Old Spitalfields Market

Discover East London’s culture at this iconic historic market.

Old Spitalfields Market is a space that combines food, crafts, and history. What began in the 17th century as a modest market has grown into one of London’s most atmospheric spots for shopping and dining.

Highlights:

• Browse handcrafted goods, vintage finds, and unique designer pieces as you stroll beneath the market’s Victorian arches.
• Taste your way around the world at The Kitchens, where award-winning street food traders serve everything from Sri Lankan kothu roti to hand-pulled Chinese noodles.
• Stop by on Thursdays for the Antique Market, or join the monthly Colour Walk to experience East London’s boldest fashion statements in action.

Tickets & Prices

Old Spitalfields Market is free to enter, with no admission required to explore its shops, stalls, and food spots. The open-plan layout makes it easy to wander between sections and soak up the atmosphere. Just bring your curiosity and maybe a bit of spending money for all the tempting food and unique finds.

Tours

There are no official guided tours of Old Spitalfields Market, but you can enhance your visit with self-guided walking trails developed in partnership with Discovering Britain. These trails let you explore the market and nearby East London streets while learning about the area’s history and culture.

Some independent tour companies also offer East End walking tours that include Spitalfields, often alongside Brick Lane and Petticoat Lane markets.

Opening Hours

Old Spitalfields Market welcomes visitors seven days a week throughout the year, including during bank holidays. The main market operates Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, while Thursday features extended morning hours beginning at 8:00 AM for the popular Antique Market.

Weekend hours include Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The street food area in the Kitchens follows slightly different hours, opening daily at 11:00 AM and closing in line with the main market times.

What to See and Do

Old Spitalfields Market has something for everyone. Shop for goods, indulge in international street food, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of one of London’s most historic markets.

Shop at Specialty Market Days

I’ve been coming to Spitalfields for years, and one thing I’ve learned is that timing your visit can entirely change the experience. Each day brings its own unique vibe.

If you’re into vintage or collectibles, Thursday’s Antique Market is a must. From 8am, the stalls fill with dealers selling everything from Victorian jewelry and mid-century furniture to vintage cameras and rare vinyl. I once spotted a pristine 1960s Eames chair here that would’ve cost triple in a West End boutique.

Vinyl lovers should mark Fridays for the dedicated Vinyl Market. Even if you don’t own a turntable, flipping through the colorful covers is like a trip through music history.

On Wednesdays, Urban Makers takes over with a showcase of London-based independent designers. The handmade jewelry, ceramics, and textiles here make for thoughtful gifts, much more personal than anything on the high street.

Explore Fashion and Retail Shops

The permanent shops around the market offer a curated mix of high-end design and independent labels.

Wax London stood out right away with their sustainable take on menswear; their waxed jackets are perfect for navigating London’s unpredictable weather. L’Estrange London, located a few doors down, specializes in versatile basics that can be effortlessly mixed and matched.

Vintage fans should check out Hipish Vintage, a goldmine for retro sportswear. I’m not usually into logos, but their ’90s windbreaker selection won me over.

Feast at The Kitchens

The Dumpling Shack delivers on its promise. Their pan-fried pork soup dumplings (£7.80) are crispy on the bottom, juicy in the middle, and packed with hot broth that bursts in your mouth. Ask for a spoon—it helps avoid any scalding surprises.

If you’re in the mood for bold spices, Karapincha delivers. Their Lamb Kothu Roti (£10.75) mixes chopped flatbread with vegetables, lamb, and curry spices, topped with fresh pomegranate seeds for a refreshing twist. While the textures could be more varied, the flavors are impeccable.

I was unsure about We Are Melt’s £10 cheese toastie—until I tried it. The melt, with pulled BBQ brisket and a gooey cheese blend on sourdough, is rich and comforting. Skip the watery gravy it comes with and enjoy the sandwich on its own.

For noodle fans, Fen is a must. Their spicy beef shin dry mix (£9.10) features chewy hand-pulled noodles and tender meat. It leans dry, so consider asking for extra sauce.

Attend Special Events

The market really shines during special events that bring out East London’s creative energy.

The monthly Colour Walk, held every third Thursday, is a visual treat. Fashion lovers gather in bold, expressive outfits, turning the market into a moving art show.

Other events throughout the year highlight local talent and communities. The Buy Black Guest Market features Black-owned brands, while London Craft Week brings interactive workshops and art installations into the market space.

If you’re into chess—or just curious—Chess n Chill happens every Thursday from 6 PM. All skill levels are welcome, and if you’re new to the game, there’s always someone willing to guide you.

