Leeds targeted as 'top priority' location for new food hall destination by fast-growing London operator

Leeds has been named as a “target city” by food hall operator Market Halls in its strategy for new openings.
By Chris Burn
Published 19th Sep 2023, 11:55 BST
Updated 19th Sep 2023, 12:57 BST

The company, which currently has three sites in London, has reported a 155 per cent increase in revenue from £8.6m to £22m in its latest results, with EBITDA before HQ costs growing to £2.6 million.

Market Halls says it intends to open up to three new sites per year over the next five years across the country.

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In addition to Leeds, it says Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Liverpool, Cardiff, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh are among the locations it is considering.

Market Halls operates three sites in London but is looking to expand further across the country. Picture: Teodora AndrisanMarket Halls operates three sites in London but is looking to expand further across the country. Picture: Teodora Andrisan
Market Halls operates three sites in London but is looking to expand further across the country. Picture: Teodora Andrisan

A spokesperson said Leeds is a “top priority” destination and the company is looking for a 15,000 sq ft city centre site that could be the home for up to 10 Yorkshire traders and create around 100 new jobs.

Andy Lewis-Pratt, CEO of Market Halls, said: “To have seen the popularity of our venues surge despite the tough economic environment is testament to the strength of the Market Halls proposition.

"Our model is built to be resilient and it’s heartening to see the hard work of our teams paying off in numbers like these.

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"With the momentum we built through FY22 and FY23 and the exceptionally strong start to FY24, we are confident in our ability to keep growing and becoming increasingly profitable as we work towards our goal of becoming the UK’s largest food hall operator.”

Esat Kolege, Founding Partner at Gees Court, lead investor in Market Halls, added: “Now that we have three great venues demonstrating solid unit economics and cash flow, we are looking forward to building an exciting line up of new venues and potential partnerships with independent food halls across the UK.”

Related topics:LeedsLondonYorkshire