Hotels in Smithfield

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. More