Uncommon Market

Anthony Bourdain is doing it in New York. Now a team of restaurateurs — backed by a group of celebrity chefs including Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson and Yotam Ottolenghi – are doing it in London. But better. London Union, a new parent company to Street Feast, will create a flagship food market in the middle of the city, with 15 satellite food markets creating a network across the capital. According to Propel, “the pioneering Street Feast model takes under used and neglected spaces in London and turns them into vibrant street food markets, bringing communities together, creating employment, and providing opportunities for new food traders to establish themselves without requiring large amounts of capital. London Union has already opened three local markets this year: Model Market in Lewisham, Dalston Yard in east London, and Dinerama in Shoreditch. These markets are expected to welcome 750,000 visitors in the next 12 months, create over 400 jobs and support over 60 small businesses. Over the next five years, London Union plans to open 15 more local, day and night markets, as well as one flagship market in a permanent location in central London. Potential locations currently being considered include a huge floating market on the south bank of the Thames and Smithfield’s Fish Market, restored after 30 years of closure.” It’s the latest sign of a maturing street food sector with over half of Street Feast’s 60-plus strong network of traders investing in the business.