Market central
Due to Farringdon being situated near the centre of the City of London, it has been an important commercial hub for centuries. Evidence of this is found in the presence of two important markets in the area. Smithfield Market is the oldest and largest meat market in the UK. A walk around Smithfield, which is open from Monday to Friday from 02:00 is a truly unforgettable and archaic experience, as hundreds of butchers and buyers barter furiously over their produce.
If you are a vegetarian, or prefer your meat cooked and filleted, just up the road from Smithfield is Exmouth Market. Although not technically a market, just the name of a street, Exmouth Market is full of wonderful stalls selling everything from bowler hats to banoffee pie. There are also some excellent shops, boutiques and restaurants lining the road.
Those after the aforementioned succulent meat must pay a visit to the Quality Chop House on the Farringdon Road. The dining room has been serving up the finest cuts since 1869 and is housed within an exceptional listed building. Next door is the Food Shop & Butcher, if you're looking for a delicious souvenir of your trip.
Dans Le Noir
For an even more unique and unforgettable dining experience, look no further than Dans Le Noir. Situated just north of Farringdon station, this restaurant is shrouded in complete darkness and the waiters are all blind. The menu is comprised of various different ‘surprises', from ‘surprise fish' to ‘complete surprise' and the effect is just that, one of complete surprise and amazement at how you adapt to the dark.
Nightlights
After a day of gastronomic and retail delight, the culture vultures among you will be delighted to learn that one of London's most prestigious theatres is just down the road. Sadler's Wells Theatre has been showing the best in British performance art on its stage since 1683. It has a comprehensive programme that includes ballet, contemporary dance, comedy and theatre.
If you love dance but prefer full participation, Farringdon is also home to one of the world's most famous nightclubs. Fabric has been the hottest spot on London's club scene since 1999. The club was voted No. 1 in the world 2007 and 2008 by DJ Magazine, No. 2 in 2009 and 2010, and still continues to top worldwide polls.
London life
One of our Farringdon hotels is, of course, ideal for your exploration of one of the greatest cities in the world. Just down the road from Farringdon is Clerkenwell, with its fabulous cafés and churches. While a short bus ride away in the opposite direction you have Old Street, home to some of the capital's funkiest clubs and bars and the gateway to all that trendy east London has to offer.
