Is Smithfield meat market closing down?

Yes, London's historic Smithfield meat market is closing down. The City of London Corporation announced in late 2024 that the 900-year-old market will shut for good by 2028. The decision follows the abandonment of plans to move it to Dagenham due to rising costs. Traders will remain at the site until at least 2028, with plans for compensation.

Where has Smithfield meat market moved to?

Instead, it had offered financial support to the traders to help them find new premises. Now the corporation has identified Albert Island, a brownfield site in Royal Docks owned by the Greater London Authority (GLA) earmarked for regeneration, for the move.

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.

Who owns Smithfields market?

Still, the news this week that Smithfield will close — its owner, the City of London Corporation, killed a plan to move the market to a new site in East London — came as something of a jolt to him. “I'm sad about it,” said Mr. Burt, 64, whose shop is separate from the market and will stay in business.

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

Why is the Smithfield Market closing?

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.

Did Smithfield get bought out?

Smithfield Foods, Inc. Joseph W. Luter, Sr. Joseph W. Luter, Jr. Then known as Shuanghui Group, WH Group purchased Smithfield Foods in 2013 for $4.72 billion.

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.

Why are they shutting the billingsgate market?

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 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.

Can the general public buy meat from the Smithfield Market?

Anyone can buy meat, poultry and provisions at Smithfield. It is open to the public by Charter: walk through the Market, look around, talk to the salesmen on the front of the stalls.

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. 

Does Smithfield Market still sell meat?

London's historic Smithfield meat market is to close for good after the City of London Corporation voted to pull out of plans to relocate it and Billingsgate fish market to Dagenham.

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.

What will happen to Smithfield?

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 London Smithfield meat market closing?

The oldest meat and fish markets in London, which date back 850 years, are facing permanent closure from 2028.

Can the public buy from the billingsgate market?

Yes, anyone can shop at Billingsgate Market, as it's legally a "free and open" market for both wholesale (trade) and the general public to buy fresh fish, but you need to go very early (around 4-5 AM) for the best selection and be mindful of the busy, industrial environment, including wearing sturdy shoes and being aware of forklift traffic, with kids under 12 not permitted.

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.

How much does the CEO of Smithfield Foods make?

SEC filings show Smithfield Foods CEO made $14.9 million in 2024.

What is happening at Smithfield Market?

The City of London Corporation has been looking at relocating the Smithfield and Billingsgate markets for some years. Smithfield Market is set to become a new cultural and commercial centre, with the new Museum of London already under construction in the old General and Poultry market buildings.

Why is Smithfield Ham closing?

A Smithfield Foods spokeswoman said that the smokehouse had reached the end of its useful life and that the company has plenty of genuine Smithfield hams stockpiled to satisfy immediate demand.

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.

How much is Joe Luter's net worth?

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