UK Travel Guide

Markets

Spitalfields Market

Old Spitalfields Market on Commercial Street was the location of a medieval hospital and the Priory of St. Mary Spital founded in 1197. Set among fields on the edge of the City, it provided shelter to travellers, hence `Spital fields'. It remained fields until Charles II founded the fruit, flower and vegetable market in 1682. Under the cover of a huge glass roof, the present buildings erected between 1885 and 1893 have recently been renovated. The shops and indoor market stalls provide a large range of arts and crafts, including bric-a-brac, books, antiques, fabrics and clothes. The food court offers an excellent range of cafes and restaurants selling foods from all around the world at low prices. On Sunday there's an organic food market selling fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, cakes and meat. Recently, plans have been approved to convert the building into a leisure complex with an office development. Although the market will remain, there is a lot of opposition to the development from the local community and the stallholders.

Located at: Commercial Street, London, E1

Telephone: n/a

Opens: Monday to Friday - 11am to 3.30pm and Sunday 10am - 3pm

Cost: Free

Closest Subway Station: Liverpool Street Station (Click to see more atrraction at this station)