Billingsgate Market

Billingsgate Market is a wholesale seafood market on Trafalgar Way in east London, open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday mornings. Its stalls sell fresh, frozen and live seafood, with more than 140 species represented, from familiar fish such as salmon and cod to shellfish and less common finds. Come to see traders at work and browse the day’s catch, or buy seafood to take home. The market is busiest early, so aim for 6 to 6:30am if you want time to look around with a little more room.

A fish market with a long history

Billingsgate’s fish trade became exclusive in the 16th century. Before then, the market dealt in other goods as well, including corn, coal, iron, wine, salt and pottery. An Act of Parliament allowed the sale of many kinds of fish, with eels excluded.

Today, the market remains a wholesale centre, but members of the public can shop there too. Its early trading hours give the visit a different rhythm from a daytime market: traders are working, seafood is being packed, and the choice includes both everyday fish and less familiar species.

What you can buy

The range includes fresh, frozen and live seafood. Common choices include salmon, cod, sea bass and prawns; stalls may also have oysters, clams, scallops, razor clams, monkfish and other varieties. The selection changes, so treat the market as a place to browse rather than a guarantee of a particular catch.

Some traders are focused on wholesale customers, and walk-in shoppers may need to be clear about what they want. Check the seafood before paying, especially if you are buying shellfish or live crab. Prices can compare favourably with retail shops, though they are not necessarily bargains, and some sellers may be open to haggling while others are not.