The Duke
1.1 km
A classic Bloomsbury pub offering warm hospitality, traditional drinks, and hearty British fare in a cozy setting.
Aviary
1.1 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
Demon, Wise & Partners
1.2 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
Old Fountain
1.2 km
Historic family-run freehouse in Old Street, London, famed for award-winning ales, hearty British food, and a stylish rooftop terrace.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
1.2 km
A vibrant and stylish cocktail bar in London’s Old Street area, known for creative drinks and a lively urban atmosphere.
Nightjar Shoreditch
1.2 km
Step into Nightjar Shoreditch, a hidden gem where Prohibition-era cocktails meet live jazz in an intimate, vintage-inspired setting.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
1.2 km
A large, riverside Nicholson’s pub on Blackfriars Bridge offering classic British fare, real ales and a rooftop terrace with strong Thames views.
Lyaness
1.3 km
Innovative cocktails and sustainable mixology with stunning Thames views in London’s stylish South Bank hotspot.
Simmons Bar | Old Street
1.3 km
A retro-inspired cocktail bar in Shoreditch offering creative drinks and a lively, youthful nightlife atmosphere.
The Craft Beer Co. Old Street
1.3 km
A vibrant London pub offering a top-tier selection of craft beers served with expert care in a casual, retro setting.
Princess Louise
1.4 km
Step into the Princess Louise, a stunning Victorian gin palace in Holborn, where opulent interiors and rich history blend in a timeless London pub experience.
Floripa
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant Brazilian spirit and tropical party vibes of Floripa, Shoreditch’s premier cocktail bar and nightclub.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
London Best Night Clubs
0.4 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
XOYO LONDON
1.3 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
The Steel Yard
1.3 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
Carwash Nightclub
1.4 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
1.5 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Proud Late
1.6 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
The Hoxton Pony
1.6 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
Trafik
1.7 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
The Roxy
1.8 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
1.8 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
Basing House - Shoreditch
1.9 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
2.0 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
The Ivy Club
2.0 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Covent Garden Social Club
2.0 km
Discover Covent Garden Social Club: a lively cocktail bar blending exquisite drinks, comedy, and live music for an unforgettable night out in London.
Heaven
2.0 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Scenic
- Lively
- Historic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly