Spitalfields Market is a London icon in East London, a place where designers, vintage specialists and food halls share the same roof as a historic market hall.
Old Spitalfields Market sits in the City, minutes from Liverpool Street station, with Shoreditch High Street station close by.
Expect a fantastic range of makers, vinyl sellers, gifts and fashion, with restaurants that serve quick bites and long lunches.
If you need storage near Spitalfields Market and central routes, HOLD Self Storage Kings Cross is an easy link for stock between markets and home.
Key takeaways
- Old Spitalfields Market is open seven days with rotating special markets and events.
- The wholesale fruit and vegetables market moved to Leyton in 1991, creating New Spitalfields Market.
- The traders market focuses on non-food retail with an application process and set stall rents.
- Private market rules apply, not a Tower Hamlets street trading licence for stalls inside the hall.
A short history and where to find it
Spitalfields began as a vegetable market and hub for fresh produce with roots in a Royal Charter granted in 1682. The London Corporation later oversaw the wholesale market before operations moved to Leyton in 1991 to a purpose-built site.
Today, Old Spitalfields Market is a revived retail market in a Victorian hall.
You will find the market between Brushfield Street and Commercial Street, a short walk from Liverpool Street station and close to Bishopsgate Road. Use the visitor information on the website for current opening times and special date listings.
Time your visit to catch record fairs if vinyl is your thing. Spitalfields has a deep heritage in the area and remains home to a fantastic range of events throughout the year.
What to expect
At Spitalfields Market, the traders market fills the central space with designers, vintage fashion, art, homeware and vinyl.
Around the edges, restaurants and bars serve all day. The hall layout makes it easy for customers to browse, and many stalls accept cards.
What is sold changes by day, so check the events listings before you visit. The market welcomes every age, with gifts and fashion for customers who return again and again.
How to set up a stall at Spitalfields Market
Who runs the market and permits
Old Spitalfields Market operates the traders' market on private land within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Stalls inside the location operate under the operator’s market trading licence. A borough street trading licence is not required for these pitches. The wholesale market in Leyton is owned and managed by the City of London Corporation.
Eligibility and required documents
Public liability insurance is mandatory. The operator lists recognised brokers and confirms cover must be in place before you sell. Expect to provide product photos, details and links in your application. Electrical additions must be battery-powered inside the hall.
Fees and pitch details
Published stall rents at the traders market: weekdays from £25 to £30, Saturdays from £55 to £75 by season, Sundays from £70 to £90 by season, plus VAT if you are VAT registered.
Fees are subject to annual review, and bank holiday rents may vary. Storage is available on the premises with published fortnightly rates. Stalls are stainless steel units configured asa table top or walk-in. Check the operator’s fees for updates.
Application process step by step
- Complete the online application form for the traders market with product details and links.
- Operator review against stock criteria and availability.
- Confirmation of your date and stall type.
- Card payment for rent and any storage.
- On the day, follow any allocation instructions provided by market management.
On the day
Use loading bays on Brushfield Street. There is no dedicated parking, and the area is in the congestion charge road zone. Bring branding, signage, tables within your pitch, a card reader, and optional battery lighting. Rents are taken by card only. Follow the premises' waste and recycling rules.
Food traders' extra requirements
Food and drink are not sold at the traders' market. If you intend to sell food elsewhere within the Spitalfields location, register your food business with Tower Hamlets at least 28 days before you start and follow allergen and labelling rules.
Information verified against official operator and council guidance. Last checked: August 2025.
Trader checklist
- Insurance certificate
- ID and right to work evidence
- Product photos and prices
- Card reader and float
- Signage and labels
- Tables and display kit
- Battery lighting and power banks
- Waste plan and packaging
- Storage booking if needed
- Arrival time and access details
Conclusion
Spitalfields Market remains one of London’s most vibrant destinations, blending the heritage of a Victorian market hall with a traders market full of creativity and independent talent.
Whether you visit for vinyl, fashion, or the fantastic range of restaurants, the site offers something new each time.
For traders, clear steps make it straightforward to apply for a stall and join a market that has been at the heart of East London trade for centuries.
Store stock and personal items with ease
HOLD is redefining self storage in London.
While our Woodford facility is underway, bringing modern, digital-first storage solutions to the area.
In the meantime, we are here to help from our North London site at Kings Cross, offering secure business storage for stock and flexible personal units with 24/7 access.
Book online today or visit us in North London until we open near you.
Frequently asked questions
Does Old Spitalfields Market open daily?
Yes. Check the visitor information for daily hours and any special date changes.
Is HOLD climate-controlled?
HOLD provides temperature-regulated storage, not climate-controlled units.
Can HOLD accept deliveries for traders' market stock?
Yes. Confirm availability with the store. Proof of ID may be required under standard terms.
Is New Spitalfields in Leyton open to the public?
Yes, for wholesale quantities of fruit and vegetables during trading hours. Vehicle exit fees apply, and pedestrian access is free.
Who moved the wholesale market and when?
The City of London Corporation oversaw the relocation to Leyton in 1991 to improve access and space.
