Back in 2019, street food legends KERB took a big step into the world of undercover markets – where they’re began competing with the big dogs of Mercato Metropolitano, Pop Brixton, and Borough Market. Since then, Seven Dials Market has become a central London foodie hotspot (for good reason) and even more street food market halls have popped up around the city, from Asian food haven Bang Bang Oriental to now two Arcade food halls.
Found next to London’s heptagonal haven, Seven Dials Market is the West End’s only covered food market, and its position—tantalisingly close to Neal’s Yard and Covent Garden—means it hoovers up punters like anyone’s game.
In the 19th Century, Seven Dials Market, then Thomas Neal’s Warehouse, was used to store cucumbers and bananas. Paying homage to the building’s past, the market is now split into two sections: Cucumber Alley, where you’ll find fresh local produce, and Banana Warehouse, which houses an excellent cast of street food traders.
The lineup is killer and features bun huns Yum Bun, the very nice Oshpaz Dumplings, fancy fried chicken fiends El Pollote, as well as the exciting cheese conveyor belt (!) restaurant from Camden’s Cheese Bar team, Pick & Cheese. Honestly, look at that cheese go!
What’s more, to kick the year off with a delicious bang, KERB is bringing four new talents to join their street food lineup this January. On January 23, cheeseburger expert Motherflipper, Indian kati wrap geniuses Kolkati, Lucky’s Hot Chicken home of the fried chicken sandos, and sensational Colombian tacos from ex-Padella chef, Sebastian Clavijo Largo at Los Gordos are all making Seven Dials Market their permanent home.
KERB have retained the building’s beautiful cast iron beams and brick arches, and added a touch of the brand’s iconic pop-art character. Guests can dine upon baby pink marble counters, sit on orange leather stools, or ride an electric pink elevator to take them between floors. Cucumber Alley found on the side of the main food hall (fittingly named Banana Warehouse) is a heavenly line of vendors serving up superb desserts and delicious snacks that aren’t to be missed.
Of course, there are also two bars, with drinks from local independent producers (namely East London Liquor Company and Gipsy Hill Brewing Company) and The Market Bookshop at Warehouse Bar, a space dedicated to London’s food, drink and culture in literature. Bar Nana on the other hand serves up nutritional fresh juices by day and is a fun cocktail bar by night.
A very happy day can be made out of wandering from stall to stall, Check out their website for more.
Find Seven Dials Market at Earlham Street, WC12 9LX.
Also published on Medium.