Smithfield

Smithfield meat market has a pedigree of some 800 years and a livestock market has operated on the site as far back as the 10th century. The meat market is still going strong, but the area is now better known for its excellent bars, restaurants and clubs including a super club Fabric.

Smithfield was the main site for the execution of heretics. Around 50 Protestants were executed in the town in the reign of Mary I. In 1305 William Wallace was also executed here.

Smithfield actually benefited from an ancient licensing law that allowed local pubs to stay open until 4am. This curious rule was so that meat workers could have a beer when they finished late shifts, and the laws were never changed.
Now that the UK's licensing laws are falling more in line with Europe, it is not hard to find a bar that stays open past cocoa time.