Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market is a covered market in the City of London whose roots reach back to 1321, when poultry and cheese traders settled at Leadenhall. The current ornate cast-iron-and-glass-roofed structure was built in 1881 by Horace Jones, architect of Tower Bridge and Smithfield Market. The burgundy pillars, gilded dragons and starry-painted ceiling make it one of London's most beautiful Victorian market halls; it has been Grade II* listed since 1972. The market became famous as the filming location for Diagon Alley in the first Harry Potter film, bringing daily tourist groups. On weekdays, however, it's mostly bankers from the surrounding skyscrapers grabbing lunch in the pubs and sandwich shops.