Smithfield Market

Access to the market is gained through its impressive cast-iron gates. The market itself is nestled within the Victorian arches. Upon my arrival at approximately 12:15 a.m., I observed that several stalls had not yet commenced operations. Nevertheless, I successfully procured the items I sought, rendering this a non-issue for my purposes. The majority of the staff demonstrated a friendly and helpful demeanor, though I did encounter instances where service was delayed or absent for a notable duration. The market is remarkably clean and well-kept, notably lacking the characteristic odors often found in many local meat establishments. A diverse selection of meats is available at competitive prices. It is prudent to compare prices across vendors, as variations do exist. Overall, the market presents excellent value and is highly recommended for a visit. Conveniently, a wheelchair-accessible parking area is situated directly across the road, with a modest associated cost. My visit, lasting between one and a half to two hours, incurred a parking fee of £1.50.

Historic building. Most active around 4 or 5 in the morning. An unusual amount of animal blood flows through streets at this time. The central clock is famous, but not very noticeable!

Amazing. What a buzz. Proper meat market. They have it all

Called in after doing an Architectural tour of Barbican estate. (Brutalist design). Wonderful structure with amazing colourful gate & railings. Great to see our traditional phone boxes all lined up. Information boards also available to read. Make sure you also visit the incredible St Bartholomew the great church just around the corner which is used in many films including 4 weddings & a funeral. Damien Hurst has a sculpture of St Bartholomew in the church.

More than 150 years of modern history of this great market but the unavoidable end will come soon. I will always love this place!

Good market, we were there at 5am and it did not yet look like sellers were closing up. The selection disappointed me a bit. There was a stall with dry aged beef and beef in general had ample representation. Pork seemed to be a bit less well represented. Various non-traditional parts are still not as easy to find - e.g I could only find one place with pork knuckles (they only sold them in batches of 3 too). Overall many stalls have very comparable selection, it’s not like every stall has their own specialization or something. Birds are represented poorly in my opinion. There was some chicken as well as small whole birds but I could not find any duck at all. Prices were mostly reasonable - beef fillet was a bit on the high end but still of course much cheaper than in a butcher’s. You can pay with a card

Smithfield Market first opened in 1875 and is part of London heritage now. This classic market is buzzing like a bee because full crowded from open to close with some of the finest meat, poultry and seafood in London. Its also known as the UK's largest wholesale meat market supplying everything from Beef, lamb, chicken, cheese, free range, halal, organic to cheeses and seafood.

Passed through on a weekend and it still smelled like meat! The colorful fences, makes it an interesting location for creative photography

Smithfield meat market is one of the oldest markets in London, meat has been bought and sold there for more than eight hundred years. Many of the best restaurants and hotels buy their meat at Smithfield, proving the quality of the meat. Definitely a carnivores paradise, and best to arrive as early as you can, the market gets going at 4am and closes at 10am. You need a strong stomach to cope with the pigs heads and carcasses strewn across the huge market, with up to 160 stalls, there's a lot of meat here! There are also plenty of café's nearby if you're after a hearty breakfast after your early start. The building is reason enough in itself to come and have a look at the market, a huge, Victorian grade II listed building. It has recently undergone a £70 million refurbishment inside but the outer building has mostly been left alone, so it hasn't lost its original charm.

Smithfield market is the largest wholesale meat market in the UK and is located in between Farringdon and Barbican tube station (where it has been for the past 800 years). All the action starts VERY early in the morning, around 4am, on weekdays however lorries start arriving at 10pm and some stalls are still open at around 7/8am. They mainly serve caterers, wholesalers, local restaurants in London however they do sell to the public so if you are able to visit early during the week to stock up on your meat shop for the week I can imagine it is an amazing experience. If you are only in the area during reasonable hours, well I would still recommend a wander round the old Victorian buildings that house the market - they really are beautiful! And the modern 60's poultry market is apparently an architects paradise with a one a kind concrete shell roof. I recently visited on one of the monthly tours which take place on a Wednesday morning starting at 6.45. The tour guide is passionate and full of knowledge on the history of the industry, buildings etc. You get to wander round a very quiet market as nearly everything is done for the day however there are some very friendly butchers still around that will regale you with stories from days gone by, show off their goods and sell you some their meat for a reasonable price! If in the area try and visit in any way you can! It certainly is an experience.