One of the reasons why London is the best city in the world is that its store of secrets and quirks never runs dry. One such secret, steeped in centuries of history is Smithfield market’s annual Christmas Eve meat auction. Greg Lawrence of Harts Burtchers has been hosting the event for the last 30 years out of Hart’s premises on the west end of Charterhouse street.
Lawrence says “50 or 60 years ago there used to be three or four auctions on the market, but now we’re the only ones left.” Lawrence is resplendent in his role as auctioneer, keeping his eager crowd entertained and in high spirits as he sells off the last of the year’s produce. Lawrence loves doing the Christmas Eve meat action and says he “wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
