After a successful summer of reintroducing stalls at the weekend, Leadenhall Market is pleased to announce that its popular series of vintage furniture & fashion and craft markets will be continuing through to December.
Leadenhall Market’s glass covered Victorian cobbled walkways provide the perfect airy, weatherproof space for weekend browsing at the heart of the City. With September being a popular time for decor refresh, autumn will kick off with the return of Judy’s presents The Vintage Furniture & Flea Market on Sunday 29 September. Judy and her team have drawn in shoppers throughout the summer months with their eclectic collections of one-off pieces of furniture from the mid-century onwards, alongside fashion from the twenties to the noughties. This market day will be ideal for picking up a stand out seasonal piece to create the perfect cosy home.
On Saturday 12 October, South-London based SoLo Craft Fair will be reopening its stalls, with a beautiful array of uniquely hand-crafted art, jewellery, home accessories, children’s toys and more. Run by makers, for makers, SoLo Craft Fair supports a pool of carefully selected, talented crafters that have proved very popular with weekend shoppers looking for something new.
And the two markets will also be adding a touch of festive sparkle to the marketplace during the Christmas period.
Leadenhall Market’s famous Christmas tree will once again be sitting under the breath-taking, star covered central atrium, with the Lord Mayor’s annual switch on taking place on Thursday 14 November. Among the twinkling Christmas lights, baubles and garlands, SoLo Craft Fair will be selling beautifully hand-made Christmas gifts and Judy’s team will provide one-of-a-kind present ideas for vintage fans.
Pop up market dates:
Sunday 29 September – The Vintage Furniture & Flea Market
Saturday 12 October – SoLo Craft Fair
Saturday 16 November – SoLo Craft Fair Christmas Market
Sunday 24 November – The Vintage Furniture & Flea Christmas Market
Saturday 7 December – SoLo Craft Fair Christmas Market
Keeping shoppers refreshed and replenished during their weekend spending spree, a number of the market’s restaurants, cafes and bars will also be open, serving food & drink. Please visit leadenhallmarket.co.uk for more details on opening hours for individual stores and dining destinations.
Andrien Meyers, Chair of the Investment Committee at City of London Corporation, said: “It’s been incredible to see Leadenhall Market bustling with visitors at weekends since the introduction of pop-up markets, which have proved incredibly popular with Londoners and tourists alike. I am excited to announce this second series running into the autumn and winter of 2024. In the lead up to Christmas, Leadenhall Market takes on a whole new persona during the festive season, and this year the introduction of Christmas markets will enhance the magic of this beautiful destination. It’s an ideal trip out for Christmas shoppers who can also visit our fantastic range of stores, cafés and restaurants – all at the heart of the City of London.”
In 2021, Leadenhall Market celebrated its 700th anniversary, although the site’s history as a marketplace goes back much further to at least 100 AD! Leadenhall Market stands in the very centre of Roman Londinium – underneath its arches and cobblestones lie the remains of the Forum (market) and Basilica (courts). The first market named Leadenhall was recorded in 1321, when Sir Hugh Neville, who owned what was ‘The Manor of Leaden Hall’ at the time, opened the grounds up to tenants to trade and it soon became a popular meeting place for poulterers. Since then, the market has been known to trade wool, leather and cutlery. It has played host to festivals and events and at one point even housed a chapel and school.
Situated in the centre of the City of London’s financial district, the current Grade II listed Market building, designed by Horace Jones, dates back to 1881. Its airy and light wrought iron and glass structure replaced the stone market previously created by Lord Mayor of London, Dick Whittington in the 15th Century. Now, the market is home to 23 restaurants, cafes and bars, which sit alongside 15 retail outlets, creating a hub for shopping and dining in the City.
