Smithfield Market
London's 900-year-old wholesale meat market where Victorian architecture meets modern commerce.
Smithfield Market stands as the UK's oldest and largest wholesale meat market, operating continuously since 1868 from its iconic Victorian buildings designed by Sir Horace Jones. Located in the heart of London's historic Clerkenwell district, this Grade II listed complex represents nearly 900 years of trading heritage, evolving from a medieval livestock market into a modern wholesale operation. Open Monday to Friday from midnight to 7am, Smithfield remains a working market where professional butchers, traders and chefs source premium cuts of meat delivered fresh by refrigerated lorries.
A brief summary to Smithfield Market
- Grand Ave, London, EC1A 9PS, GB
- +442072483151
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- 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
- Arrive early in the morning between 3am and 6am to experience the market at its busiest, when traders are actively buying and selling. The atmosphere is most vibrant during these hours as lorries deliver fresh meat and professional buyers conduct business.
- Wear appropriate clothing including sturdy shoes and a warm jacket, as the market operates in the early hours and maintains cool temperatures for meat storage. The buildings can be cold and wet underfoot.
- Respect the working environment by staying out of the way of traders and forklift traffic. This is an active wholesale operation, not a tourist attraction, so maintain awareness of your surroundings and the ongoing commercial activity.
- Explore the surrounding historic streets including Cloth Fair, which contains the oldest building in the City of London, and St Bartholomew-the-Great church, adding context to Smithfield's medieval heritage.
- Note that the market is closed on weekends and does not operate on Saturdays or Sundays, so plan your visit for a weekday morning between midnight and 7am.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Circle, Hammersmith & City or Metropolitan Line to Farringdon Station, approximately 5 minutes walk from Smithfield Market. Exit towards Charterhouse Street and follow signs to the market entrance. Service runs from early morning, with trains arriving every 3–5 minutes during peak hours. Cost is included in London's standard Oyster card or contactless payment system.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the area including routes 56, 153 and 205, which stop near Farringdon Station or on Charterhouse Street within 2–3 minutes walk of the market. Night buses operate before dawn when the market is most active. Single journey costs approximately £1.75 with Oyster card or contactless payment.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Black cabs and ride-share services (Uber, Bolt) operate 24 hours and can deliver you directly to Grand Avenue or Charterhouse Street entrances. Journey time from central London locations typically ranges from 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Expect to pay £8–20 from nearby areas; early morning fares (midnight–7am) may include night surcharges.
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Walking
From Farringdon Station, the market is accessible via a 5-minute walk along Charterhouse Street. The route is well-lit and follows main roads through the Clerkenwell district. From the City of London, the market is approximately 10–15 minutes walk via Smithfield or Cloth Fair. The surrounding streets are historic and atmospheric, particularly in early morning hours.
Smithfield Market location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Smithfield Market
A Thousand Years of Trading Heritage
Smithfield's story begins in the mists of medieval London, when the site was described in 1174 by William Fitzstephen as "a smooth field where every Friday there is a celebrated rendezvous of fine horses to be sold." The name itself derives from "Smeeth field"—Old English for smooth plain—a flat expanse that lay just outside the Roman city walls. By the 12th century, livestock traders from across England converged here, with animals arriving from as far as the Midlands, Wales and Scotland. The City of London Corporation formalized its control through a charter granted by Edward III in 1327, establishing the legal framework that would govern the market for centuries. By the 18th century, Daniel Defoe declared Smithfield "the greatest [market] in the world," with over a million animals—mostly sheep—passing through annually by the century's end.From Livestock Chaos to Victorian Innovation
By the early 19th century, Smithfield had become a scene of urban chaos. Drovers herded cattle, sheep and pigs through crowded London streets lined with houses and businesses, creating noise, congestion and sanitary nightmares. The market handled 220,000 cattle and 1.5 million sheep annually, overwhelming the surrounding neighbourhood. This crisis prompted the Smithfield Market Removal Act of 1852, which relocated the live livestock market to Copenhagen Fields in Islington. The site then lay dormant for a decade until Parliament passed the Metropolitan Meat and Poultry Market Act of 1860, authorizing construction of a revolutionary new covered market.Sir Horace Jones and the Grand Victorian Complex
Work began in 1866 under the direction of City Architect Sir Horace Jones, who would later design Tower Bridge and Billingsgate Market. The Central Market, inspired by Italian architecture, opened on 24 November 1868 following an elaborate ceremony attended by 1,200 guests, complete with music by the Grenadier Guards and lavish feasting. The construction cost £993,816—equivalent to approximately £113 million in modern currency. The market's most revolutionary feature was its integration with London's expanding railway network: Metropolitan Railway freight trains passed directly beneath the market through a massive basement of brick arches and iron girders, allowing meat to be unloaded and lifted to the surface by hydraulic lifts or spiral ramps. This infrastructure transformed Smithfield into the premier wholesale meat market of the British Empire, perfectly positioned to receive frozen imports from Australia, New Zealand and South America as refrigeration technology advanced.Architectural Splendour and Market Evolution
The original Central Market featured 162 easily accessible stalls arranged along open sides, allowing customers to browse freely. Between 1873 and 1876, the Poultry Market was constructed immediately west of the Central Market, featuring a distinctive rotunda with gardens, a fountain and a ramped carriageway. The General Market followed between 1879 and 1883, designed to absorb trade from the nearby Farringdon Market. Today's refurbished buildings accommodate 23 units in the East Building and 21 in the West, each tailored to individual tenant requirements with temperature-controlled storage areas. The Grade II listed buildings remain largely intact, having survived the Great Fire of London and the bombing campaigns of the Second World War, when the market was repurposed for storage and housed an army butchers' school.A Living Wholesale Operation
Smithfield operates as the UK's largest EU-approved wholesale meat market, functioning as a professional trading hub rather than a retail destination. The market opens Monday to Friday from midnight to 7am, when articulated refrigerated lorries deliver fresh meat that is unloaded by forklift and distributed to butchers, restaurants and food businesses across London and beyond. The tight-knit community of traders represents generations of families working within the same premises, maintaining traditions of craftsmanship and professional standards. Each stall meets the latest food safety and hygiene regulations, with customers required to wear clean protective clothing when inspecting goods inside the shops.Echoes of Medieval Smithfield
Before its transformation into a meat market, Smithfield held profound significance in London's civic and cultural life. The open field hosted jousting tournaments and summer festivals during medieval times, and from 1133 to 1855, the legendary Bartholomew Fair drew crowds for two weeks of trading, entertainment, puppet shows, wrestling matches and dancing bears. The site also served as London's primary execution ground from the 13th century, where Scottish patriot Sir William Wallace was hanged, drawn and quartered in 1305, and Wat Tyler, leader of the Peasants' Revolt, was beheaded in 1381. Religious dissenters were burnt at the stake here during the turbulent Reformation. A small memorial plaque near the market commemorates Wallace's sacrifice, reminding visitors of the profound historical weight carried by this location.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
- Adventurous
- Lively
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Retro Vibes
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Industrial
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Architectural Shots
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Senior Friendly
