Spitalfields Market, located in the bustling heart of East London’s Brick Lane district, is an iconic site of history and culture that attracts both locals and visitors from near and far every day. As you explore the narrow corridors of stalls displaying eclectic wares and street food vendors with mouth-watering aromas, it’s easy to get lost in all that Spitalfields has to offer!
So if you are a traveler or local looking for something unique and exciting: come on down; jump right into one of London’s oldest shopping hubs packed with entertainment —you won’t be disappointed!
History of Spitalfields Market, London
Spitalfields Market is one of the most interesting areas in London, with a fascinating combination of old and new. The market itself dates from the 13th century and the area takes its name from St Mary’s Spittel, a former hospital and priory.
It has been a staple in this vibrant neighborhood since 1638 when King Charles I granted a charter to Captain John Beckford granting him permission to develop it into its current incarnation as a busy market for trade goods.
The streets around Spitalfields Market were home to many French Huguenots from 1685 who were expert silk weavers.
Old Spitalfields Market Review
On Saturdays, there’s a Style Market which is well worth a look. It’s a good place to pick up gifts and quirky clothing.
Once a month, there’s also the Spitalfields Arts Market which runs from Thursday to Sunday, featuring affordable artworks displayed for sale on Market Street.
Best Places to Eat in Spitalfields Market
There are also plenty of Spitalfields restaurants that are open throughout the week. Two of our favorites that are actually inside the market are Brother Marcus for a healthy brunch and SOOD Italian Restaurant within Bottles Wine Bar. And of course, you’ll find lots of Spitalfields food market stalls, serving everything from noodles to smoothies.
Another great place to eat is Ottolenghi on Artillery Passage. They have a lovely selection of vegetarian food and cakes.
For brunch in Spitalfields, The Breakfast Club on Artillery Lane is always fun. If you’re looking for something more elaborate, Galvin La Chapelle is set in a former Victorian chapel and is perfect for fine dining.
Spitalfields Shops
The shops in Spitalfields are a good mix of designer boutiques and well-known brands. For fashion, we recommend Collectif, a vintage style fashion store.
Anthropologie also has a large boutique on Brushfield Street. Angela Flanders Perfumery at 4 Artillery Passage is a fantastic place for stylish scented candles and fragrances.
If you need new reading glasses or sunglasses, Spitalfields has some of the best opticians in London. Good Spitalfields opticians are Cutler and Gross, Ollie Quinn and Cubitts.
Exiting the market on Brushfield Street, we admired the retro shop front of Verde & Company, now home to Nagaré Coffee. Spitalfields has some really beautiful Georgian buildings and this minimalist London coffee shop is no exception.
Things to Do in Spitalfields
Virtually opposite, you’ll come across this modern sculpture named I Goat by Kenny Hunter. In the background, Christ Church Spitalfields stands proud. Designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor in the baroque style, it’s considered to be one of his finest works.
It’s close to one of our favorite London hotels on Folgate Street – the eccentric Batty Langley’s. With antiques galore, canopied beds and rolltop marble baths, it fits right into the area.
A few doors down is the unique museum, Dennis Sever’s House which imagines the life of a family of Huguenot silk-weavers. If you can, try to visit during one of their “Silent Nights” when the house is lit by candlelight.
If you have time, finish your visit to Spitalfields Market with a quick visit to Brick Lane. You can get some delicious chocolates at Dark Sugars – seriously good if you’ve not yet tried them.
Their cardamon and orange truffles were my faves though the mango pipettes came pretty close. We passed this photogenic pair of houses along the way.
Final Thoughts on Spitalfields Market
All in all, Spitalfields never fails to surprise us with its unique architecture, cool shops and eateries. Spitalfields Market has established a remarkable landmark for shoppers, visitors and locals in London. There’s no wonder it’s one of the most talked about tourist attractions in town!
Whether you’re looking to indulge yourself or pick up some gifts, Spitalfields Market is a great spot to visit and enjoy the hustle and bustle of East London. Its delightful atmosphere, history and culture make it even more enjoyable.
So next time you plan on taking a trip to London, be sure to check out Spitalfields Market! And if you’d like more suggestions on what to do in the city when you’re there, make sure to check out our other London articles to get more ideas on places to explore.
Do you have a favourite restaurant or shop in Spitalfields?
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I love that all the different area of London have such an individual character. Spitalfields is definitely and fun and unique place to go.
Lots of love,
Angie
SilverSpoon London
I think it’s one of the most fascinating, with such a contrast of old and new!
Such a lovely place to stroll around.
I love your dress as well.
You look fab.
http://www.thebandwagonchic.com/
That’s very kind, thank you Zarrah – it’s a great place for a weekend stroll
Loving these shots, lady! What a pretty day to be out and about. 🙂
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Oh thank you Ashley, it’s such a cool part of London and I loved sharing it!
