Where will Smithfield Market go?

Smithfield Market is set to relocate to Albert Island in the Royal Docks (Newham) by 2028, moving from its historic Farringdon site. The move to this 10-hectare site near London City Airport, in partnership with the City of London Corporation, aims to create a modern "New Smithfield" alongside a relocated Billingsgate Market.

Where will Smithfield meat market move to?

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.

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.

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.

Smithfield Market: Executions, Body Snatchers, and Bloody Mary

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.

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. 

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.

When in 2026 will the London Museum open?

The new London Museum (formerly the Museum of London) is set to open in late 2026 at its new home in the historic Smithfield Market, with its main galleries in the Victorian General Market slated for this year, though some parts like the Poultry Market may open later in 2028. The museum's official website and recent articles point to a "towards the end of 2026" opening for the primary public spaces.
 

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.

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.

Which areas of London are being gentrified?

London's 53 most 'gentrified' neighbourhoods

• Spitalfields.
• Aldgate.
• Bethnal Green South.
• Woodberry Down & Manor House.
• Bruce Grove North.
• Camberwell Green.
• Bethnal Green Central.
• Beckton.

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. 

What are the London property hotspots for 2025?

Looking ahead to 2025, London's property market offers great opportunities for refurbishment. The top five hotspots—Woolwich, Tottenham, Peckham, Croydon, and Barking and Dagenham—are diverse options for investors.

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.

Who owns Smithfield Market Land?

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 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.

What will replace the Museum of London?

Under the proposed development, the former Museum of London and Bastion House, situated at 140 and 150 London Wall, will be bulldozed and replaced with three new office buildings.

What is the most Christmassy street in London?

While central London's Regent Street and Carnaby Street offer iconic, grand displays, the true "most Christmassy street" is often cited as Lower Morden Lane in South London, where residents go all-out decorating their homes for charity, creating a dazzling, local winter wonderland that draws huge crowds and raises significant funds for St Raphael's Hospice.
 

What is the most Christmassy area of London?

You don't have to wander far during Christmas in London to see some blindingly good Christmas lights and decorations. Oxford Street, Covent Garden, Carnaby Street, and Regent Street all have a magnificent display of Christmas lights.

What is goat meat called in the UK?

In the UK, goat meat is usually just called goat meat, though it can be called chevon (from adult goats) or kid (from young goats) for more specific culinary terms, but unlike in South Asia where "mutton" often means goat, in the UK mutton specifically refers to meat from older sheep.
 

Is the Smithfield Market worth it?

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.

What is the closest tube to Smithfield Market?

The market is located in the City of London and is close to landmarks such as the Barbican, St Paul's Cathedral and St Bartholomew's Hospital. The nearest tube stations are Farringdon and Barbican – the market is only a few minutes walk from each.