London's Local Flavour 2015

Covent Garden Market
The Heart of London
Farmers’ Market
130 King Street (at Talbot)
MAPS A & B:
36
PHONE: 519-439-3921
HOURS: MON–THUR
8 am–6 pm
FRI: 8 am–7:30 pm
SAT: 8 am–6 pm
SUN: 11 am–4 pm
www.coventmarket.com
Underground Parking
The COVENT GARDEN MARKET, in its third incarnation, was rebuilt
in its present location in 2000. Located downtown at the junction of
King and Talbot Streets, it is a strong attraction for locals and out-oftown
guests alike. The original market building, established in 1845, a
handsome and stately affair, was once the subject
of a bucolic oil painting by local artist Paul Peel.
Today, the Covent Garden Market remains one
of the city’s most venerated cultural landmarks
and the heart and soul of the downtown area.
On market days in earlier times, farmers travelled over
back-country roads to sell from their wagons at Market
Square. Meat was sold from covered booths inside the
market building, and a large pot-bellied stove provided
heat in the winter months. Market-goers and farmers were
brought together to barter on sawdust-covered floors, where
everything and anything was for sale.
In the 1880s, a collection of shops just east of the market building was known
as the Market Bazaar, selling anything “from a needle to an anchor.” By 1905,
these buildings had been torn down and “con men, jugglers, musicians, magicians,
medicine men and preachers” reportedly made pitches in the open square.
Covent Garden Market, which was
named, like many local landmarks, after
the original in London, England, retains
a strong sense of London’s early history
and tradition. In the 1950s, the historic
stately building was replaced by an
enclosed market and parking garage,
which were completed in 1956, with two
levels added for parking in 1958.
Despite all the changes, several
long-time merchant families have
served the market public
for generations, including
the Smiths since 1887 and
the Havaris family since Bob Usher, Covent Garden Market CEO
Outdoor Farmers’ Market
In the Market Square
HOURS: THURS & SAT
8 am–6 pm
May to November
T W
Tastes from
The Tea Haus
The original market Petit building Paris
International Bakery
and square, by Paul Peel, 1883
Sebastian’s
Strano Bagel & Deli
Sweet Cakes
Chris’ Country Cuts
Field Gate Organics
Seoul Seafood Shoppe
Smith Cheese Inc
Chocolate Factory
La Chocolaterie Forrat
Hasbeans
Market Lottery
Conservatory of Music
Happy Wear
Covent Garden Market and
Square was rebuilt in 1999
Spriet Family Theatre/
Original Kids Theatre
The Studio
We’re
The Heart of London
T
K
...and
Bl
Es
FARMERS’ MARKETS
London’s Local Flavour
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