Smithfield Market

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.