Once considered a passing trend, street markets have proved their popularity over the past few years and are now a mainstay across most cities. And with many now moving into sites that mix casual outdoor spaces with more traditional, permanent set-ups, they are here to stay for the foreseeable future.
The newly opened Flat Iron Square is one such example. It has found a home under the railway arches in London's Bankside, as well as in the Grade II-listed Devonshire House. Part of London's Low Line, a regeneration project modelled on Manhattan's famous High Line, it comes with a promising pedigree - its founder, Benjamin Scrimgeour, himself a former mushroom farmer, has brought in help from some influential figures in the capital's food industry, as well as one or two celebrity names.
The Bar, which sits in an arch of its own, was created by Jon Spiteri, one of the founding partners of St John's and previously general manager at Quo Vadis. The establishment serves up a varied drinks menu of handmade sodas, craft beers and conditioned darker ales, alongside wine on tap and a selection of classic cocktails. Its culinary neighbours include Ekachai, with its take on traditional Thai, Malay and Cantonese street food, pizza purveyor Baz & Fred and the health-conscious Savage Salads.
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Veteran pop-up trader Where the Pancakes Are has finally set up its first bricks-and-mortar restaurant here, too. South West Social Club, founded by River Cottage group head chef Gill Meller, farmer and conservationist Sam Ursual and Marcus Mumford (yes, of those Mumfords), have stationed their silver Airstream to dish out ethical and sustainable fare. They are joined by Mexican specialists Cantina Carnitas and Laffa, with its modern interpretation of food from the Eastern Mediterranean.
Beyond the tasty treats on offer, the site doubles as a well-rounded retail and entertainment destination. Devonshire House regularly hosts pop-up workshops, currently hosted by leather goods label Tinct, enabling visitors to try their hand at a variety of crafts. On Sundays, seek out something different at Flea, a European-inspired vintage market.
One of the biggest draws, particularly in the current climate of live-music venue closures in the capital, is Omeara. Enlisting the help of another Mumford & Sons band member, Ben Lovett, it has already lined up a diverse mix of well-established acts and indie performers.
"I wanted Londoners to be able to come to a place with a mix of great music, artisan food and bars, with a vibe of European urban outdoor markets and squares. A space that will keep evolving and that visitors will keep discovering," says Scrimgeour. "It is a large site, so we are able to explore many things. I started my first business, a mushroom farm, in these arches, so it is a fortunate and happy coincidence I am able to open them up again for a new venture."
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