This large open space near the City was used for public events, such as jousts, tournaments and executions. Queen Mary I, 1553 - 58, had 300 Protestants burned at the stake at Smithfield, earning her the nickname 'Bloody Mary'.

The most famous of event to be held here was the annual Bartholomew Fair. Founded in 1123, this cloth fair degenerated over the years into one of London's most raucous entertainments. In 1855 the fair was suppressed by the City authorities for encouraging public disorder and Smithfield Market was built on the site. The Victorian writer Charles Dickens wrote of Smithfield Market in his novel Oliver Twist.

It is with this historical backdrop and fine traditions that lie at the heart of Robert Goodrick's British Butcher Shoppe, and define its approach, its values, and its quality.