Market Place plots nationwide expansion

25-Sep-2023 - Last updated on 25-Sep-2023 at 14:04 GMT

London-based food hall operator Market Place is aiming to open three to four sites per year as it looks to take its concept nationwide.

Speaking to MCA, Restaurant's sister site, managing director Blake Henderson said the group is in negotiations for its first central London site and a regional outpost in Liverpool to operate alongside its current locations in Vauxhall, Hounslow, Harrow, and Peckham.

“We found a sweet spot on the high street,” Henderson said.

“We found places not being used and decided to turn them into F&B units.”

According to Henderson, the ‘sweet spot’ is locations with high footfall, but an underdeveloped range of F&B offers. The concept is targeting areas with a mix of residents, commuters, and workers.

“There are a lot of untapped areas in London,” he added.

“We’re primarily looking at high street and near commuter stations, with an office crowd for daytime and residents for evening.

“We’re an all-day operation.”

Market Place is on the lookout to expand to Newcastle, Cardiff, Glasgow, and Nottingham among other cities. It is looking for sites between 5,000 and 10,000 sq ft and also potentially bigger locations.

“Liverpool will be our first test outside London.

“We’re looking at some bigger sites as part of the plan to grow fast but organically.

“Diversity and authenticity is what customers are looking for.”

The strategy is a mix of known names as well as unproven operators in an 'authentic and friendly but not pretentious' environment.

“We haven’t seen a lot of drop-off,” Henderson said.

“Food halls are budget-conscious… they’re for everyone.”