London area of Smithfield guide

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

Known best for its centuries-old meat market, Smithfield is an area of London drenched in history. In medieval times Smithfield was both the Trafalgar Square and Wembley Stadium of its day, its grassy meadows used for public gatherings, sporting occasions such as jousting tournaments, fairs and even executions (William 'Mel Gibson' Wallace was hanged, drawn and quartered here in 1305). A short walk from St Paul's, the Grade II listed Victorian covered market still provides central London's butchers, shops and restaurants with meat on a daily basis, opening from 4am till 12noon. Nowadays, Smithfields is an edgy nightlife destination with bars, clubs and restaurants such as Smiths, Fabric and St John all exceedingly popular. Until 2002 the area hosted the annual midnight Miglia Quadrato car rally and since 2007 there has been an annual bike race known as the Smithfield Nocturne.

See our recommended nearby Smithfield Hotels, and Pubs.

The Zetter
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel
St John's Square 86-88 Clerkenwell Road, EC1M
This boutique hotel in trendy Clerkenwell fits right in with the warehouse chic designer feel of the neighbourhood. Mixing vintage chairs with stark modern prints, there's ... More

 

 

Grange St Paul's Hotel London
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel
10 Godliman Street, EC4V
Perfectly located in the heart of London's financial district, yet moments away from the delights of the West End, the Grange St Paul's mixes contemporary style ... More

 

 

Crowne Plaza London The City
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel
19 New Bridge Street, EC4V
Rising from the very heart of the Square Mile, the listed façade of an early 20th Century building on the site of Henry VIII's Bridewell Palace ... More

 

 

Hotels in Smithfield

 

The Old Red Cow
London > Nightlife > Pubs
71 Long Lane, London, Smithfield, London EC1A
One of the oldest pubs in Smithfield, The Old Red Cow has stood on this spot on Long Lane since the year dot. Steeped in history, ... More

 

 

Fox & Anchor
London > Nightlife > Pubs
115 Charterhouse Street, London, Smithfield, London EC1M
This renovated traditional pub in the heart of Clerkenwell has been serving the traders of nearby Smithfields Market for years. Under the Malmaison umbrella - the ... More

 

 

Jerusalem Tavern
London > Nightlife > Pubs
55 Britton Street, London, Smithfield, London EC1M
It’s teeny-tiny and, no, there aren’t enough seats, but the Jerusalem Tavern still provides a cosy nook to devour a rare breed of delicious ales. London’s ... More

 

 

Pubs in Smithfield