The landlord of New Spitalfields, The Lord Mayor of London, made the annual visit to the market on Thursday.
Accompanied by a group of dignitaries that included Mr Alderman and Sheriff, Mr Sheriff and the Mayor of the London Borough of Waltham Forest, the Lord Mayor Michael Oliver was given a tour of the UK's premier market's premises by Daniel Caspi, chairman of the Corporation of London's market committee, and chairman of Spitalfields Market Tenants' Association, John Olney.
The Lord Mayor said: 'It is wonderful to see how this market has developed since came here when it was first established. The fact that it is 100 per cent occupied is a real achievement, particularly when you look at some of the other markets in London and elsewhere.' In a welcoming speech, Olney stressed that new Spitalfields is a horticultural market. 'It is important that I do, especially with the forthcoming review of the London wholesale markets,' he said.
'The point I will making to Nicholas Saphir (who is undertaking the review) is that whatever the recommendations are, there is a continued need for a level playing field. If there is to be an extension of trading in fish and meat products at Covent Garden market, the same opportunities should be granted to the tenants here.
'With the tenants and the Corporation working jointly, I am confident that Spitalfields will remain the jewel in the crown.'
