If you have a restaurant in London, or planning to have a small party where you and friends will be the cook, this is the place to get your meat. The quality is second to none.

London Central Markets

As its' official name, i've never heard of it being called that, especially as it is the largest wholesale meat market in the UK and one of the largest of its kind in Europe. It is housed in three listed buildings located within the Square Mile of the City of London. It's location must be the most expensive meat market around the world.

Open from 2-7 AM, Monday to Friday. Located between Farringdon and Barbican tube stations, nearest to St. Paul's station.

Over 800 years

In its' website, it is a place packed with history as there has been a livestock market on the site for over 800 years yet it is very modern in its facilities for the receiving, storing and despatching of meat and poultry.

The place is very clean, especially the floor. As it is wholesale, be prepared to buy prepared heavy chunks of meat. I couldn't even buy two kilos as there's none prepared unless you're buying steaks and other smaller chopped meat. They don't chopped them in there as the counters are clean. 

Peeping through some doorways and windows, preparations of meat can still be seen. As you can see, all the men wear white coats and gloves in maintaining cleanliness. NO FLIES noticed too!

RATIONING during the war- 4 oz of bacon a week per person

I found this written in one of the hanging boards outside the main gates. Just let me share it with you.

As the war in the Atlantic intensified, many of the supply lines to England were cut by the German submarines, resulting in huge shortages and forced the Government to introduced rationing. People were given a ration book full of coupons which allowed them to buy limited amounts of various goods. They were only allowed between 1 shilling (5 pence) and 2 shillings (10p) of meat per week.

Can anyone live with that? Yes of course! The vegans and vegetarians can. As I only have bacon once or twice a week, perhaps I can too. I just don't buy any. Easy peasy. 

Yesterday, we were here.  Today, this is where we are. Tomorrow, this is where we will be.

Is anyone ready to buy their meat?  Choose away!

People love their steak.

How do you like yours?

All images are mine, taken with my Samsung Galaxy S7.

www.smithfieldmarket.com