Thank you soo much for this post! I totally have to check out this area in London. It looks too beautifully vintage. Love it all the way!
http://skatterbrainn.wix.com/skatterbrainn
There is something very retro about the whole area – thanks for stopping by Neelima and looking forward to reading your post about Snapchat
I always loved exploring Spitalfields Market when I live in London! I always found such funky vintage jewelry!
http://thecourtneydiaries.com
I’ve admired some of the jewellery but I haven’t yet bought any there, must take a closer look!
Right up your street, literally!
The market looks pretty cool!
Candice | Beauty Candy Loves
It’s fantastic the way they have renovated it Candice
what a charming place! super cute post!
kelseybang.com
Oh thank you, I had great fun putting this one together!
I would love to explore this area! I love markets like these and the chocolate sounds fantastic
Http://Leftbankgirl.blogspot.com
I should have got a photo of the chocolate, it was so yummy!
That sounds like a great neighborhood to explore.
Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
It’s one of the coolest in London, mind you we are spoilt for choice!
Such an interesting place to visit!!! I love your red dress!!!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
My Facebook
Oh thank you Paola, it’s one of my fave dresses
Ha, that goat! This does look quirky, it sounds like a great place to visit.
Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
I thought there might be a connection between the goat and the area but apparently not!
I love Spitalfields Market and I’m lucky that it’s walking distance from my flat. In the market on weekends is a book stall which sells brand new books for around £4 each – got to be my favourite stall, along with Flavourtown Bakery when they’re there.
Lisa | Not Quite Enough
Lucky you Lisa, I can just about walk it if feeling very energetic! That book stall sounds like a bargain, thanks for the tip
Gorgeous pictures lovely. I really love this area as there is so much to do x
http://thelondonthing.co.uk/
Thank you Tania, I can see why you love the area so much!
Sign me up for Batty Langley’s! Just from the one picture it looks unique and fun!
It really is unique, and quite batty so the name is a great fit!
I love exploring markets, you never know what you can find there! It’s a fun way to spend the morning or afternoon. Great photos, I’ll have to remember this place next time I’m in the area 🙂
http://www.mintnotion.com
That’s true about markets, I love that random aspect of them!
This looks like my kinda place 😉 Both the store and the food looks amazing! Loving all of your photos
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
The Portugese restaurant is so cool, very casual but right in the middle of the market and delicious food!
i was actually at Spitalfields a couple of weeks back with my mum and she mentioned trying Blixen so I definitely need to go back. One of my fave markets because it feels much more chilled and relaxing!
Elle
www.theellenextdoor.com
xx
I’ve been to Blixen a couple of times and whilst I didn’t find the food all that special, I love the decor and cocktails
Loved this guide Suze! I have a friend in London at the moment, who’s looking to explore the area – I’m definitely going to share this with her. And will also make sure to pay a visit to Dark Sugars once I’m back in London, sounds heavenly 🙂 xx
I hope your friend enjoys exploring the area and you definitely should visit Dark Sugars – their chocs are piled up high, they’re irresistible
Such a great post. I loved the pictures. That hotel looks like a great place to stay too. Gemma x
www.jacquardflower.uk
Thanks Gemma, I’m very glad you liked them and the hotel is a great hidden gem
I did not knew about this market, looks like the perfect place to stroll!
http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr/
Such a lovely place to spend your time!
Dora www.bangsbang.com
I know, it’s great having that almost on my doorstep
This is on my to visit list when in London next month. I haven’t been to Spitalfields Market for a long time and each time I go back it has changed so much. Going to share this post with the friend I am going to travel with! By the way, we will be there 19-21 March. So if you are around, would be great to meet for a coffee / drink! I’ve already told my friend about the possibility and she is very excited about it as well.
www.luxessed.com
Hi Anouk, yes it would be great to meet up, afternoon of 20th is best if that works for you both as there’s a chance that I may be away a bit earlier
The market looks enchanting, would love to see it in person!
Tania
http://inspiremyfancy.blogspot.com/
I hope that you get the opportunity one day, Tania – thanks for stopping by!
Wonderful Photos. I love the HDR feel of some of them. Especially the first one, where you maintained the right tones for the skin, while everything else looks adorned in beautiful HDR colors. Great processing. As a travel blogger I love to see how others decide to present and photograph places all over the world.
That’s very kind Laura, I think I accidentally double processed the first photo but I liked the look so I kept it!
The chocolates are so gorgeous, we discovered the shop by chance as it had huge piles of them in the window!
I used to visit this market all the time when I lived in London, such an eclectic mix of things for sale! I used to love their gluten free cakes!
We’d fall for the cardamon and orange truffles too :-). Spitalfields Market looks like a fun place in London to browse and spend some time…
Love this part of London – particularly the goat statue which has appeared on my Facebook page once or twice! Lovely photos too…..
I am in love with the woven totes at Verde & Company, I wonder if I can get there and find one of them. And what a gorgeous outfit! Even the background is perfect. x
Isn’t Spitalfields just so delicious?
So colourful and quirky – I obviously need to give Spitalfields some attention 🙂
Despite living most of my life in London, I’ve never been to Spitalfields. It looks glorious. I will have to rectify this situation immediately on my next visit back to the Mother Country!