In the heart of London, in the eastern neighborhoods, is the Old Spitalfields handmade market. In the previous post we talked about Old Spitalfields as one of the best handmade market in London. The truth is that it is much more than a market of craftsmen. In it we can find from handmade products to gastronomy, concerts and exhibitions. Epicenter of a multitude of activities, today we analyse more closely one of the best markets of the English capital.
An Alternative Handmade Market
With over 350 years of history, Spitalfields has been an important selling centre for fresh products in London. Being situated in the centre of a neighbourhood in constant renewal, the eastern end of Spitalfields retained its old charm in the place of Horner and in the contiguous buildings. These market buildings were designed by George Sherrin for the last owner of the fruit and vegetable market, Robert Horner, and built between 1885 and 1893.
In 1991 the wholesale product sales moved to New Spitalfields in Leyton. From that moment, Old Spitalfields is converted into one of the main handmade market of London. Open to the public seven days a week, it will host a market in its most traditional format, a space of art, crafts and food.
Today, the renewal of East London’s neighbourhoods has led to the arrival of many young people who live or work there. Very close to the financial district, with great skyscrapers and lavish designs, the Old Spitalfields area is one of the most attractive in the capital. Full of contrasts, this neighbourhood, and especially its market, gives off that young and daring spirit. It shows the activities organized there: workshops, exhibitions, concerts, dj sessions, … which give background and atmosphere of this well-known market of craftsmen.
What to see and try in Old Spitalfields
The distribution of this market places the shops and restaurants in the perimeter of the main building. In them we will find from exotic restaurants to shops of important brands of clothes. In the center, a large covered plaza welcomes a multitude of stands selling food, drink and products. Practically there are products for all tastes and pockets, not to mention their activities, generally open to all audiences.
For example, some of the shops that we can find there are: Shoe Embassy (high quality leather shoes), Vanilla Blanc fragrances or The Last Stop hats.
In addition, in Old Spitalfields there is a food market called “Startisans market” every Friday. And also a style market every Saturday and art market from time to time on weekends. Every day of the week has its charm and is an opportunity to discover new products and flavors.
We leave it here for today. We hope you will be encouraged to discover the best handmade market in London. Remember that admission is free and the nearest stop is Liverpool Street.
See you in the next post 🙂
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