Old Spitalfields Market
The actual area of Spitalfields, perched on the edge of the Square Mile, was originally named after a nearby hospital and priory of St Mary's Spital in 1197. The Old Spitalfields market itself was properly established in 1680s after the Great Fire of London, when King Charles II granted a local silk thrower, John Balch, rights to hold a market on Thursdays and Saturdays; in fact, the market continued to expand, and become a centre for home-grown produce running six times per week. Old Spitalfields market continued almost unchanged until as recently as 1920, when the City of London acquired the buildings and expanded the market again. However, as cars became the main mode of transport, and traffic congestion increased, the market was forced to move to Leyton, where it became the New Spitalfields Market. However, the Old Market retains its character, with over 200 stalls selling every sort of food and general produce, and has become a great tourist attraction.
Arkansas Café - American BBQ and Grill
A veritable institution, the Arkansas café is strictly no-frills (plastic plates and cutlery!. Think huge US-style meat platters, BBQ and burgers with chilli or bacon. The side orders are also simple - beans, 'slaw, sautéed potatoes. But, to be fair, there's not much room left anyway after you've tackled the ribs and sausages. Get there early - there's no reservations, and it's always buzzing.
Canteen - British
Following on from the blast of nostalgia sweeping the capital for all things of yesteryore, and riding the same wave as the Americana-loving Automat in Mayfair, Canteen focuses on all things British, with a keen emphasis on the quality of ingredients, correct sourcing, and simple cooking to show it all off. Informal, cheery, and a great place for any meal from breakfast (Arbroath smokies, bacon sarnies) to dinner (Lamb and pearl barley stew, devilled kidneys and great pies), and even including a fast menu for if you get swamped by nostalgia at lunch.
Square Pie - Pies
In the eastern corner of the market, you will find the original Square Pie stall. Every kind of pie, complete with the obligatory mash, peas and gravy, is available, and they are absolutely delicious. Keep it classic - think steak and kidney, or lamb and rosemary, or chicken and ham, or even wild mushroom - and dig in: there's probably very little more intrinsically British to eat in this most British of markets.
St John Bread and Wine - Modern British
Kind of a bakery with a restaurant attached, St John B & W is open from breakfast through to dinner for all kinds of snacks and light bites in the best traditionally Fergus Henderson/British style. Their infamous Old Spot bacon sandwich, pikelets and jam, seed cake with a glass of Madeira, whole grilled lemon sole, and quail with aioli typify the dishes on offer, and it's all incredibly reasonably priced.
Meson Los Barilles - Spanish/Tapas
Sitting there all brooding and dark wood, Meson Los Barilles comprises an authentic spit-and-sawdust bar downstairs, where you can stand and stuff your face with tapas while ogling the hams hanging overhead, and a more formal restaurant upstairs. Service is deemed efficient and friendly, the wine list straightforward and reasonable, and the tapas more than competent - the squid is rated particularly highly.
The Spitz - Modern European
The Spitz manages to combine everything you could ever want in one venue: Upstairs there's a real live music venue, with live music 4 nights a week, from classical harp, to jazz and blues; there's a bar; and there's a proper bistro with contemporary art funkily decorating the walls, with a terrace overlooking the hurly-burly of the market. The menu leans towards Modern European; starters include marinated Orkney herrings with toasted sourdough; and roasted red pepper hummus; mains include hot roast salmon with fragrant rice and spiced tomato sauce; or duck magret with Puy lentils. They also do breakfasts and lunches, with tasty salads, if you're not feeling overly hungry.
Fact File
Tube:
Liverpool Street
Cash:
Closest cash machines at Liverpool Street tube
Pub:
The Pride of Spitalfields is a welcoming, traditional and cosy back street pub tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Brick Lane.
Bar:
Hailed as one of the bar experiences of 2004, and winner of Time Out's Best Design Award, Lounge Lover is decadently, extravagantly, fabulously OTT, with inventive cocktails and great bar snacks.
More London Neighbourhood Watch Areas Borough Market | Brompton Road | Charlotte Street | Crystal Palace Triangle | Frith Street, Soho | Greek St, Soho W1 | Heddon Street, West End | Islington | Lordship Lane, East Dulwich | Marylebone High Street | Northcote Road, Battersea | Old Spitalfields Market - Portobello Market | Shepherd's Market | St John Street | St Martin's Lane | Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill
