London’s Leadenhall Market: Guide to a Historic Hidden Gem

A local’s guide and photos of Leadenhall Market in the City of London; a historic hidden gem and market filled with shops, pastry shops and even Roman ruins!

Leadenhall Market is almost sure to pop up when you’re searching for secret London photo spots – and yet, it isn’t that much of a secret anymore.

Should you have read my guide to beautiful ruins in London, you’ll have gotten to know that in Leadenhall Market are hidden Roman ruins, at the back of a hairdresser’s shop.

I wanted to show you today a little bit more about this historical site nestled in the heart of the city of London, not too far from Liverpool Street Station.

London’s Leadenhall Market: Guide to a Historic Hidden Gem

Located on Gracechurch Street in the City of London (not too far from one of the city’s best TK Maxx shops), Leadenhall Market is easily accessible from several Tube stations; Monument, Bank, and Liverpool Street.

We’re right within the ancient Roman heart of London, directly above what was once the forum and basilica of Roman Londinium.

Leadenhall Market London Photo Gallery

It’s in the 14th century that a market was first established where Leadenhall Market now sits, only to be destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666, not unlike other secret spots like St Dunstan in the East or Christ Church Greyfriars, both turned into pocket gardens later on.

Like both City of London churches, Leadenhall Market was rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren between 1667 and 1671.

However, the structure we now know and can see was redesigned by the City Architect Sir Horace Jones, the same architect known for Tower Bridge and Smithfield Market.

In 1972, Leadenhall Market became a Grade II-listed building for both its historic and architectural importance.

We can see many of these Grade II-listed buildings around the city, namely with the Norfolk Building on Surrey Street near The Strand, and Guy’s Hospital near London Bridge I recently told you about.

Lovers of neoclassical and Italianate architecture, you’d do well to pop by Leadenhall Market – it’s a Victorian Market Hall with a cast-iron and glass roof with a high central dome.

The deep oxblood red, cream and green colors are typical of the late 19th-century; the painted metal ribs and arches make the market one of the most beautiful, and colorful places you could find in town.

Even the paving stones, when restored, kept to the Victorian design with mosaic patterns.

The fact that the market operates as a shopping and dining destination keeps in line with that elegance the architecture shows.

As you walk around Leadenhall Market, you’ll spot bronze plaques on the paving, which mark the outline of Roman Londinium’s forum, uncovered during excavations.

When visiting Leadenhall Market, I strongly recommend you pop by Aux Merveilleux de Fred and try their merveilleux pastries, and their sugar cramiques, one of the best brioches I’ve ever tasted, melt-in-your-mouth good.

There are plenty of French pastry shops and bakeries around town, but this one is overly special, and the Leadenhall Market spot is absolutely stunning as a background for a solo moment or a romantic date with your other half.

London’s Leadenhall Market: Guide to a Historic Hidden Gem

It’s simply magical to walk around this spot!

Whether you’re looking for something new to see in London or wonderful Christmas decorations at the end of the year, there’s always a little detail you miss at Leadenhall Market, and find during your next visit.

When you’re done visiting the market, I’d also recommend going to admire the West Smithfield area, with a similar but differently-colored market, the Meat Market.

Or, you could walk around other historic neighborhoods in London like Spitalfields or Bethnal Green, and soak in the vibes of old-meets-new!