Leadenhall Market’s majestic, vaulted ceilings and cobbled streets provide the perfect backdrop for atmospheric Halloween celebrations – including an exclusive pop-up shop from the infamous Hoxton Street Monster Supplies, giant six metre tentacles creeping out of the upper floor Victorian windows and a series of specially commissioned sinister walks suitable for all the family.
The Victorian market is familiar to Potter film fans as the setting for Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron’s entrance, so it is fitting that London’s (possibly the world’s) only purveyor of quality goods for monsters of every kind – from vampires to werewolves – will be in residence from 5th October to 11th November, opening times Tues – Fri, 11am – 6pm.
Ghoulish products on offer from Hoxton Street Monster Supplies, for budding witches and wizards of all ages, include Tins of Fear such as Night Sweats and Escalating Panic, Salts Made from Tears of Humans (even those shed while homeschooling!) and Banshee Balls. And for those really wanting to up the gross factor, delightful items such as ‘Thickest Human Snot’, ‘Extracted Finger Nails’ and ‘Cubed Earwax’ await. All profits go to the Ministry of Stories, a creative writing charity for children, which will also host events at the pop-up during its residency.
Igor, Shop Owner said: “We’re very excited to bring Monster Supplies to Leadenhall Market and reach more members of the Monster community. We are celebrating with a range of new products including thick and flavoursome Human Blood Vessels and much sought out Bezoars. We do politely remind customers that Humans visit at their own risk and we cannot be responsible for any rogue Giant feet, excitable Pixies and/or misguided Firebreathers…”
As the days draw in, Leadenhall Market’s dark side will be revealed in the ‘Burials, Bombs and Fantastic Beasts’ walking tours, led by City of London guides. Taking place on Wednesday 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th from 6.30pm – 8pm. Although Leadenhall Market itself dates back to 1321, there have been people living and working in this area since Roman times and the walks will explore some of their sinister history – with witchcraft, murder and death at almost every turn. Suitable for all ages, tickets need to be booked in advance and are available at the subsidised price of £7 (plus fees) from leadenhallmarket.co.uk/spooky-guided-walks/
The monstrous tentacles will appear in the run-up to Halloween – in time for half term, ready to catch visitors unawares.
Leadenhall’s history goes back nearly 2000 years. It was built on the site of the Roman Basilica and Forum, and during the medieval period was a market selling meat, fish and herbs, continuing well into the 17th century, as a place where wool merchants baled and weighed wool – the source of the City of London’s wealth. It is now home to 35 boutique retailers, restaurants, cafes, wine bars and an award-winning pub, The Lamb Tavern.
