Petticoat Lane Market: London's Historic East End Bazaar
Experience the vibrant history and diverse culture of Petticoat Lane Market, East London's iconic hub for textiles, fashion, and street food.
Petticoat Lane Market, located on Middlesex Street in London’s East End, is one of the city’s oldest and most vibrant street markets, tracing its roots back over 400 years. Known for its bustling atmosphere, it offers a vast array of goods including clothing, textiles, accessories, and street food. The market is steeped in rich history, having evolved from a hub for weavers and tailors to a multicultural trading hotspot, reflecting the diverse communities of Spitalfields and beyond.
A brief summary to Petticoat Lane Market
- 119-121 Middlesex St, London, E1 7JF, GB
- +442073641717
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 9 am-3 pm
Local tips
- Visit on Sunday for the largest market day with over 1,000 stalls offering a wide variety of goods.
- Bargaining is common—don’t hesitate to negotiate prices with experienced stallholders.
- Explore nearby markets like Old Spitalfields and Brick Lane to extend your market experience.
- Arrive early on weekdays to catch the freshest selections, as many stalls close by 4pm.
- Try street food from the market’s growing food court to enjoy diverse international flavors.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Underground to Aldgate East Station (District and Hammersmith & City lines), approximately a 7-10 minute walk to Petticoat Lane Market. Service runs frequently from early morning until late evening. Single fares cost around £2.50 with an Oyster card or contactless payment.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve the area including routes 8, 25, and 115, stopping near Middlesex Street. Buses run every 10-15 minutes during the day. A single bus fare is £1.75 with an Oyster or contactless card. Note that traffic can affect bus times.
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Walking
If staying nearby in Spitalfields or Shoreditch, walking to Petticoat Lane Market is easy and scenic, taking 10-20 minutes on mostly flat, paved streets. The area is pedestrian-friendly but can be crowded during peak market hours.
Petticoat Lane Market location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Petticoat Lane Market
A Legacy Woven Through Centuries
Petticoat Lane Market’s origins date back to the early 1600s when the area was known as Peticote Lane, a commercial district famed for selling second-hand clothes and cheap goods. Initially a rural lane called Hogs Lane, it transformed alongside London’s expansion, becoming a thriving marketplace for tailors, weavers, and cloth merchants. The market’s name, evocative of undergarments, was officially changed to Middlesex Street in the 1830s to reflect the boundary between the City of London and Whitechapel and to avoid Victorian-era prudishness. Despite this, the historic name Petticoat Lane endures in popular usage and cultural memory.Melting Pot of Cultures and Trades
Throughout its history, Petticoat Lane has been shaped by waves of immigration and commerce. The mid-18th century saw the arrival of Huguenot refugees who brought expert weaving skills, followed by Jewish immigrants in the late 19th century who established synagogues and relief societies nearby while maintaining garment industry traditions. More recently, South Asian and West African communities have contributed vibrant fabrics and textiles, making the market a colorful mosaic of cultures and crafts. This diversity is reflected in the market’s eclectic stalls, which sell everything from vintage clothing and textiles to jewelry and street food.The Market Today: A Bustling Hub of Commerce and Community
Today, Petticoat Lane Market spans Middlesex Street and surrounding lanes such as Wentworth Street and Goulston Street. It operates Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm, with Sunday being the largest market day from 9am to 3pm, featuring over a thousand stalls. The market is renowned for its lively atmosphere, where bargaining is part of the experience, and visitors can find bargains on fashion, fabrics, and unique items. The market also hosts a growing food court with diverse street food vendors, adding to its appeal as a social and cultural destination.Architectural and Urban Context
Set in the historic Spitalfields area, Petticoat Lane Market is framed by a mix of Victorian-era buildings and modern cityscape, creating a striking contrast between old and new London. The market’s narrow streets and colorful stalls offer a sensory-rich environment, alive with the sounds of haggling and the scents of international cuisines. Nearby landmarks include Old Spitalfields Market and Brick Lane, making the area a vibrant cluster of markets and cultural venues.Stories and Anecdotes from the Lane
The market’s history includes colorful characters such as Ikey Solomon, a notorious Victorian fence who operated a pawnbroker’s shop in the area. Petticoat Lane was once known as a place where stolen goods were fenced, adding to its roguish reputation. Over the centuries, the market has survived plagues, waves of immigration, and urban change, maintaining its role as a vital community hub. Today, it continues to evolve while celebrating its rich heritage through events, branding, and community engagement.Experiencing Petticoat Lane
Visitors to Petticoat Lane Market can immerse themselves in a dynamic blend of history, culture, and commerce. The market’s colorful stalls, diverse traders, and lively atmosphere provide a quintessential East End experience. Whether seeking vintage fashion, unique fabrics, or street food delights, the market offers a sensory journey through London’s multicultural past and present.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Travelodge London Central Liverpool Street
0.1 km
Affordable comfort in the heart of East London, steps from Liverpool Street station and vibrant city attractions.
