On Monday evening I ventured forth into the big city again and this time it was to the Old Spitalfields Market. The Market is a few minutes walk from Liverpool Street Station.
Christ Church, Spitalfields, seen through part of the modern extension to the Market.
The History of the Market:
From its small beginnings in the 17th Century, Spitalfields Market blossomed. Traders working from a collection of sheds and stalls did their best to meet the needs of London's rapidly growing population and their appetite for fresh fruit and vegetables. Their success made Spitalfields Market a major centre for the sale of fresh produce, trading six days a week.
Spitalfields fell into decline after the 1820's and gained a reputation as cheap area in which to live, proving a magnet to numerous waves of immigrants. By 1876 the market had fallen into decline. Recognising the need to update the market, a former market porter called Robert Horner bought a short lease on the market and started work on a new market building which was completed in 1893 at a cost of £80,000.
In 1920 the City of London acquired direct control of the market, extending the original buildings eight years later. For the next 60 years, Spitalfields' nationwide reputation grew, as did the traffic congestion in the narrow streets around it. With no room for the expansion it so badly needed, the market was forced to move and in May 1991 it opened its doors at its new location in Leyton, east London.
At the end of 2005, after 18 years of sensitive preparation, the Spitalfields regeneration programme was completed. This regeneration has resulted in the creation of two new public spaces, Bishops Square and Crispin Place, a public art programme, an events programme, the restoration of several historic streets in E1 and a selection of carefully selected independent retailers and restaurants. A visitor to the market today will find designers / makers and artists selling fashions, homewares and accessories or a treasure trove of vintage and antique clothing, furniture and other wondrous oddments!
In 1920 the City of London acquired direct control of the market, extending the original buildings eight years later. For the next 60 years, Spitalfields' nationwide reputation grew, as did the traffic congestion in the narrow streets around it. With no room for the expansion it so badly needed, the market was forced to move and in May 1991 it opened its doors at its new location in Leyton, east London.
At the end of 2005, after 18 years of sensitive preparation, the Spitalfields regeneration programme was completed. This regeneration has resulted in the creation of two new public spaces, Bishops Square and Crispin Place, a public art programme, an events programme, the restoration of several historic streets in E1 and a selection of carefully selected independent retailers and restaurants. A visitor to the market today will find designers / makers and artists selling fashions, homewares and accessories or a treasure trove of vintage and antique clothing, furniture and other wondrous oddments!
The Indoor Market:
The trendy shops that line the outside of the Market:
The purpose of my visit was to celebrate Ben's 30th birthday. We had booked a table in the Wright Brother's Restaurant in the Market with the sole aim of over indulging ourselves on sea food!
A table of starters including oysters:
Paella for main course:
Ben had a crab for main course:
Oysters being kept fresh in tanks of water:
With our aim well and truly fulfilled we left the restaurant having enjoyed a lovely occasion and a delicious meal.
Spitalfields is a great area to visit for any tourist or visitor to London but choose your day carefully because the markets are different on nearly every day. Enjoy!
The food and venue look really good in these photos. Looking good at 30 Ben! Belated Happy birthday greetings. Pleased it all went well . Rita x
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