Local Spotlight #8 - Spitalfields

Spitalfields is a vibrant, and lively East End area. A place to experience an authentic part of London, which is home to wonderful street food independents, as well as contemporary restaurants, shops and bars.

History

Spitalfield’s name comes from the hospital and priory, St Mary’s Spittel, that was founded back in 1197. It was a field next to the priory where the market began in the thirteenth century.London is an international city, which celebrates diversity. The East End has always been recognised for its wealth of cultures, and “Spitalfields served as a microcosm of this polyglot society, “the melting pot future of east and west.”After the Great Fire of London Spitalfields become less rural, and by 1666 traders began operating where the market remains today. Truman’s Brewery then opened in 1669, and by 1682 King Charles 11 granted a Royal Charter to allow market to be held on Thursdays and Saturdays. Read more about the history here.

Spitalfields Market today

The heart of Spitalfields is the Traders Market, which has an array of wonderful independent stalls showcasing homemade, and handcrafted unique pieces. Next to the historic market there are plenty of delicious restaurants, bars, clothes shops and quirky boutique stores. There are also some old fashioned and cosy pubs, as well as tasty food trucks serving up amazing street food.

Browse all the current traders and food & drink options here.

Why we love it

There really is something for everyone there. You can spend hours mincing around the market, or enjoying some incredible food. Take home some special treasures from the boutiques, or market stalls. While away your afternoon with a drink in the sunshine, taking it all in.

It is also less than a 20 minutes away door to door from Prime Backpackers, a quick journey with all of this on your doorstep (get directions here). So book a stay with us, and explore the wonders of Spitalfields….