Style: It's now or never for Spitalfields

Spitalfields market in the heart of the East End has been one of London's best-kept secrets for three years.

The only problem is, the City's fat cats are desperate to get their paws on it

Every Sunday, Spitalfields market is buzzing. Not with tourists like Camden or Portobello, but with real Londoners, out to meet friends or to sample the array of stalls selling everything from handmade soap and bedlinen, to wrought-iron beds, Tom Dixon furniture and second-hand clothes.

The area has recently been described as the new Covent Garden, with small creative businesses setting up in their droves, a jazz bar, and an opera house, which provided the venue for Julien MacDonald's fashion show two weeks ago.

But, before Spitalfields is labelled as such, it is worth noting what has happened to Covent Garden in recent years. Extortionate rents forced small shops out of the area and onto back quiet streets, only to be taken over by Marks and Spencer, Diesel, and Pepe Jeans. Covent Garden is now just like any other upmarket British high street. The Hat Shop, which recently relocated to Spitalfields, spent 15 years on Neal Street and was forced out due to rent increases, only to be taken over by Cobra Sports.

These days, Hat Shop owners Nigel and Carol Denford are the lucky ones. Their shop is in the listed half of Spitalfields which borders Commercial Street. The other half which borders Steward Street has been earmarked by LIFFE (London International Financial Futures Exchange) who want to turn the site into a huge banking and shopping complex, designed by Sir Norman Foster. This half was listed until 1991, when the Conservative Government lifted its listed status. Jil Cove, co-ordinator for the Save Spitalfields Campaign, is working furiously to gain support from Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, who has the power to intervene in the development process. In a meeting planned for 23 October all sides will gather to see whether planning permission will be granted to LIFFE.

To support the Save Spitalfields campaign call Jil Cove on 0171-247 4283

MARKET LEADERS

Spitalfields Art Project

Part of an urban regeneration scheme comprising Spitz Restaurant, Bar, Venue and Commercial Gallery. 109 Commercial Street E1. Info: 0171-247 9747

Spitalfields Market Opera, The next performance is of Dirty Tricks from 22-26 October, by the Modern Music Theatre Troupe. Booking: 0171-375 2637

Stagestruck (top left) Fancy-dress hire shop run with love and care by Alan and Cyril, and which boasts more than 2,000 costumes. Like walking through the wardrobe into Narnia. 41 Brushfield St E1, 0800 174 114

The Hat Shop (far left) Fabulous hats, from winter woollies to feathered confections. 4 Lamb St E1, 0171-247 1120

La La London (left) Re-opens tomorrow as a lifestyle shop selling the clubby, sexy clothes it is known for, with the addition of furniture and household accessories. 17 Lamb Street E1

sub. m2 Contemporary furniture, lighting, and products, including Tom Dixon, Alessi and Babylon. 7 Lamb St E1, 0171-392 2202

Frockbrokers The ultimate dress agency. It carries samples, end-of-line ranges, and MA collections from some of the brightest talent in London. Find Shelley Fox, Bella Freud, and more. 47 Brushfield Street E1, 0171- 247 4222

Bollom Paint merchants. 71 Brushfield St E1, 0171-375 0497.

Redhouse Wrought-iron beds. 43 Brushfield Street E1, 0171-375 0516