Covent Garden Market

“Did someone say pineapples?” You might hear that question a lot at Covent Garden Market. This iconic London market has a long and fruity history. Established in 1670, Covent Garden Market wasn’t always the bustling shopping centre you see today. It started as a humble open-air fruit and vegetable market. This was back when the area was owned by the Duke of Bedford, quite the character himself! You see, he commissioned the grand architect Inigo Jones to create a beautiful piazza to attract wealthy tenants. Well, things didn’t quite go as planned. Instead of elegant social gatherings, Covent Garden Market became a magnet for traders. By the 18th century, it was a chaotic whirlwind of sights and smells, much like today, just imagine more horse-drawn carriages and less Instagram! The market thrived, feeding Londoners for centuries until the 1970s when it faced the threat of demolition. Thankfully, passionate locals rallied together and saved it from destruction. Today, the market thrives in its beautifully restored neoclassical building designed by Charles Fowler. It’s no longer just about produce. Covent Garden Market is now a vibrant hub of shops, restaurants and a must-visit for any visitor to London. Oh, and about the pineapples? They were once a symbol of wealth and exoticism, a popular and sought-after item at the market in its early days!