London area of Farringdon guide

What to do and where to stay in London's Farringdon neighbourhood

Who would have thought that an area known for Fabric and London’s premier meat market (no pun intended) would become such a desirable location for city types, wedged as it is between St Paul’s, the Barbican and the wilds of North London beyond. Farringdon is one of those places that just became trendy; clubs, bars and restaurants moved in and even the ancient site of Smithfield with its unglamorous history of gruesome executions and livestock and meat trading has acquired an air of 'raw' cool. Its Victorian market buildings preside over the locality and, as the day dawns, buyers and sellers mingle with the 4am traffic of weary clubbers wending their way home. Being in range of some of the freshest meat and produce in London, the area has attracted a number of gastronomic types, who have turned the market's environs, especially around Charterhouse Street, into a hub for yummy nosh-ups. Try leather-and-brickwork warehouse restaurant Smiths of Smithfield for a morning fry-up or a juicy steak. There are plenty of hotels nearby to be within walking distance of Farringdon's brilliant nightlife.

See our recommended nearby Farringdon Hotels, Entertainment, Sights and Attractions, Shopping, Restaurants, Pubs, Nightlife, Leisure, Education, and Meeting Venues.