Leadenhall Market has a magical history dating back to the 14th Century, making it one of the oldest markets in London.
Not only has Leadenhall Market been used to represent Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, but it was also one of the first places in London that women were allowed to work. It was also – fun fact – the first place you could ever buy cutlery! Though it’s been closed since December as a result of the lockdown, it’s officially reopening to the public on April 12, with some non-essential shops and outdoor seating at The Lamb Tavern the first places to return.
The current design of the building is the fault of Sir Horace Jones, the same architectural genius behind Billingsgate and Smithfield Markets. Almost one hundred years after his redevelopments, Leadenhall Market was granted Grade II* listed status – to the surprise of absolutely nobody. It was originally a meat, poultry and game market, but is now home to dozens of boutique retailers, restaurants and wine bars.
So what will you find inside the market?
Leadenhall Market is the perfect place for a lunchtime stroll, especially since there are so many options for fast food: pop to We Grill for healthy, Mediterranean dishes; Tortilla for tasty burritos and tacos; The Good Yard for salads and excellent coffee; Sushi Gourmet for, erm, gourmet sushi; LEON for healthy burgers, wraps, curries and salad boxes; or Bibimbap for cracking Korean rice dishes.
If you’re out for dinner and fancy more of a sit down affair, there are plenty of options: try Luc’s Brasserie, a lovely French bistro; Giorgio for authentic Italian food; Cheese for top quality wines and over one hundred artisan cheeses; Chamberlains for gorgeous seafood selected daily from Billingsgate; or The Lamb Tavern for proper pub grub and fantastic beer. Aside from food, you’ll also find a number of brilliant bars, including Broker’s Wine Bar and cosy, subterranean bar, Bedales.
If you’re there to shop, you’ll find a wide range of stores. Amongst others, you’ll find: tobacco and cigar specialists, Kandies; quirky design store, Flying Tiger; and plenty of premium fashion brands, including Barbour, HOBBS, Oliver Sweeney and REISS.
If you head to Leadenhall Market in the lead up to Christmas, you’re sure of a big, Instagrammable surprise. With a gorgeous tree as its main attraction, the market certainly doesn’t scrimp on festive cheer. It’s the perfect spot for some Christmas shopping.
Also, one final fact: The Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter is actually an opticians 👓⚡️
