Britain's oldest meat market, which has been operating for 800 years, holds a Christmas Eve auction before possibly closing down.

London's oldest meat market, Smithfield, recently held its annual Christmas Eve auction where locals gathered to stock up on festive food. It was a bittersweet occasion as it could potentially be one of the last auctions held at this historic market. After over 800 years of operation, the City of London Corporation, which has been responsible for running the market since 1327, is considering closing it down. This decision is a part of their plan to relocate the market and other wholesale food markets to a new development in Dagenham, costing around £1 billion.

However, there is some good news for the traders at Smithfield as they have been given the opportunity to continue their operations at the market until at least 2028. But for now, this could be one of the last Christmas auctions, making it a special event for both sellers and buyers alike. Excited crowds wrapped up in their coats and gathered at the market near Farringdon, eagerly waving their pounds in hopes of getting some festive food.

The auction, which was paused during the pandemic, returned last year to the delight of the locals. It is a tradition that dates back to 2019, where sellers auction off surplus meat that was not sold during the festive period. The market is filled with cuts of prime meat displayed for buyers to bid on, with some even offering meat at the toss of a coin, making it an exciting and unique experience.

The atmosphere at this year's auction was jubilant, with families holding signs that read "Turkey please" and wearing festive hats. Even young butchers were helping out, adding to the holiday spirit. The event lasts for about two hours on average, but it is a highly anticipated one for the locals who return each year in hopes of getting their hands on some bargain-priced meat.

The Smithfield Market has a rich history, with the current site being built in 1868. The same architect designed Billingsgate, which was redeveloped in the 19th century. It is now the UK's largest inland fish market, located in Canary Wharf since 1982. The City of London Corporation is responsible for running the site and paying the ground rent. However, there are plans to transform the current Billingsgate site into a mixed-use housing scheme.

The Christmas meat auction at Smithfield is not only a beloved tradition but also a significant part of London's history. It is a reminder of the centuries-old market and its importance in providing fresh meat to the city. As the potential closure of the market looms, this year's auction was even more special, with families and children holding signs and wearing festive attire, adding to the festive cheer. But for now, we can still enjoy the tradition of the Christmas meat auction at Smithfield, a true testament to London's rich culture and heritage.

[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]