SPITALFIELDS is officially Britain’s best private market after it was named at a national awards ceremony.

Well known for its fashion, food and antiques, the market is a bustling home to around 200 independent traders, selling an eclectic mix of goods during the six market days held there every week.

Graham Wilson, chief executive of National Association of British Market Authorities said: “Old Spitalfields Market demonstrated all that is best in market provision, with a range of innovative services and a number of projects that really engage with the public.

“Clearly, it is a very historic site and all of the traders represented provide an excellent mix for shoppers. It truly is everything that a modern market should be.”

The Victorian market hall can trace its origins back as far as the 13th Century, when there was a market held next to St Mary’s Spittal on the edge of the Square Mile.

Following the relocation of the wholesale market in the early 1990s and the recent redevelopment, market bosses say it is now the focal point for City workers, Londoners and thousands of visiting tourists.

Lord Lee of Trafford, chairman of the Market’s operator, Wellington Market Company, added: “This really does validate all of the hard work that the traders and management team have put into making it the success that it’s become.”

Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Michael Bear, who was involved in the regeneration of Spitalfields, said: “Spitalfields is an area that is very close to my heart and any positive publicity that may come from this, will, undoubtedly benefit the wider community.

“Markets are an important part of London life and add a vibrancy that just cannot be replicated by the high street.”