Old Billingsgate began life in 1875 as the largest fish market in the world, designed by City architect Sir Horace Jones, and traded until 1982. Reimagined by architect Lord Richard Rogers, the Grade II listed building is now one of London's premier event venues, with the triple-height Grand Hall, the subterranean Vault and the light-filled Gallery hosting everything from galas to fashion shows. This guide covers exactly how to reach it for your event.
01 / LOCATIONWhere exactly is Old Billingsgate?
Old Billingsgate is at 16 Lower Thames Street, City of London, EC3R 6DX, on the riverside between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, a few steps from Monument. The entrance is on Lower Thames Street, with the building's terrace facing the Thames. It sits in the Congestion Charge zone and the ULEZ, on a busy through-road with no public car park — so for arrivals, a clean drop-off at the Lower Thames Street entrance is the sensible approach.
02 / THE SETTINGA Victorian landmark on the Thames
The drama of Old Billingsgate is its scale and its history. The Grand Hall — once the market floor — soars under a triple-height ceiling with ornate ironwork and a feature mezzanine, seating well over a thousand for dinner. Below, The Vault, where ice once kept the day's catch, is a moody warren of brick arches perfect for receptions and parties; The Gallery is its bright, contemporary counterpoint. Above it all, the riverside terrace offers one of the finest views in London, straight across to Tower Bridge. Whichever space brings you here, the point for arrival is the same: it's a venue of real occasion, so the journey to its door deserves the same composure.
03 / STATIONSNearest stations and getting around
The venue is exceptionally well connected in the heart of the City:
- Monument (Circle and District lines) is about a four-minute walk, the closest Underground station.
- Bank (Central, Northern, Waterloo & City lines and the DLR) is around seven minutes on foot.
- Cannon Street and Fenchurch Street mainline stations are both close, with London Bridge a short walk across the river.
For getting around day to day, the links are excellent. The catch on the night of an event is the familiar one: easy travelling light, far harder in evening dress or with kit, after a flight, with a Tube change at the end of it.
04 / AIRPORTSAirport transfer times to Old Billingsgate
Old Billingsgate draws guests from across the country and around the world. The board below gives realistic door-to-door driving times for a pre-booked private hire car. Treat them as a planning guide; City traffic has its own ideas.
From Heathrow
London City is the closest airport, a short hop to the east — handy for guests flying in for a City event. From Heathrow in the west, the Elizabeth line runs to Liverpool Street and the District line to Monument, but it's a long ride with luggage. A direct Heathrow airport transfer by car removes that journey, with the driver meeting you in arrivals and bringing you straight to Lower Thames Street.
From the other airports
London City is closest of all; Gatwick connects by the Gatwick Express to Victoria, while Luton and Stansted sit further out to the north. From each, the rail route ends in a Tube ride and a walk; for a group, or anyone in event dress with bags, one car and one fixed price is the gentler option.
A landmark of real occasion — the arrival should feel just as composed.
05 / THE EASY WAYArriving for your event — train, Tube or private hire?
There's no single right answer. Coming light from elsewhere in town? The Tube to Monument works well. A pre-booked private hire transfer tends to win when arrival matters most:
- You are arriving for an evening gala, awards dinner or wedding and want to step out smartly at the entrance, not emerge from the Tube.
- You are travelling as a group and would value a saloon, executive car, MPV or larger vehicle together.
- You want a fixed fare known before you travel — no surge, no meter ticking in City traffic.
- Your flight time is uncertain — a tracked driver simply adjusts and waits.
Why this helps at Old Billingsgate: the venue sits on the busy Lower Thames Street with no public parking, and events here often run late into the evening. A local driver knows the cleanest set-down point at the entrance and brings you to it rather than circling — and a pre-booked pick-up means a car is waiting when the evening ends, with no surge late at night.
06 / NEARBYWhat's around Old Billingsgate
Old Billingsgate sits among the City's most famous riverside landmarks:
- The Monument & Tower of London — Wren's great column and the historic fortress, both a short walk along the river.
- Tower Bridge & The Shard — framed perfectly from the venue terrace, just across the Thames.
- Sky Garden & Leadenhall Market — the free rooftop garden and the ornate Victorian market a few minutes north.
- Borough Market & the South Bank — a short walk across London Bridge for food and the river walk.
07 / FAQFrequently asked questions
Where is Old Billingsgate?
Old Billingsgate is at 16 Lower Thames Street, City of London, EC3R 6DX, on the riverside between London Bridge and Tower Bridge. The nearest Tube is Monument, about a four-minute walk.
What's the nearest station to Old Billingsgate?
Monument (Circle and District lines) is about a four-minute walk and is closest, with Bank around seven minutes and Cannon Street, Fenchurch Street and London Bridge mainline stations all nearby.
How do I get from Heathrow to Old Billingsgate?
Heathrow is around 17 miles away, roughly 50 to 90 minutes by car depending on traffic. The Elizabeth line to Liverpool Street is an option, but it's a long ride with luggage; a pre-booked car runs door to door with the fare fixed in advance.
Is there parking or drop-off at Old Billingsgate?
There is no public car park, and the venue is in the Congestion Charge and ULEZ zones. There is a set-down point at the Lower Thames Street entrance; most guests arrive by Tube or are dropped by car at the door.
Is a pre-booked car a good idea for an event there?
Yes. For an evening gala, awards dinner or wedding in the Grand Hall or Vault, a pre-booked car with a fixed fare, a driver who knows the Lower Thames Street entrance and no surge pricing makes arriving — and leaving late — calm and easy.
Can I book a fixed-price transfer to Old Billingsgate in advance?
Yes. With Rushxo you can book online or by WhatsApp at any hour, with the fare confirmed before you ride, no surge pricing and 24/7 human support.
Time Matters
Arrive at Old Billingsgate the easy way
Fixed-fare private hire to and from Old Billingsgate, City of London EC3. Local drivers, flight tracking, no surge — confirmed before you ride.