Architecture
Known for its spectacular Victorian architecture, ornate ironwork and colourful glass roof, this iconic venue combines rich heritage with modern shopping and dining. The roof, the lamps, and the shopfronts all have the same style, painted primarily maroon, green, and cream, paying homage to the market’s long history. This and the cobblestone streets create a very different atmosphere from the glass and concrete one you see right outside the market.
What’s In the Leadenhall Market
The market offers a selection of shops, restaurants and cafes under its roof, and you’ll be covered from the rain. The over twenty restaurants and pubs are especially popular and can draw a big crowd from the surrounding office buildings on weekdays. While there are also some clothing shops, most regulars go there for the food and drinks, while tourists want to visit for the Harry Potter connection and the architecture. Many of the places at the market are closed during the weekends.
Sometimes, events and pop-up shops are held at the market. The official website, which lists current events, is the best place to find out about these. One important annual event is the Christmas Lights Switch On in November, where the Lord Mayor of London is usually present.
Harry Potter Films
The first Harry Potter film featured the market’s walkways and shopfronts for the Dragon Alley scenes and inspired the sets built in the studios afterwards. It is still a big reason many people want to visit the market. As you explore the Leadenhall Market, watch for the Bulls Head passage, which was used as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron.
