If you’ve enjoyed street food from a pop-up stall or a market in London, you’ve likely come across KERB. The street food collective was started back in 2009 by Petra Barran who wanted to bring food traders together to organise and support each other. Now they operate five street market clusters around London and run multiple food and drink venues at the National Theatre. But perhaps the jewel in their crown is their impressive food hall in central London: Seven Dials Market.
The Seven Dials Market launched back in 2019 when the folks at KERB decided to open up a new offering in the market world. Competing with big dogs like the Mercato markets and Borough Market, they’ve since carved out a unique niche in London’s food scene. The food hall has become a foodie hotspot in the city, serving up some of the most exciting, and delicious, food around.
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Thanks to its position – tantalisingly close to Neal’s Yard and Covent Garden – it hoovers up punters like nobody’s business. Regardless of whether you’re shopping, heading to see a West End show, or just mooching about the city, it’s the perfect place to stop off for a bite or a drink. And thanks to the wealth of food traders inside, there’s something for any appetite or craving.
Seven Dials Market
Back before it was Seven Dials Market, the building was home to Thomas Neal’s Warehouse. In the 19th century, it was used to store cucumbers and bananas – something that influences the building’s identity today. The market is split into two sections: Cucumber Alley and Banana Warehouse. You’ll also spot more than a handful of brightly-coloured bananas scattered around the area.
When they opened Seven Dials Market, KERB 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 at baby pink marble counters, sit on brightly-coloured stools, or ride an electric pink elevator between floors. It’s not just a place to fill your stomach, it’s a feast for the eyes too!
When the weather gets warmer, there are also al fresco tables around the outside of the market. You can grab a bite, grab a drink, and grab a table under the sun. What could be better?
To eat
If you’re in a rush and just looking for a quick bite to grab and eat on the go, breeze your way through Cucumber Alley. Across the eight traders within this food-filled thoroughfare, you’ll find all manner of snacks and sweet delights. You can tuck into the likes of Dirty Bagel’s towering bagel sandwiches or Hash Hut’s loaded hash brown creations. And if you’re still peckish after that you can grab a sweet treat from Little Pudding or Soft Serve Society, among other choices.
But if you’re looking to settle in and explore all of the delicious goodness that Seven Dials Market has to offer, head on into the main food hall, Banana Warehouse. Here you’ll find thirteen more traders, ranging from street food vendors to chai purveyors and even a restaurant with a cheese conveyor belt. London’s celebrated burger slingers from Bleecker have even opened their biggest London location to date, right there in Seven Dials Market. Other highlights include Jollof Mama, Lucky’s Hot Chicken, Stakehaus, and Bad Boy Pizza Society.
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To drink
Naturally, you’ll need something to wash down all that food and Seven Dials Market has you covered with two bars to choose from. On the ground floor is Bar Nana, a “tropic-feel drinking corner” where you can slurp down seasonally-inspired cocktails to your heart’s content.
Downstairs, meanwhile, you’ll find the Warehouse Bar. Head here to order anything from soda to craft beer, cocktails, and more. And be sure to keep an eye out for their seasonal special drinks.
Image: @sevendialsmkt, via IG
So, what are you waiting for? Round up your friends and head on over to see how much food and drink you can sample!