The philanthropist Angela Burdett-Coutts established the Columbia Market in 1869 as a covered food market, which was eventually moved to Sundays, by Act of parliament, in order to accommodate the needs of local Jewish traders.

What resulted was the opportunity for Covent Garden and Spitalfields traders to sell stock left over from Saturdays. The enduring love for cut flowers and foliage amongst people in the East End was first introduced by the Huguenots but still lives large today; this bustling market serves as a testament to floral arrangement and green shrubbery’s lasting popularity.

The shops along Columbia road have opening times entirely aligned with market hours: Sunday morning only.