Is London's Smithfield market set to close after almost 800 years?

Yes, London's historic Smithfield Market is set to close after more than 800 years of operation, with trading expected to cease permanently by 2028. The City of London Corporation decided to shut the market—and the nearby Billingsgate fish market—after scrapping a £1bn relocation plan to Dagenham.

Is Smithfield and Billingsgate historic London markets to close after 800 years?

London's Smithfield meat market is set to close after more than 800 years, with trading expected to cease for good after 2028. The City of London Corporation, which runs the site, said on Tuesday its council voted to stop operating Smithfield and Billingsgate fish market.

What is happening to Smithfields market?

On December 3, 2025, Albert Island at the Royal Docks was announced as the new preferred site to co-locate Smithfield and Billingsgate Markets. These markets will become known as New Smithfield and New Billingsgate Markets.

Is Smithfields London closing?

But this experiential landscape can easily be disrupted. The announcement by the City of London Corporation in November that Smithfield market is to close after almost 900 years of trading has been met with surprise and dismay. Many Londoners fear Smithfield's special sense of place will be lost for good as a result.

What is the Smithfield Market turning into?

Subject to the Bill passing, the grade II-listed halls of the Smithfield meat market site in central London will be turned into an international cultural and commercial hub alongside the London Museum.

London's Oldest Meat Market Closes After 800 Years!

Is the Museum of London permanently closed?

In December 2022, the museum permanently closed its site at London Wall in preparation for reopening in 2026 at Smithfield Market.

Who owns Smithfield Market London?

When the plan was made public, in April 2019, excitement was expressed about the City of London Corporation, owner of the Smithfield meat market in Farringdon, Billingsgate fish market in Poplar and the New Spitalfields horticultural produce hub in Leyton, consolidating all three in one place.

What London markets are closing?

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.

Who bought out Smithfield?

Smithfield's Chinese Ownership, Explained

But in 2013, WH Group, formerly known as Shuanghui International Holding Limited, one of China's largest meat producers, purchased Smithfield outright for $4.7 billion.

Where will the New Smithfield Market be?

Under the proposal, both markets would operate from a new site at Albert Island, just east of London City Airport, on land earmarked for wider regeneration.

Can the public buy at Smithfield Market?

Yes, absolutely! Anyone can shop at London's historic Smithfield Market (and Manchester's New Smithfield Market), not just trade buyers like restaurants and butchers, but the general public can buy meat, poultry, fish, and produce, often at better prices, though you'll usually need to buy in bulk and be prepared for an early start. 

Why is Smithfield Market only open at night?

Smithfield was almost a city within a city – and one with its own hours. To give customers time to buy and prepare their meat for sale the same day, the market opened at night.

Why is the Smithfield Market closing down?

In a surprising turn of events, the world-famous meat and fish markets might not actually be closing down for good. Phew. The City of London Corporation voted to withdraw its support for the 850-year-old markets in November 2024, meaning they would have to shut forever by 2028.

What is the oldest market town in the UK?

Archaeological evidence suggests that Colchester is England's oldest recorded market town, dating to at least the time of the Roman occupation of Britain's southern regions. Another ancient market town is Cirencester, which held a market in late Roman Britain.

What is the 3 5 7 rule in day trading?

At its core, the 3-5-7 rule sets three clear boundaries: 3%: The maximum amount of your trading capital you should risk on any single trade. 5%: The total amount of capital you should have exposed across all open trades at any given time. 7%: The minimum profit you should aim to make on your winning trades.

Is Smithfield family owned?

Smithfield Foods, Inc., is a Chinese-owned pork producer and food-processing company based in Smithfield, Virginia. Founded in 1936 as the Smithfield Packing Company by Joseph W. Luter and his son, the company is the largest pig and pork producer in the world.

How much is Joe Luter's net worth?

Joseph W. Luter III of Smithfield and Washington, $75 million.

Which bacon comes from China?

Lop Yuk and Sam Gyup Sal

In China, bacon is known as “lop yuk.” Unlike bacon in the United States, Chinese-style bacon usually originates from pork loin instead of belly. The bacon is then salted and cured, before being sold in markets throughout the country.

What is the future of the Smithfield Market?

The markets will continue at Smithfield and Billingsgate until at least 2028, giving time for Traders to plan and smoothly transition to new sites, subject to the Bill being passed. The markets will be known as New Billingsgate and New Smithfield respectively once they relocate.

What's the longest market in London?

Find out all about the legendary Walthamstow Market - the longest open air market in Europe! Walthamstow market started in 1885 and is now Europe's longest outdoor street market, spanning a kilometre of the High Street.

Why has Lincoln Christmas Market been cancelled?

Lincoln Christmas Market was axed in 2023 by the city's Labour-led council due to concerns about overcrowding. The Conservative opposition proposed a £190,000 increase to City of Council's budget to fund the market's return.

What is the most prestigious department store in London?

1. Harrods. Find rare goods and luxury items at Harrods, a true British icon. For luxury shopping in London, it's hard to beat.

Can anyone buy from Smithfield Market?

Yes, absolutely! Anyone can shop at London's historic Smithfield Market (and Manchester's New Smithfield Market), not just trade buyers like restaurants and butchers, but the general public can buy meat, poultry, fish, and produce, often at better prices, though you'll usually need to buy in bulk and be prepared for an early start.