The Old Market

On the border of Brighton and Hove sits one of the region's most charismatic buildings—The Old Market (TOM). This Grade II listed architectural landmark was built in the first half of the 19th century and has evolved over two centuries from a humble food market into one of the most sought-after independent concert venues in the UK.

Today, TOM (as it is affectionately known by locals) is a dynamic cultural hub capable of hosting up to 500 spectators. Under its elegant roof with massive wooden beams that preserve the spirit of the Victorian era, iconic events take place: from jazz concerts and cabaret to avant-garde theater and stand-up comedy.

The uniqueness of the venue is underscored by its owners—the creators of the legendary show STOMP. Thanks to their investment, The Old Market has been transformed into a high-tech venue with stunning acoustics, while retaining its iconic arches and historic charm. In addition to the main hall, it houses art galleries and a cozy bar that has become a magnet for the city's creative bohemian scene.

To ensure your visit to The Old Market goes perfectly, we recommend checking the current event schedule and ticket availability in advance. As the venue is a highly popular spot in Brighton, information regarding bar opening times and show starts may vary depending on the current program.

Up-to-date details on upcoming concerts, theatrical productions, and special events are always available on the official resources of this premier UK cultural venue.

A visit to The Old Market is always an opportunity to experience cutting-edge art. The main hall regularly hosts world-class stars such as Fatboy Slim and Michael McIntyre, as well as promising indie performers. Here, you can find experimental plays, captivating dance shows, or evenings of intellectual stand-up as part of the famous Brighton Fringe festival.

Special attention should be given to the #TOMtech project, which combines live performances with modern digital technologies. If your goal is simply to relax, head to the local bar. During events, it often features sets by trendy DJs, and the atmosphere, surrounded by stylish interiors and temporary photo exhibitions, is perfect for socializing.

Architecture lovers in Brighton should take a close look at the interior details: the combination of historic brickwork with modern engineering creates a unique backdrop for any event. The hall's acoustic capabilities make every concert at The Old Market special, allowing the sound to unfold to its fullest potential.

The Old Market cultural center is conveniently located on the border of Brighton and Hove at 11A Upper Market St. A walk from Brighton & Hove Railway Station takes no more than 10–15 minutes, while the journey from the famous Brighton Pier is about 20–25 minutes along the scenic seafront.

If you prefer public transport, you can use the bus network. From the city center, routes 5B, 6, 12A, 47, or 49 will take you to the Brunswick Place or Wish Road stops. For those coming from the Hove side, buses 700 or 47 are the most convenient options.

For drivers, there are paid parking zones in the Brunswick Square area; however, due to high traffic on central streets, we recommend opting for a walk or the bus. GPS coordinates for navigation: 50.8246067, -0.1573939.

The history of this remarkable building in Brighton began between 1825 and 1828. Architect Charles Busby designed it as a covered market for the prestigious Brunswick Town area. It was intended for meat and fish sales, but competition from the city's central markets proved too high, and the building’s purpose soon shifted dramatically.

In the 19th century, the former market was transformed into a riding academy and stables. The building was so vast that it featured ramps leading up four floors, and local legends still whisper that the ghostly echo of horse hooves can be heard here at night. Later, with the decline of horse-drawn transport, the premises were used as a warehouse and even a bacon-curing house.

A new chapter for The Old Market opened in the 1970s when volunteers and artists began turning the industrial space into a creative hub. In 2010, the building was acquired by the creators of the world-famous show STOMP—Steve McNicholas and Luke Cresswell. They undertook a massive renovation, preserving the historic arches and unique wooden roof beams while installing state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment.

When planning your visit to The Old Market, focus primarily on the duration of your chosen event. On average, an evening show, concert, or theatrical production lasts between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. However, we suggest arriving 30–40 minutes early to appreciate the building's unique architecture and soak up the atmosphere in the local bar.

If you also plan to visit temporary exhibitions in the gallery or stay for a DJ set after the performance, you should allow about 4–5 hours for your visit. This is plenty of time to immerse yourself in the cultural life of this independent art center without rushing.

The standard opening hours for The Old Market on weekdays are from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. However, this is just a base schedule: the venue truly comes alive in the evening when concerts or plays are on the bill. On these days, doors open well in advance of the show, and the bar remains open until late.

The center is usually closed on Saturdays and Sundays unless special daytime events or festivals are scheduled. To avoid missing an interesting event and to confirm opening times for a specific day, we recommend always checking the calendar on the official website.

A visit to The Old Market is easily combined with a stroll past the coast's most iconic landmarks, as the venue sits in the heart of one of the city's liveliest districts. Just a few minutes' walk away is the elegant Brighton Bandstand, where live music often plays to the sound of the waves during warmer months.

For those who want to see the city from a bird's-eye view, the futuristic Brighton i360 tower is an excellent choice. If you are looking for quirky experiences and fun photos, be sure to stop by the Upside Down House. You can round off your walk at the site of the historic West Pier, whose mysterious silhouette has become one of the city's most recognizable symbols.