What is happening to Smithfields market?

Smithfield Market, London’s historic 900-year-old meat market, is closing its current site by 2028, with plans to move to a new location in the Royal Docks (Albert Island). The City of London Corporation is initiating a Parliamentary Bill to facilitate this move, aiming to replace the aging, congested site with a modern, consolidated facility.

Why is the Smithfield 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.

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 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.

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.

London's 900-year-old Smithfield meat market to close as Dagenham move abandoned

Where will the New Smithfield market be?

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.

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. 

Who owns Smithfield 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.

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.

Is it worth going to Smithfield Market?

Smithfield- a must-do experience

Fascinating experience but not for the faint hearted. Definitely worth seeing at 3-4am at its busiest. Go with a clear idea of what you want to buy as the choice & quantities are overwhelming. Vendors can be abrupt- avoid no.

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.

What is the biggest Christmas market in the UK?

Manchester Christmas Market

Manchester boasts arguably the UK's largest Christmas market, and one of the largest in Europe, with more than 300 stalls spread across the ten sites included in the 2025 Manchester Christmas Markets trail.

How much does the CEO of Smithfield Foods make?

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

Can I trade after 3.30 PM?

Post-market session (3:30 PM - 4:00 PM)

During this time, exchanges do not allow modifications, cancellations, or placement of new orders. 3:40 PM - 4:00 PM: Market orders can be placed during this period and are executed at the day's closing price.

Does Smithfield Market still operate?

November 2024: Dagenham is off! The City of London announces that the markets will still close, but they will NOT now relocate to Dagenham. This seems to spell the end for Smithfield Market and Billingsgate Market as coherent entities.

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.

Did China buy Nathan's hot dogs?

Nathan's Famous, an iconic American hot dog maker that opened its first store in Coney Island more than a century ago, was sold to a Chinese-based pork producer for $450 million. Nathan's Famous, an iconic American hot dog make... Smithfield Meats has been Chinese owned for years.

What is the most expensive cut of beef?

Kobe Beef is a specific variety of Wagyu from the Hyogo Prefecture of Japan, considered one of the most expensive and luxurious cuts available. Kobe beef, in particular, has a reputation for being one of the most exclusive and expensive steaks in the world, sometimes costing hundreds of dollars per pound.

Why is Billingsgate closing down?

Billingsgate Market is closing because its current site is outdated, inefficient for modern logistics, and contributes to congestion, with the City of London Corporation cancelling a planned £1bn relocation to Dagenham due to rising costs, but plans are now in place to move both Billingsgate and Smithfield to a new site in the Royal Docks by 2028, allowing for modernization while redeveloping the old sites for housing and culture.
 

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.