Composed of Smithfield Market, Buyers Walk Poultry Market, an urban golf centre, and an array of unique shops and restaurants, this area is one of the most popular commercial centres in Britain. Described by many long-term residents as ‘real London’, these meat markets remain the oldest in the city. If you want to sample creative modern twists on traditional British food at Ask For Janice, or perhaps explore a range of independently-brewed craft beers at St. Bart’s Brewery, this neighbourhood is the ideal location for food and drink lovers to discover something special. A circle around this neighbourhood area will reward pedestrians with a fantastic display of architecture from a patchwork of historic eras, with Postman’s Park in the east side offering a pleasant respite from the hubbub of the otherwise crowded streets.

Smithfield Market is London’s oldest surviving working meat market which dates back to the 10th century and is now London’s only remaining wholesale market that has remained in operation since mediaeval times. During the 18th century scholars were known to have described it “the greatest in the world”, as 74,000 cattle and 570,000 sheep once passed through Smithfield’s doors each year. This led to campaigning against the market in the Victorian period, due to its unhygienic conditions and the sheer volume of livestock that were forced down the narrow city streets every day. It is now a grade-II listed building, although plans are afoot to find a new use as most produce is now processed further out of the city.

Walter Tyler was famously executed at the Smithfield Market in 1381. The leader of the Peasants Revolt in England, Tyler marched a group of rebels from Canterbury to oppose the imposition of a tax of 12 pence per adult (regardless of wealth), and demand economic reforms. Uprisings began across England, mainly around Essex and Kent, culminating in an invasion of London, where Tyler and other rebels attacked civil targets, destroying legal records, opening prisons, and sacking homes associated with the wealthy. Tyler was eventually killed when he met the king, Richard II (who was 14 years old at the time) for negotiations. Joustings and tournaments also used to take place in the Smithfield market. It was a favourite play area of the royalty to host such events due to its central location and flat landscape.

The London School of Barbering is located in this neighbourhood. It is one of the leading establishments in the UK for students to learn premium barbering and male grooming.

The downside to this neighbourhood area is the high price of both housing and leisure. As with many central London locations, eating or drinking out doesn’t come cheap, and even the markets are known to be steeper than most visitors are used to. Local businesses note that “the early bird gets the worm”, however, and for those bold enough to arrive at the market in the early hours of the morning will get the best cuts of meat at the best value.

Looking forward, Smithfield market is set to become the new home of the Museum of London, with the current site set to close its doors at the end of 2022. The project will cost a total of £250 million, of which the City of London Corporation is funding £180 million. The new site will grant the museum more space, allowing it to create more extensive displays and exhibitions. The City of London also aims to promote this area as a vibrant office, retail, and cultural destination, which will be facilitated by the development of a high-quality pedestrian environment. Many local residents and market workers resist these changes, claiming it will lead to gentrification and damage the historical character of the postcode. However, the scheme is now underway as the council seeks to take advantage of the newly opened Elizabeth Line station at Farringdon just 3 minutes walk from the old market.