Is Smithfield markets closing down?

Yes, Smithfield Market is closing at its current location. Following the abandonment of a planned move to Dagenham, the City of London Corporation is moving the market to a new site in the Royal Docks. Traders will remain at the historic location until at least 2028.

What is happening to the Smithfield Market?

After almost eight centuries at the heart of life in the capital and a period where their future lay in doubt, the historic Smithfield and Billingsgate markets are to get a new home on a former industrial site in east London.

Is the Smithfield Market still running?

In the week that the City of London voted to close Smithfield Market for good after more than 800 years of trading, I publish the work of photographer Orlando Gili who has been down at the market, documenting the last generation of butchers to work at this ancient site.

Where is Spitalfields market moving to?

What is planned for the site? The City of London Corporation has decided to combine the location of all three of its wholesale markets. This includes Billingsgate, New Spitalfields, and Smithfield Market. They will be moved to a site at Dagenham Dock.

Are Smithfield and Billingsgate markets to close due to decreasing demand for meat and fish?

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

Why is Billingsgate shutting down?

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.

Where are Londoners moving to in 2025?

In 2025, 68% of London leavers stayed in the South of England (South East, South West or East of England) – the highest proportion since 2021 and up from 62% in 2024. This marks a reversal of the pandemic and then affordability-led trend that pushed buyers further into the Midlands and North.

Is Kirkgate Market closing down?

Yes, Bradford's historic Kirkgate Market (and the adjacent Oastler Market) closed permanently on June 28, 2025, to be replaced by the new, modern Darley Street Market, with demolition of the old market planned for new housing as part of a city regeneration project. Traders have moved to the new facility, and while many are sad to see the old market go, they are optimistic about the future in the new space. 

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.

Which Christmas market is best in London?

London's best Christmas markets offer diverse festive experiences, with Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park for scale and rides, the Southbank Centre Winter Market for riverside charm and artisan crafts, Covent Garden for iconic lights and shopping, Old Spitalfields Market for independent makers and gospel choirs, and Greenwich Market for traditional crafts, alongside food-focused markets like Borough Market.

Is Smithfield Market London still open?

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 most famous food market in London?

Borough Market: The Most Famous for a Reason

One of London's culinary cornerstones, Borough Market has withstood the test of time, having existed in the heart of Southwark for centuries in some form or another.

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.

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.

Where do rich Londoners live?

Knightsbridge. Wealthy places in London don't come much wealthier than Knightsbridge. Period townhouses and cute mews set along cobbled streets jostle for attention with lavish new developments, including The Knightsbridge Apartments and One Hyde Park.

What is the happiest place to live in the UK 2025?

Skipton named the happiest Town in Great Britain for 2025

Having previously come in second in 2020 and sixth in last year's Happy at Home Index, Skipton has topped the list ahead of more than 200 locations that were involved in this year's study.

What is the 2% rule in property?

The 2% rule in real estate investing is a quick guideline where a rental property is considered potentially profitable if its monthly rent is at least 2% of the total purchase price (including initial repairs/costs). For example, a $200,000 property should aim for $4,000 in monthly rent ($200,000 x 0.02). It's a useful first-pass filter to screen properties for strong gross cash flow, but it doesn't account for all expenses and market specifics, so a detailed financial analysis is still needed.