The Datebook Winter spring 2020 | Page 17

T he capital is home to many an exciting foodie destination, but if you’re looking for an epic range of dishes from renowned chefs all under one roof then you can’t beat a street food hall. Unlike typical street food markets, these halls are indoor venues, which makes them ideal for entertaining all year round. Whether you’re on the hunt for an extraordinary space for your next party or you’re searching for incredible catering by some of the most talented chefs in the business, you can’t go wrong with these spaces. Here are the street food halls you need to know about. Mercato Metropolitano Italians know a thing or two about street food, so it’ll come as no surprise that this Southwark market is one of the best in the capital. The first international outpost of the Turin-based enterprise, Mercato Metropolitano brings together some of Italy’s most tempting delicacies, with cheesemongers, charcuterie specialists, pasta makers, coffee roasters and of course plenty of gelato. There’s also an Italian supermarket on site, as well as a cinema, brewery, vegetable garden and even a mushroom farm! mercatometropolitano.com Hawker House We couldn’t talk about London’s street food without mentioning Street Feast. The pioneer of street food as we know it today, Street Feast is well known throughout the capital for its brilliant markets and indoor food halls. Hawker House is one of our favourites. Head to Canada Water to find this mega market, which features eight food traders and six bars. Look out for wood-fired pizzas, vegan doughnuts, buttermilk fried chicken, salt beef, tacos and every kind of gin you can imagine. streetfeast.com/market/ hawker-house Time Out Market Time Out has recently opened food markets all over the world. Following its original market which launched in Lisbon in 2014, the company announced new street food markets in Miami, New York, Boston, Chicago, Montreal and Prague. London is next, and plans are underway to open an enormous foodie heaven in Waterloo. Located within the old Eurostar Terminal, the food market is expected to cover a two-floor, 32,500 square foot space. There’ll be 17 of the city’s most acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs for visitors to choose from. The market is due to open in 2021. Watch this space. Indoor street food markets are a real treasure trove of delights, just waiting to be explored. Make sure you visit the capital’s best food markets to get a taste of what some of our top chefs and restaurateurs are up to right now. Ideal for entertaining, many of these spaces can be booked for private parties, and some even come complete with their own dedicated event spaces. We can’t think of a better place to celebrate over the colder months! timeoutmarket.com Visit The London & UK DatebooK on www.thedatebook.co.uk THE LONDON & UK DATEBOOK 15