Why is the London Smithfield market closing?

London's historic Smithfield Market is closing, with operations expected to cease by 2028, primarily due to unsustainable operating costs, falling demand for meat, and the need for modern, compliant facilities. The site is being redeveloped into a new cultural and commercial hub, including the new London Museum.

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 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.

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.

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What is happening at Smithfield?

There has been a food market around Smithfield – close to Farringdon train station – for more than 800 years. Two buildings on the site are being redeveloped, and the London Museum is scheduled to open there in late 2026.

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.

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 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 go to Smithfield Market?

Yes, London's historic Smithfield Meat Market is still open for business in early 2026, operating early mornings Monday to Friday, but plans are confirmed for its permanent closure by 2028, with the City of London Corporation voting to wind down operations and relocate traders to new premises, ending centuries of trading at the site. 

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.

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.

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.

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's the best time to visit Smithfield Market?

Get there early. The market is open from 2am-7am, however the best stock gets snapped up fast! Peak time to visit is around 4am. Parking is available at the Rotunda car park and market customers get a special rate.

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 posh people go in London?

EXPLORE THE AFFLUENT AREAS

Wander around London's most expensive areas and get a feel for how the other half live. The affluent areas of Kensington, Notting Hill, Knightsbridge and Chelsea provide all the #housegoals and these areas are simply a pleasant place to take a stroll.

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 happened to Smithfield Market in London?

The oldest meat and fish markets in London, which date back 850 years, are facing permanent closure from 2028. Smithfield meat market, near St Paul's Cathedral, and Billingsgate fish market in Canary Wharf are to be closed after the City of London Corporation voted to withdraw support for them.

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.

What is the best thing to buy from London?

What are the best things to buy in London?

• Snacks, Sweets & Speciality Drinks from London.
• Books, Maps & Vinyl Records from London.
• Fan Merchandise & Collectables from London.
• British Handicrafts & Home Décor Items.
• Beauty, Designer & Vintage Fashion.

Is Hammersmith a wealthy area?

Hammersmith isn't uniformly rich but is an affluent, desirable West London area with expensive properties, especially near the river and in nearby Fulham, though it offers a mix with slightly more affordable parts towards Shepherd's Bush, making it affluent but not as ultra-wealthy as Kensington or Chelsea. It's part of the wealthy Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, known for its mix of Victorian homes, riverside living, green spaces, and excellent transport, attracting families and professionals.