Relax and Soak in the Atmosphere

Sometimes the best way to enjoy Spitalfields is to simply pause and take it all in. The market offers plenty of seating areas, including benches near fish ponds filled with colorful koi, a surprisingly peaceful corner in the middle of busy East London.

During big sporting events, the market occasionally sets up a large screen for public viewing. From the Olympics to major football matches, there’s something special about cheering on a crowd favorite alongside both locals and visitors.

Directions

Old Spitalfields Market is exceptionally well connected by public transport, making it easy to reach from anywhere in London. The closest Tube station is Liverpool Street, just a 5-minute walk away, which is served by the Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines, as well as National Rail services.

Alternatively, Shoreditch High Street Overground station is only a 7-minute walk to the north, while Aldgate East (District and Hammersmith & City lines) is 8 minutes to the south. Multiple bus routes stop nearby, including routes 67, 8, 26, 35, 48, 78, 135, 149, 205, 242, and 388.

For cyclists, there are Santander Cycles docking stations in the vicinity, providing a convenient and eco-friendly option.

Nearby Places

Dennis Severs’ House: Step into a “still-life drama” at this immersive time capsule of 18th-century Spitalfields. Each room is set as if the fictional family of Huguenot silk weavers has just stepped out, with half-eaten meals, lit candles, and lingering scents creating an unforgettable sensory experience.

Brick Lane: Just a short walk east, this lively street is known for its Bengali curry houses, vintage shops, and Sunday market. Don’t miss the ever-changing street art or the 24-hour Beigel Bake.

Christ Church Spitalfields: Designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, this baroque church stands tall at the market’s edge. Its soaring white spire and calm interior offer a peaceful break from the buzz outside. It also hosts regular classical concerts.

Petticoat Lane Market: One of London’s oldest clothing markets, dating back to the 1750s, Petticoat Lane comes alive on Sunday mornings with hundreds of stalls selling clothes, accessories, and household items at affordable prices.

Ten Bells Pub: This historic pub has served Spitalfields locals since the 1750s. Located on the corner of Commercial Street and Fournier Street, it’s known for its Victorian tiles and old-world atmosphere.

Did you know that: (5 Interesting Facts!)

1. Old Spitalfields Market was established in 1638 when King Charles I granted a license to sell “flesh, fowl and roots” on the site. However, the area’s history as a trading hub dates all the way back to Roman times.
2. The name “Spitalfields” comes from “hospital fields,” a reference to the priory and hospital of St. Mary Spital, founded in 1197. You can still view some of its medieval ruins beneath a glass floor inside the market.
3. The current Victorian market building was completed in 1887, replacing the original structure. Its wrought iron and glass roof was designed to flood the space with natural light—crucial in the days before electric lighting.
4. The market has survived war, neglect, and redevelopment. It was damaged during WWII bombings and nearly demolished in the 1980s to make way for office blocks, but strong public opposition helped preserve this historic site.
5. Spitalfields has long been shaped by immigration. French Huguenots brought silk weaving in the 17th century, followed by Irish weavers, Jewish refugees, and the Bangladeshi community—all of whom contributed to its unique culture and trade legacy.

History:

An almost 400-year timeline of Old Spitalfields Market:

• 1197: St. Mary’s Spital Priory and Hospital are founded, giving the area its name (“Spitalfields,” which derives from “hospital fields”).
• 1638: King Charles I grants a license for a market to be held in the Spital Fields area, allowing the sale of “flesh, fowl, and roots.”
• 1682: The market becomes a hub for the area’s Huguenot community, French Protestant refugees who brought their silk-weaving skills to East London.
• 1729: The market is formally recognized under the Market Acts.
• 1887: The purpose-built Victorian market hall that stands today is completed, with its distinctive wrought iron and glass roof.
• 1920s: Spitalfields becomes London’s primary wholesale fruit and vegetable market, growing beyond its original boundaries.
• 1991: The fruit and vegetable wholesale market relocates to Leyton, leaving the historic building’s future uncertain.
• 1990s: After campaigns to save the market, restoration begins to transform it into a retail and dining destination.
• 2005: A major redevelopment is completed, blending the restored Victorian architecture with modern design elements.
• 2017: The market celebrates its 379th anniversary as a center for London commerce.
• Present Day: Old Spitalfields Market continues to evolve as one of London’s most popular destinations, blending history with contemporary shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.

FAQ

Map & Address

Old Spitalfields Market

16 Horner Square

London E1 6EW

United Kingdom

Located in East London, Old Spitalfields Market sits between Liverpool Street Station and Brick Lane, a short walk from multiple Tube and Overground stations.