Leadenhall Market is London's most beautiful market, nestled in the heart of the City.
Here, you'll discover the fascinating history of the market and the places not to be missed.
Here we go!
Leadenhall Market: article summary
Leadenhall Market: at a glance
Leadenhall Market dates back to 1321 and So we're currently celebrating our 702ᵉ birthday!
The market has always offered food, especially meat, poultry and game. It is thought that there has been a bazaar district here since it was the center of Roman London in the 1ᵉʳ century.
The apotheosis of Leadenhall market
In the 14ᵉ century, Hugh Neville owned the manor house of Leadenhall, so named because the hall had a lead roof.
Poulterers and fishmongers began to gather on the site to trade their meats. The market became a rather noisy commercial center in the city of London, a change from the picturesque cobblestone surroundings we see today.
Then, in 1408, former Lord Mayor Dick Whittington acquired the lease on the market and began transforming it into a more commercial space.
A major development from the 1400s
The site was handed over to the City of London Corporation in 1411 by Dick Whittington, and they still look after it today.
By the end of the 15th century, the market had introduced a granary, a mechanism for weighing wool, a chapel for the site's vendors and a monopoly on the town's leather trade.
Leadenhall became a well-established shopping center in London, but was later abandoned. partially destroyed during the great city fire of 1666.
When it was rebuilt, it was decided that it should be covered rather than open-air, and this is how it remains today.
Leadenhall market today
Today, it includes retail stores, restaurants, wine bars and pubs, and is one of the most popular places to shop and eat in the city.
It has even added another feature to its name, as a film set, especially in Harry Potter.
A Harry Potter film location
Take a close look at Leadenhall Market. Can you imagine it as the Chemin de Traverse?
Leadenhall Market played a leading role in the films Harry Potter when it was used as a film location at the start of the series.
It was used as the exterior of the Chemin de Traverse, the wizarding world's shopping mall for Hogwarts students, as well as the Cauldron Baveur, the popular wizarding pub.
With the quaint Victorian streets of Leadenhall Market, Harry Potter is one of a long list of films to have been shot here.
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy, Hereafter and Tomb Raider have also used it as a filming location.
Not-to-be-missed restaurants at Leadenhall Market
The restaurant-filled area includes some not-to-be-missed signs when you visit this market.
CheeseÂ
With over a hundred artisan cheeses on offer to taste and wines of incredible quality, Cheese is the best place to sit down with friends for a relaxed and delicious lunch.
With aisle seating, you can sit back and watch the world go by while enjoying a platter of cheeses, olives and charcuterie.
You can visit us on site:
- Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Luc's Brasserie
If you're at Leadenhall Market and you're craving a good steak, it's probably because you've passed Brasserie Luc and that you smell something coming out of their kitchens.
The place offers an excellent menu of French brasserie cuisine, with everything you'd expect from a restaurant like this.
The menu changes with the seasons, but the very French cuisine remains the same, perfected by Luc's 30 years of experience.
You can visit us on site:
- Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 12 pm to 3 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm
Giorgio in Leadenhall
One of Leadenhall Market's finest restaurants boasts authentic Italian cuisine.
Their freshly prepared pasta and seafood dishes usually steal the show. They have an extensive wine list to go with it.
The establishment remains open:
- Monday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. then 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
What are the best stores in Leadenhall Market?
In the midst of this maze of stores, you'll find a few names that are well worth a visit.
Waterstones Bookshop
Open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.Waterstones, one of central London's last remaining specialist bookshop chains, prides itself on exceptional service and exciting in-store events.
It's a haven away from the crowded market, where you can sit back and enjoy the many books in store. The venue also organizes numerous events and book signings throughout the year.
Windsor Flowers
Windsor Flowers serves some of the region's most respected companies, including :
- The London Guildhall
- Mansion House
- Saint Paul's Cathedral
It's a pleasant store in which to indulge in bright colors and beautiful aromas.
The store remains open:
- Monday 6.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tuesday to Friday 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Leadenhall Market is a place you must see at least once in your life. On a trip to London, I recommend that you make a detour and visit Leadenhall Market. discover this very special commercial space.
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