Leadenhall Market, London

Leadenhall Market is a covered market whose present form brings together painted metalwork, an ornate roof and cobbled paving. Look at the roof structure: its colours are green, maroon and cream, in a design created in 1881 by Sir Horace Jones. The market’s history reaches back to the 14th century, making it one of London’s oldest markets.

It began as a place for meat, game and poultry, and now includes food traders such as cheesemongers, butchers and florists. At the Gracechurch Street entrance, tall narrow gabled blocks in red brick and Portland stone create a double-height approach in a 17th-century Dutch style. The Lamb Tavern has stood here since 1780 and became a meeting place for insurance workers. This Grade II* building also appeared as London’s setting for the Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.