Skip to player
Skip to main content
Skip to footer
Search
Connect
Watch fullscreen
Like
Comments
Bookmark
Share
Add to Playlist
Report
Facing the chop: One of Europe's oldest meat markets set to close
CGTN Europe
Follow
05/01/2025
ondon’s Smithfield market has been in business since the 11th century, but is set to move – a divisive development.
CGTN’s Kitty Logan reports.
Category
🗞
News
Transcript
Display full video transcript
00:00
As London sleeps, Smithfield Meat Market is a hive of activity.
00:06
But city authorities are calling time on this centuries-old tradition, closing it by 2028.
00:14
Smithfield originated as an open-air market in the 10th century,
00:18
selling live animals from around the country in the city.
00:22
In 1868, it relaunched in this specially designed building.
00:27
But little else has changed over the years.
00:30
Greg Lawrence has worked here since he was 16, building a solid family business.
00:35
Serving all London, the south-east of London,
00:39
all the institutions, the prisons, the care homes, the hospitals, the schools,
00:44
directly and indirectly. So it's very important.
00:47
We're selling it to butchers, small supermarkets, caterers, hotels, anyone who wants to buy meat.
00:54
The run-up to Christmas is the busiest time of the year at Smithfield.
00:58
Staff work long hours to supply all kinds of meat to commercial and private customers.
01:04
This market is part of a modern, thriving city.
01:09
But it's also key to London's tradition and heritage.
01:14
And when this site closes in a few years' time, it will be taken over by London Museum.
01:20
While the venue will be put to good use, many Londoners are saddened at losing their iconic market.
01:27
A public petition to stop the closure collected nearly 30,000 signatures.
01:32
But traders have agreed a settlement with the City of London.
01:36
Its Policy Chairman Chris Hayward says,
01:39
We've worked closely with the traders and thank them for their input and understanding.
01:44
We're committed to making sure they have the financial support and guidance they need
01:49
to transition seamlessly and successfully to new locations.
01:53
With no room to grow and frustrated by traffic problems, most traders are ready to move on.
01:59
It is the right time now. Ten years ago I wouldn't have said that.
02:04
It would be quite emotional for me because I've been here since 1966.
02:08
It is the right time. The road closures, the emissions, everything's against it at the moment.
02:16
A new location is yet to be announced, but traders hope the traditions of this market are transferable.
02:23
Kitty Logan, CDTN, London.
Recommended
0:39
|
Up next
DOING BUSINESS IN CHINA
CGTN Europe
05/10/2024
2:33
Five years after Brexit, UK companies are still adjusting their plans
CGTN Europe
31/01/2025
2:31
Musk's interview with AFD leader lacks substance but not importance
CGTN Europe
10/01/2025
2:36
Chinese phones take on Apple and Samsung at Mobile World Congress 2025
CGTN Europe
28/02/2025
0:41
'UK net zero needs Chinese technology': Sherard Cowper-Coles
CGTN Europe
02/10/2024
0:45
A real opportunity for for China and EU
CGTN Europe
09/03/2025
2:57
Happy Chinese New Year from Davos!
CGTN Europe
28/01/2025
2:13
UK economy stagnates in third quarter
CGTN Europe
23/12/2024
0:35
China: TikTok has played ‘positive role’ in U.S. market
CGTN Europe
20/01/2025
3:01
Questions remain as Burberry awaits half-year results
CGTN Europe
12/11/2024
0:35
'China will remain a very important market for London'
CGTN Europe
03/10/2024
1:19
F1 cars and robots: a walkthrough the Mobile World Congress
CGTN Europe
06/03/2025
3:00
China’s pet industry going wild
CGTN Europe
22/08/2024
2:45
Pork and talk: Spanish PM calls for honest dialogue with China
CGTN Europe
13/09/2024
3:09
Lights. Camera. Shopping!
CGTN Europe
21/09/2024
0:37
China: 'Hope U.S. will meet us halfway' on tariffs
CGTN Europe
10/04/2025
2:40
2024: The Year in Sport
CGTN Europe
31/12/2024
3:04
New German figures show subdued activity in manufacturing and service sectors
CGTN Europe
02/01/2025
1:34
German auto market looks to embrace Chinese competition
CGTN Europe
25/10/2024
2:36
Trade war with U.S. heightens crisis for Europe's steel industry
CGTN Europe
13/03/2025
4:31
World’s first tri-folding fold launched
CGTN Europe
05/03/2025
0:54
$70,000 a week rent! The businesses cashing in on Davos
CGTN Europe
22/01/2025
0:35
Suffering with Trump, Austria looks to China
CGTN Europe
14/03/2025
2:36
UK, Chinese business leaders meet ahead of CISCE
CGTN Europe
13/03/2025
3:10
UK businesses brace for impact as tax hikes loom
CGTN Europe
24/12/2024