For tenants of Smithfield Market getting up in the dark is the nothing
out of the ordinary; with the market opening at 4am these hard working
folk start work when London's clubbers are just going home. As one of
the oldest and most attractive markets in London Smithfield is a
must-see. Steeped in history, there's been a lively trade in livestock
on this ground since the 10th century when horses, swine and oxen were
sold in the 'smooth field' on Fridays. It's this smoothness which is
said to be where Smithfield gets its name. Today, meat, poultry,
cheese, pies, and other delicatessen goods are available for wholesale
here so the crowd it attracts largely consists of butchers,
restaurateurs and caterers. The central avenues allow customers to walk
through the market but to get a closer look they must dress up in clean
protective clothes. The market buildings which still stand and operate today
were designed by City Architect Sir Horace Jones in 1866. Rail was
taking off at that time and the East and West Buildings were built
above new lines connecting London to every other part of the country,
enabling meat to be delivered directly to the market. A recent £70
million refurbishment has created a thoroughly modern temperature
controlled environment inside a magnificent Grade II listed Victorian
building. A visit to the market is all about soaking up the atmosphere - and dropping into gastro pub Smiths of Smithfield opposite for pint with the
papers.
The Rookery
Peter's Lane, Cowcross Street, EC1M 6DS
Closed Wednesday 24th (Christmas Eve) - Saturday 27th December 2008
As cosy and wood-panelled as a gentleman's club but not nearly... More
Spooky Smithfields & Beyond
Butcher's Hook & Cleaver, EC1A 9DY
Monday 26th October 2009
Take a haunted walk around Spooky Smithfields & Beyond with one of... More
Many of London’s most idiosyncratic hotels benefit from a historic tradition of opulent living. With hundreds of years of experience in the trade, they combine... More
The Rookery
Peter's Lane, Cowcross Street, EC1M 6DS
As cosy as a gentleman's club but not nearly so stuffy, The Rookery is a perfect romantic getaway - and consequently... More
Smithfield Market
West Smithfield, EC1A 9PQ
Mondays to Fridays 4:00-12:00
For tenants of Smithfield Market getting up in the dark is nothing out of the ordinary;... More
Whittington Avenue,
off Gracechurch Street,The City,
London,
EC3VMap
22 minutes walk from Smithfield Market
Leadenhall Market is a restored Victorian covered market that sells traditional game, poultry, fish and meat. Although there has been a forum (market place) on ... More
Its location opposite Smithfield Market is a very appropriate spot for the Farm Collective to set up shop. Working with select farmers and small producers, this ...More
Just North of the city, these well-appointed family apartments offer an idyllic little spot for parents with children. At the weekend, the city is ...More
This neat and simple hotel gets all the basics right. The prices are sensible, the rooms are simply and attractively decorated, there's a decent little ... More
Ground Level,
Barbican Centre,Silk Street,The City,
London,
EC2YMap
8 minutes walk from Smithfield Market
Part of the Barbican Centre for arts and conferences the Curve Gallery, situated on the ground floor, has changing exhibitions of photography, art and ... More
Huge, multifaceted arts and entertainment centre.
Described by the Queen as “one of the wonders of the modern world”, this multifaceted performance and arts venue forms ... More
Comptoir Gascon operated as a deli with a few tables until they switched things around in October 2005, reducing the deli counter and installing enough ... More
Situated in the heart of London, Career Energy – formed in March 2002 - offers comprehensive advice on careers, career change and job searching. They’ll ...More
One day workshops, offering a friendly no-nonsense approach to teaching about wine, suitable for everyone from beginners to experts.
Courses take place at the following venues:
Atlas ... More
Bounded in by surrounding office buildings, Postman's Park's appeal lies in what it symbolises as much as how it looks. Located just north of St ... More
Built on the site of a Victorian meat cellar, Fabric continues to boast the most sensational line-ups in the capital. Its global reputation is founded ... More
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For tenants of Smithfield Market getting up in the dark is the nothing
out of the ordinary; with the market opening at 4am these hard working
folk start work when London's clubbers are just going home. As one of
the oldest and most attractive markets in London Smithfield is a
must-see. Steeped in history, there's been a lively trade in livestock
on this ground since the 10th century when horses, swine and oxen were
sold in the 'smooth field' on Fridays. It's this smoothness which is
said to be where Smithfield gets its name. Today, meat, poultry,
cheese, pies, and other delicatessen goods are available for wholesale
here so the crowd it attracts largely consists of butchers,
restaurateurs and caterers. The central avenues allow customers to walk
through the market but to get a closer look they must dress up in clean
protective clothes. The market buildings which still stand and operate today
were designed by City Architect Sir Horace Jones in 1866. Rail was
taking off at that time and the East and West Buildings were built
above new lines connecting London to every other part of the country,
enabling meat to be delivered directly to the market. A recent £70
million refurbishment has created a thoroughly modern temperature
controlled environment inside a magnificent Grade II listed Victorian
building. A visit to the market is all about soaking up the atmosphere - and dropping into gastro pub 
