The historic market won best large outdoor market at the 2025 Great British Markets Awards (GBMA).
It was praised for its support for young traders and commitment to sustainability and community partnerships.
The market dates back to 1665 and operates six days a week with more than 80 traders, offering fresh produce, fish, clothing, household goods, and street food.
It hosted the National Market Traders Federation’s Young Traders Market in 2024.
It has also welcomed secondary school students as part of the Know Your Onions campaign to sell their home-grown produce and hosted a three-day art exhibition from a local artist.
Trader Nurzaman Choudhury said: “I’ve been trading 13 years in this market – I’m very happy to win this award.”
Another trader, Hasan Darwish, said: “I’ve been working in Whitechapel Market for 23 years, and I’m really happy working as a self-employed trader here.
“Our community is very good, we get a lot of help from the management, and the traders are very friendly as well.”
Tower Hamlets Council, in partnership with Tower Hamlets GP Care Group, recently offered free health checks to traders during their working hours.
Councillor Shafi Ahmed, cabinet member for environment and climate emergency, said: “Whitechapel Market is a hub of history, culture, and community – and it’s only getting better.
“Since 2021, the council has worked in partnership with traders and the wider community, investing £9.3m to improve market infrastructure, while enhancing the public realm around the market.”
The annual awards, hosted by the National Association of British Market Authorities, celebrate the outstanding contributions of markets to local communities, regeneration, and tourism.
Whitechapel Market was one of two markets in Tower Hamlets to collect awards at the 2025 GBMA.
Columbia Road Flower Market was crowned best small market.
