Is Billingsgate fish market closed?

Jason Holland. Billingsgate fish market – which is the oldest fish market in the U.K. capital of London and what was once the world's largest fish market – is set to close in 2028 after the City of London Corporation recently decided to withdraw its support.

Why is the billingsgate market being closed?

Now, we learn that the two markets will neither stay nor move, but be wound up entirely. The decision was made after inflation and rising construction costs made the Dagenham move unviable. Just like that, two of the oldest trading organisations in the world will cease to exist.

Is the Billingsgate market still open?

For most of that time, the sellers have been family firms, passing the trade from one generation to the next. But now, along with its sister, Smithfield meat market in Farringdon, the site is set to close by 2028, with its traders relocated. These are the last days of Billingsgate as we know it.

What is the best time to go to the billingsgate market?

When is the best time to go to Billingsgate? As the market opens at 4am, most serious buyers are in and out before half five if not before. However, remember you'll have to queue if you arrive before 5am. We would suggest arriving any time after that and possibly the optimal time is around 5:30am.

Which markets are closing in London?

The corporation announced the permanent closure of London's historic Smithfield meat market and Billingsgate fish market in late 2024, when it pulled the plug on a planned £1bn relocation to a new sitein the east of the capital at Dagenham.

Historic London Markets To Close: Smithfield & Billingsgate Could Shut After Centuries Of Trading

What will replace Billingsgate?

At present, the plan is to redevelop the Smithfield site into a “cultural and commercial hub”. Billingsgate, meanwhile, is slated to become 4,000 new homes. The CLC says the development will include affordable homes – but that it's “too early” to confirm how many. First, an Act of Parliament is needed.

Where is the billingsgate fish market moving to?

The corporation decided in a separate vote last November to permanently close Smithfield and Billingsgate when it pulled the plug on a planned £740m relocation to a new site in the east of the capital at Dagenham, blaming rising costs.

What day is best to buy fish?

Shop On The Busiest Day If You Want The Most Variety

are likely to be available seven days per week at most markets. However, if you want something very specific (like Opad or Mahi) or the widest selection of fresh, whole fish, then your best bet is usually Thursday through Sunday.

Is it worth going to the billingsgate market?

Still the very best place to buy fish from people who know . Can also source rare pieces when given time. Prices are affordable too, enjoy the experience before its gone.

Is the fish market closing in London?

Jason Holland. Billingsgate fish market – which is the oldest fish market in the U.K. capital of London and what was once the world's largest fish market – is set to close in 2028 after the City of London Corporation recently decided to withdraw its support.

Can anyone go into the billingsgate market?

Billingsgate is a wholesale fish market for fishmongers, restaurant owners and the like, but it is actually open to the public.

Who owns the billingsgate market now?

The freehold owner of the site is the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, but the City of London Corporation still runs the market; they pay an annual ground rent stipulated in an agreement between the two councils as "the gift of one fish".

Why is the London meat market closing?

While many are concerned for traders and the loss of the market's unique sights, sounds and smells, the corporation's decision – blamed on rising costs – is just the latest step in the decades' long transformation of the wider Smithfield area.

Is Billingsgate open on Sundays?

Billingsgate Market is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 5am to 8.30am. On Sundays, only the shellfish market is open from 6am to 8am. The market is closed on Mondays and bank holidays, except Good Friday.

Does Billingsgate Market have a toilet?

We personally felt to be bullied and assaulted. There is no toilet outside of the building and the queue could be 2 hours or more in early morning.

What's happening to the billingsgate market?

Smithfield meat market, near St Paul's Cathedral, and Billingsgate fish market in Canary Wharf are to be closed after the City of London Corporation voted to withdraw support for them. The Corporation said it would now work with traders to help them find alternative premises.

What is the best London market?

When did the Old Billingsgate market close?

Farewell to the original Billingsgate fish market, 1982. On the eve of the closure of old Billingsgate in 1982, the Observer took a valedictory tour of the fish market. Things had changed since the market opened in 1876, built on the site of a former Saxon port.

What day to avoid fish?

The day of the week Detwiler warns against is a Monday, and that's because of the length of time fish could have been in the fridge or when it was delivered.

Why are fishmongers closed on Mondays?

The No Fish on Mondays adage came from a time when most restaurants were closed on Sundays, meaning that any specials running on Monday were designed to move old product out before new deliveries arrived on Tuesday.

What's the best hour to fish?

The best times to fish are always early in the morning from 6:00 am am to 9:00 am, late morning to afternoon from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm or afternoon to dusk from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Fish are much harder to find in hot days or too cold days.

Is Billingsgate going to close?

The study was commissioned by the City of London Corporation to assess the impacts of the proposed move. Traders will remain at Smithfield and Billingsgate until at least 2028, with financial support to move to new locations of their choosing.

What to buy at Billingsgate fish market?

What is the biggest fish shop in the UK?

Billingsgate Market is the United Kingdom's largest inland fish market. An average of 25,000 tonnes of fish and fish products are sold through its merchants each year. Approximately 40% of that tonnage comprises fish imported from abroad. Billingsgate is served by almost every port in the United Kingdom.