Spitalfields Market

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by Mike Whyte (subscribe)

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Published December 6th 2013

The oldest, and arguably best, London market

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The mistake a lot of people make, if not most of them, is in referring to Spitalfields Market in the singular - it is in fact a collection of different markets, all with their distinctive styles.

Once Spitalfields Market was a Sunday-only affair - now you can go there to have a look around the Traders Market (every day), the Style Market (Saturdays) or the Art Market (on Market Street) - there is something on every day.

Spitalfields Market is actually London's oldest market, a charter was given to hold a market in Spital Square by King Charles II in 1682. Since then, much has changed - the French came along and brought their silk-weaving skills, the Irish settled in the area, Jews also at one time created one of the biggest Jewish communities in the area.

Now, Spitafields has taken all these influences and created a market which has vast appeal, and through this popularity, to the people who visit in their thousands every week.

You won't just find the stalls either - there are a number of independent and celebrated restaurants and shops within the building, from global food places to award-winning chocolate shops - could be a good place to go if you are a little stuck for Christmas shopping inspiration.

There are also events staged at regular times during the year, from concerts to recitals, festivals to fashion shows - I'm sure you'll enjoy them all.

So, get along to London's oldest market, and see what you can find - I guarantee you won't leave with empty hands...