What happened to the Billingsgate fish market?

Billingsgate Fish Market, the UK's largest inland fish market located in Poplar since 1982, is scheduled to close permanently by 2028. The City of London Corporation withdrew support for the site, which will likely be redeveloped into housing. Traders are being offered compensation and assistance to relocate, with a new site identified in the Royal Docks.

Why is the Billingsgate Market closing?

Billingsgate Market (and Smithfield) is closing because its current site is outdated, inefficient, and causes congestion, with plans for relocation to the Royal Docks in East London scrapped due to soaring costs, leading the City of London Corporation to halt support and plan permanent closure, though a new site may yet emerge, with current operations continuing until at least 2028.
 

Does the Billingsgate fish market still exist?

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.

Is the Billingsgate Market closing in 2028?

Most traders from both markets have agreed to move together to a new site, although the current markets will stay open until at least 2028, the City of London Corporation said. It added that it had signed an agreement with the Greater London Authority to work on the proposals.

Where did the Billingsgate fish market used to be?

For over 1,000 years, Billingsgate has been the beating heart of London's fish trade. The market began beside the River Thames, on a site between London Bridge and the Tower of London. It grew to new heights there in the 1800s, gaining a trading hall designed by architect Horace Jones in the 1870s.

1978: Should BILLINGSGATE FISH MARKET Move? | Nationwide | Voice of the People | BBC Archive

What is the most famous fish market in the world?

Toyosu Market, Tokyo, Japan, the world's largest fish market, replacing the former Tsukiji Market, have at least the same capacity but in up-to-date infrastructure.

What will replace the Billingsgate 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.

Who owns the Billingsgate Market?

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 is the petition for Billingsgate Market closure?

The petition was created by former London resident Peter Acton to oppose plans to close Billingsgate and Smithfield markets by 2028 after relocation plans were rejected. He argued that these historic sites are vital to London's food supply and cultural heritage, and that relocating will not suffice.

What is the oldest food market in London?

Borough Market is a wholesale and retail market hall in Southwark, London, England. It is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London, with a market on the site dating back to at least the 12th century.

Is Billingsgate still operating?

In November 2024, the council announced it did not intend to proceed with these plans as they were no longer economically viable; instead, Billingsgate Fish Market and Smithfield Market would close in or after 2028 with no replacements.

Is fish cheaper at Billingsgate?

Yes, fish is generally cheaper at London's Billingsgate Market, especially if you're buying in bulk (by the kilo or box) and are willing to get up early to shop, offering wholesale prices that beat many high street retailers, though some find prices similar to supermarkets for smaller quantities, with the main benefit being freshness and variety.

Who bought the fish market?

Brigantine's private deal to acquire the Fish Market brand was announced late last year. The sale marked a new era for the nearly 50-year old Fish Market restaurants, a family-owned seafood business.

Where is Billingsgate moving to?

This seems to spell the end for Smithfield Market and Billingsgate Market as coherent entities. November 2025: The Smithfield and Billingsgate names will continue (assuming the plans go ahead) at a new site in the Royal Docks.

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.

Where was the $3 million dollar tuna caught?

The recent record-breaking $3.2 million bluefin tuna was caught off the coast of Oma, Japan, a northern town famous for its premium tuna, in the Tsugaru Strait, which offers rich feeding grounds. This prized fish, caught in early January 2026, was part of the traditional first auction of the year at Tokyo's Toyosu Market.
 

What is the seafood capital of the world?

THE SEAFOOD CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

If you've ever enjoyed the delicious flavor of lightly breaded and fried seafood, you already know a little about what makes Calabash, NC famous.