Mercato Metropolitano to launch 'neighbourhood concept' in Canary Wharf

10-Mar-2021 - Last updated on 26-Apr-2021 at 16:51 GMT

Food market Mercato Metropolitano is to launch a new 'neighbourhood concept' in London's Canary Wharf this summer as it pushes ahead with a £35m plan for global expansion.

Called MMy Wood Wharf, the concept will be 'a distillation' of the larger markets operated by Mercato Metropolitano that's aimed at local neighbourhoods.

The 600sq ft market will occupy two levels of 10 George Street, the first Vertus build-to-rent residence in the Canary Wharf district, and follow the same approach to artisanal, natural and sustainable food for which Mercato Metropolitano is known for at its larger Elephant & Castle and Mayfair markets.

Artisanal kitchens, a deli and grocery store, organic and biodynamic wines, local and European cheeses, and a bakery will all be included in the new Wood Wharf market space, alongside a jazz music venue.

A programme of activities centred around food accessibility and nutrition will also be hosted by the market as a way to help the business engage with the local community.

“Mercato Metropolitano’s business model fits our vision for Wood Wharf in bringing creative, educational and highly entrepreneurial businesses to Canary Wharf that have the ability to continuously adapt and widen our appeal," says Martin Jones, retail leasing executive of the Canary Wharf Group, which is overseeing the Wood Wharf project.

“We wish Mercato every success and are excited to partner with a team who have a such a strong track record in creating unique, fun and compelling destinations that value sustainability."

The opening in Canary Wharf will be one of three new sites being launched in the capital by Mercato Metropolitano this year as part of a £35m global expansion plan.

A site at London’s Elephant Park development is also expected to launch in the summer, followed in the autumn by another in Ilford that has been billed as a rooftop urban farm and market designed to produce 60-80 tonnes of mixed vegetables a year.

The group is aiming to open a total of 10 new sites around the world by 2025, with US locations in Atlanta, Boston, Miami and New York planned alongside Berlin, Lisbon and Milan in Europe.

Longer-term, further markets are planned for secondary cities in the UK and globally.

Mercato Metropolitano expects the expansion drive to create around 2,000 new jobs.