Northumbria University - London
0.2 km
Explore Northumbria University in London, where vibrant culture meets innovative education in the heart of the city.
182 Bishopsgate
0.3 km
Discover 182 Bishopsgate, where London’s ancient gateway history meets the vibrant pulse of the modern financial district.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
0.3 km
A striking, sustainable skyscraper in London’s financial heart, blending innovative design with panoramic city views and historic roots.
30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
0.3 km
Discover The Gherkin, London’s pioneering eco-friendly skyscraper with its iconic spiraling glass façade and panoramic city views.
St Mary’s, Whitechapel (The White Chapel)
0.5 km
Historic site of St Mary’s Whitechapel, the iconic White Chapel that shaped East London’s identity and now commemorated as Altab Ali Park.
Lloyd's of London
0.6 km
A high-tech architectural masterpiece blending tradition and innovation in the heart of London’s financial district.
London Wall
0.7 km
Explore London Wall, an ancient Roman landmark revealing the rich history of Londinium amidst the modern cityscape of London.
St Christopher's Inn Liverpool Street
0.8 km
Budget-friendly hostel with a lively pub below, central to London’s financial district and Shoreditch’s creative energy.
Tower Hill Memorial
0.8 km
Honouring 35,000 merchant seafarers with no grave but the sea—a dual memorial to two world wars.
Cornhill Fountain
0.8 km
A historic cast-iron water pump outside the Royal Exchange, symbolizing centuries of London's civic pride and public health innovation.
8-12 Tower Hill
0.8 km
Discover Tower Hill: Where London's Rich History Meets Modern Culture in the Heart of the City.
1 Tower Hl Ter
0.8 km
Historic urban landmark near Tower of London, blending centuries of British heritage with maritime memorials and modern city life.
Philpot Lane Mice Sculpture
0.8 km
Discover London’s tiniest public sculpture—two bronze mice locked in a timeless tussle over cheese, steeped in legend and Victorian charm.
Finsbury Square
0.8 km
Discover Finsbury Square, London's tranquil urban park featuring lush greenery, rich history, and a lively atmosphere perfect for relaxation and exploration.
Unmissable attractions to see
Devonshire Square
0.2 km
A tranquil blend of Victorian heritage and modern elegance in London’s bustling financial heart.
Moonshine Saloon
0.2 km
Experience the Wild West at Moonshine Saloon, London's premier cocktail bar offering unique drinks in a captivating atmosphere.
St Botolph without Aldgate
0.3 km
Historic Anglican church at London’s ancient eastern gate, blending centuries of architecture, community stories, and the oldest working organ in the UK.
Bevis Marks Synagogue
0.3 km
Discover the oldest continuously used synagogue in the UK, a serene Sephardic sanctuary nestled in London's historic heart since 1701.
Mitre Square
0.3 km
Mitre Square blends medieval heritage and Victorian crime history, marking the chilling site of Jack the Ripper’s fourth victim in London’s historic core.
Fashion St
0.3 km
Historic Fashion Street in Spitalfields blends East London’s rich past with contemporary creative life and urban renewal.
Commercial St
0.3 km
A vibrant East London artery blending historic industry, lively markets, and evolving urban culture between Shoreditch and Whitechapel.
