Tipped

Hidden Treasure in the City

October 07, 2008

Leadenhall Market is so beautiful that I can easily overlook its faults. It's true that most of the stores are the same high street stores you see other places, but even Pizza Express has to keep it's look consistent with the rest of the market shops, so it retains an old-timey character. This is what the Spitalfields redevelopment should have done but completely failed to do.

There are a few good local spots in Leadenhall Market, particularly Lamb Tavern, a gorgeous old Young's pub much like the venerable Lamb in Bloomsbury, and a relative old-timer itself dating from 1780.

Because the market is relatively hidden, it can often be quite empty except during weekday lunch, so it is a nice option for shopping away from the craziness of other areas.

Keywords: open air market, architecture, historic pub, covered market