Why is London's Smithfield Market closing?

London's historic 850-year-old Smithfield Market is closing due to the City of London Corporation withdrawing support amid rising costs and the collapse of a planned relocation to Dagenham. The site is being redeveloped into a new cultural and commercial hub, including the new London Museum, with traders set to vacate by 2028.

What happened to Smithfield Market in London?

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 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.

What are they going to do with 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.

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.

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

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 hippest area in London?

Hackney Wick

It's street art-lined streets are packed with craft breweries, bars, nightclubs and artists' studios, and the area was even voted the 'coolest neighbourhood in London' back in 2023 – not too shabby.

Can the public buy at 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 London?

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 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 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.

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 is Smithfield closing?

London's historic Smithfield and Billingsgate markets are set to shut after the City of London Corporation voted to withdraw support for them, bringing down the curtain on two establishments that have been part of London life for the best part of a millennium.

Why is Billingsgate closing down?

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.
 

What is the oldest shop in London?

A Visit To London's Oldest Shop: Lock And Co Hatters. I recently paid a visit to one of London's most iconic shops: Lock and Co Hatters in St James's. It is considered to be the oldest shop in London, but also is said to be the oldest hat shop in the world and is, amazingly, still run by the same family today.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.
 

Where do billionaires live in London?

Knightsbridge

When it comes to luxury, Knightsbridge is unmatched. Home to Harrods, Hyde Park and some of the city's most elegant residences, this area is a magnet for international billionaires, celebrities and royals alike.

Where do black Londoners live?

The community is particularly visible in places like Brixton and Peckham in South London, Hackney in the east and Notting Hill in the west. The rich culture of these African and Caribbean communities can be experienced in restaurants, bars and cultural institutions.