Billingsgate Market
Billingsgate Wharf, close to Lower Thames Street, became the centre of a fish market during the 16th and 17th centuries, but did not become formally established until an Act of Parliament in 1699.
In 1849, the fish market was moved off the streets into its own riverside building, which was demolished circa 1873 and replaced by an arcaded market hall (designed By Sir Horace Jones) and built by John Mowlem Co.
in 1875.
This building, known as Old Billingsgate Market, is now used as a corporate events venue.
In 1982, the fish market was relocated to a new 53,000 m² building complex close to Canary Wharf in Docklands.
Most of the fish sold through the market now arrives there by road, from ports as far afield as Aberdeen and Cornwall.
As of 2005, a review of the London wholesale markets was underway which may lead to the closure of Billingsgate (and the Smithfield meat market), as it is considered by some that it would be better to have a smaller number of markets all selling a full range of fresh produce, rather than separate specialist markets.
The infamously coarse language of London fishmongers made "Billingsgate" a byword for crude or vulgar language.
One of its earliest uses can be seen in a 1577 chronicle by Raphael Holinshed, where the writer makes reference to the foul tongues of Billingsgate oyster-wives.
Each trading day at Billingsgate Market offers buyers an opportunity to see the largest selection of fish in the United Kingdom.
Daily arrivals from the coast and overseas ensure a continuity of fresh supplies and with some 54 merchants trading in close proximity in the Market Hall, competition is keen.
In addition to such a wide selection of fish and fish products, the Market offers buyers a comprehensive service with tenants dealing in cooking oils, potatoes, trade sundries and specialist restaurant and catering supplies.
A carrier service is available serving London and the Home Counties and arrangements can usually be made for supplies to be dispatched to most parts of the country.
Billingsgate Market is thus able to offer an excellent one stop service to the busy trade buyer.
We are also open to the public.
My Experience: Our day begins at 5:00 am.
We must arrive early to avoid the crowd of people visiting the market in the trading days.
It is fantastic to see a crowd of people mingling, vendors, customers, employees (be careful with the pallet lifters and they are everywhere and the only that you can hear is "Mind you Back").
The market serves a huge variety of restaurants throughout London.
We can find products from around the world, fresh or frozen and you can be sure to always find a good option in fish and seafood.
They are cheap and healthy which brings benefits to the body and of course for the pocket.
The market also offers restaurants where you can, before or after doing your shopping, relax and enjoy a varied menu.
In 1849, the fish market was moved off the streets into its own riverside building, which was demolished circa 1873 and replaced by an arcaded market hall (designed By Sir Horace Jones) and built by John Mowlem Co.
in 1875.
This building, known as Old Billingsgate Market, is now used as a corporate events venue.
In 1982, the fish market was relocated to a new 53,000 m² building complex close to Canary Wharf in Docklands.
Most of the fish sold through the market now arrives there by road, from ports as far afield as Aberdeen and Cornwall.
As of 2005, a review of the London wholesale markets was underway which may lead to the closure of Billingsgate (and the Smithfield meat market), as it is considered by some that it would be better to have a smaller number of markets all selling a full range of fresh produce, rather than separate specialist markets.
The infamously coarse language of London fishmongers made "Billingsgate" a byword for crude or vulgar language.
One of its earliest uses can be seen in a 1577 chronicle by Raphael Holinshed, where the writer makes reference to the foul tongues of Billingsgate oyster-wives.
Each trading day at Billingsgate Market offers buyers an opportunity to see the largest selection of fish in the United Kingdom.
Daily arrivals from the coast and overseas ensure a continuity of fresh supplies and with some 54 merchants trading in close proximity in the Market Hall, competition is keen.
In addition to such a wide selection of fish and fish products, the Market offers buyers a comprehensive service with tenants dealing in cooking oils, potatoes, trade sundries and specialist restaurant and catering supplies.
A carrier service is available serving London and the Home Counties and arrangements can usually be made for supplies to be dispatched to most parts of the country.
Billingsgate Market is thus able to offer an excellent one stop service to the busy trade buyer.
We are also open to the public.
My Experience: Our day begins at 5:00 am.
We must arrive early to avoid the crowd of people visiting the market in the trading days.
It is fantastic to see a crowd of people mingling, vendors, customers, employees (be careful with the pallet lifters and they are everywhere and the only that you can hear is "Mind you Back").
The market serves a huge variety of restaurants throughout London.
We can find products from around the world, fresh or frozen and you can be sure to always find a good option in fish and seafood.
They are cheap and healthy which brings benefits to the body and of course for the pocket.
The market also offers restaurants where you can, before or after doing your shopping, relax and enjoy a varied menu.
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