Leadenhall Market is a beautiful covered market full of shops, restaurants and cafés in the City of London. Its ornate Victorian roof, cobbled walkways and colourful shopfronts make it worth a visit even if you only have half an hour. You may also recognise it from the Harry Potter films.
Leadenhall Market’s History
The market stands on the site of the forum and basilica at the centre of Roman Londinium. Those Roman buildings predate Leadenhall Market by more than a thousand years. By the early 14th century, the area around Leadenhall manor was a marketplace for poultry; cheesemongers later joined the traders. In the following centuries, the market grew into a place to buy meat, game, fish and other goods, with wool and leather also playing a part in its history.
In 1666 part of the market was affected by the Great Fire of London, and when it was rebuilt, it became a covered market. It was then divided into three sections: Beef Market, Green Yard and Herb Market.
In 1881, architect Sir Horace Jones, who also designed Smithfield and Billingsgate markets, redeveloped Leadenhall with wrought iron and glass. Much of the Victorian structure you see today survives, including the elegant roof and decorative details. The market is Grade II* listed.
What to See at Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market is a lovely place to stroll, stop for a drink or have something to eat. Allow about 30 minutes for a look around, or longer if you plan to browse the shops and sit down for a meal. Come through the Gracechurch Street entrance and look up at the glass roof and painted ironwork. Walk along the central avenue, then explore the side passages for the smaller shopfronts and the Harry Potter filming spot.
Restaurants and Pubs
There are plenty of places to eat and drink. The Lamb Tavern has a pub, an upstairs dining room overlooking the market and Old Tom’s basement bar. For another sit-down meal, try Luc’s Brasserie or the Spanish tapas at La Viña. PizzaExpress is a familiar option if you’re visiting London with kids. Check individual venues for their current opening hours, particularly at weekends.
Shops
As you walk through Leadenhall Market, you’ll come across independent boutiques and fashion shops, as well as Waterstones and Windsor Flowers. The mix of shops changes, so the market’s shop directory is useful if you’re heading there for a particular store.
Harry Potter and Leadenhall Market
The market appears in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone as part of the approach to Diagon Alley. Look for 42 Bull’s Head Passage: its blue doorway was used for the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in the films. If you’re planning more Potter-themed stops, see our guide to Harry Potter in London.
If you want to learn more about the market’s history and film locations, you can join a guided City or filming locations tour. The market also has a free self-guided history walk.
Old Tom at Leadenhall Market
We love unusual stories and curiosities, and as a curiosity, we have to mention Leadenhall Market’s famous goose nicknamed Old Tom.
Old Tom was a goose who escaped the poultry traders in the 19th century and became a favourite of the market. According to the market’s own history, he died in 1835 at the age of 38. His story lives on in the name of Old Tom’s Bar, beneath the Lamb Tavern.
Leadenhall Market Opening Times
The market’s public walkways are generally accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can admire the architecture outside shop hours. Shops, restaurants and bars set their own hours; many shops concentrate on weekdays, while some restaurants open at weekends. For a lively market atmosphere, I would go on a weekday. For a quieter look at the roof and cobbles, a weekend can be lovely too. Check the official visitor information and the individual business before making a special trip.
How to get to Leadenhall Market
The market is on Gracechurch Street in the City of London. Monument and Bank are convenient Underground stations, both in travel zone 1. From Monument, walk north along Gracechurch Street; you can enter the market from that street or one of the surrounding passages.
Hi, we are Alberto and Amy, the London locals behind PlanTrip London. We’ve lived in London since 2010 and have spent every year since exploring the city, from its famous landmarks to the markets, pubs, parks and hidden corners most visitors never find. Over the years we became the go-to trip planners for friends and family visiting London, so we created this site to share the same first-hand, tried-and-tested advice with you. Every itinerary, tip and recommendation here comes from our own experience with our two children, so you can plan a London trip that’s easier, better value and far more memorable.