Leadenhall Market is a remarkable covered market on Gracechurch Street in London. Its name comes from the market established here in the 14th century around a manor home with a lead roof, but its roots go further. There was a forum on this site around 1 AD, at the centre of Roman London.
Harry Potter at Leadenhall Market
Diagon Alley is a vibrant shopping and restaurant area in the first Harry Potter film released in 2001. In one of the most memorable scenes from the film, Hagrid takes Harry Potter shopping for a wand after being introduced to his magical powers. Hagrid leads Harry through a secret passage to Diagon Alley, which can be found by entering through the Leaky Cauldron at 42 Bull’s Head Passage in Leadenhall Market (now an optician’s office). Harry Potter fan? See if you can take our Harry Potter London Quiz!
The location: The Glass House, 2-3 Bull’s Head Passage, Leadenhall Market, EC3V 1LU.
Highlights at Leadenhall Market
- Stunning Victorian architecture
- Lamb Tavern – historic pub from 1780 with a beautiful dining room
- Cheese Leadenhall – a boutique fromagerie with delicious lunchtime options
- Find the exact filming location from Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
- Be aware it’s closed on Sundays!
Upscale shops
From its humble beginnings as a simple food supplier, Leadenhall Market has definitely gone upscale. The covered market houses many permanent shops, the majority of which sell to an upmarket clientele. In addition, stores are selling fine clothing, jewellery, and accessories.
The market gets quite a lot of trade from the nearby city workers who often stop in at lunchtime for a meal, so there are also shops to accommodate their needs, such as a camera shop, a locksmith and shoe repair shop and a hairdresser.
Fresh food at Leadenhall Market
The market stalls feature mainly fresh foods such as meats, cheeses, and pasta. There are also stalls selling flowers, jewellery, and art. Leadenhall is also well known for its events, such as the annual “Light Up Leadenhall” event, where the Lord Mayor of London arrives to turn on the Christmas lights and draw the winning ticket for a fabulous Christmas Hamper.
“Sax in the City” is another popular event at the market; it is a week-long celebration of jazz with lunchtime performances and a fantastic Party Night of live jazz.
Key Information Leadenhall Market
- Free entry
- Indoor
- Type: Market
- City of London
- Area: Central London
- Tube: Bank / Monument
- Nearby: Museum of London
- Leadenhall Market Official Website