Christ Church Spitalfields
0.3 km
Discover the architectural marvel and vibrant history of Christ Church Spitalfields, a must-visit Anglican church in the heart of London.
Old Spitalfields Market
0.4 km
Discover East London's vibrant blend of history, artisan crafts, and global street food beneath a stunning Victorian glass roof.
Spitalfields Market
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant fusion of history, art, and global flavors at Spitalfields Market, East London's iconic cultural and culinary hotspot.
Swingers Crazy Golf - City
0.4 km
Underground mini golf meets lively bars and street food in London’s City district for a unique social night out.
Spitalfields Charnel House
0.4 km
Discover the haunting medieval charnel house beneath Bishop’s Square, a rare glimpse into London’s past where thousands of souls rest beneath the modern city.
The White Hart
0.4 km
Historic Whitechapel pub blending centuries-old charm with Jack the Ripper lore and vibrant East London culture.
The Jack the Ripper Tour
0.4 km
Step into Victorian London’s eerie East End on a gripping walking tour tracing Jack the Ripper’s chilling footsteps and stories.
St Helen's Church, Bishopsgate
0.4 km
Experience the tranquil beauty and rich history of St Helen's Church, a captivating tourist attraction in the heart of London.
Essential places to dine
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
0.1 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
0.1 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
0.2 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
0.6 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
La Dame de Pic London
0.7 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Lyle's
0.8 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Nomadic community
0.9 km
A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
The Clove Club
1.2 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
1.2 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
Madison
1.4 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Brawn
1.5 km
Seasonal Mediterranean small plates and natural wines in a lively, vintage-inspired Shoreditch setting on Columbia Road.
Restaurant Story
1.5 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
George
1.7 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
St. John
1.8 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
1.9 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Middlesex Textiles
0.0 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
DPUS Designer Outlet
0.5 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
Brick Lane Souvenirs
0.7 km
Discover affordable, stylish London souvenirs and gifts in the heart of Brick Lane’s vibrant cultural scene.
Traders Gate
0.8 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
The Royal Exchange
0.8 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Tower of London Shop
0.9 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
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.
Luna & Curious
1.1 km
Discover Shoreditch’s curated boutique of British craftsmanship, quirky design, and independent retail at Luna & Curious.
Barbican Shop
1.3 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
Hay's Galleria
1.3 km
Historic riverside warehouse transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination beneath a stunning glass roof.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
1.3 km
Explore the fascinating history of Tower Bridge at the Engine Rooms and shop for unique gifts at the Official Gift Shop.
One New Change
1.4 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
Borough Yards
1.6 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
Hoxton Street Monster Supplies
1.7 km
Explore the enchanting Hoxton Street Monster Supplies, a whimsical gift shop in London filled with unique monster-themed treasures and delightful surprises.
Smithfield Market
1.8 km
London’s oldest wholesale meat market, where history and commerce meet in the heart of the city.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Bell
0.1 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
Discount Suit Company
0.1 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
The Astronomer, EC1
0.2 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
0.3 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
0.3 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
Dirty Dicks
0.3 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
Demon, Wise & Partners
0.7 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
The Bootlegger
0.7 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
0.8 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill, blending dark medieval history with refined ales and classic British fare in a Grade II listed building.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar in Shoreditch
0.8 km
Experience East London's vibrant nightlife with inventive cocktails and bold Japanese-inspired art at The Cocktail Club Shoreditch.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
0.9 km
A vibrant and stylish cocktail bar in London’s Old Street area, known for creative drinks and a lively urban atmosphere.
Aviary
0.9 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.9 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Cocktail Trading Co. Shoreditch
0.9 km
Inventive cocktails and retro charm blend seamlessly in Shoreditch’s cozy and quirky Cocktail Trading Co.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Hoxton Pony
1.0 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
The Steel Yard
1.2 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
XOYO LONDON
1.2 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
Trafik
1.2 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
E1
1.3 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
Basing House - Shoreditch
1.4 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
London Best Night Clubs
2.0 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Ministry of Sound
2.6 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
Corsica Studios
3.0 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
Proud Late
3.0 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.
Carwash Nightclub
3.1 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
3.2 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
3.2 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
3.2 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
3.2 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
