Street food trend set to make its mark in York
PLANS to bring Britain’s street food trend to York are being rolled out over the summer.
The newly branded Food Court within Shambles Market will include kiosks run by local independent businesses Winner Winner, Los Moros, Shambles Kitchen, Tantuni Wraps and Café M, offering street food such as American style hot chicken, North African and Levantine delicacies, smoked pulled pork, Turkish beef wraps and delicious ice creams.
A variety of vintage food trailers will be also coming into the market, boosting the variety of food and drink already on offer.
This initiative is part of Make It York’s strategy to ensure the long term success of York’s daily market.
City centre and markets manager Chris Price, who has over thirty years’ experience in retail management, was brought into his role a year ago, to support York’s festivals and events organisers in bringing new activities to the city centre.
He says recent successes in working in partnership with the Yorkshire Fringe festival have demonstrated how street food traders can add ambience and entice customers to sit and enjoy York’s outdoor café culture.
He said: “We’ve been working closely with organisers of the Great Yorkshire Fringe to bring York’s outdoor food culture to life and we’re delighted customers’ feedback has been really positive. Now we’re making new plans for the Shambles Market. Those markets that do really well, for example Borough Market in London, all have one thing in common; a wide variety of street food. Food brings people together and this is just one part of our strategy to secure the long term future of Shambles Market and which will act as a major driver of success.”
A small number of traders will be relocated from their current stall positions to enable these changes to take place. Performance space will be created and seating and banquet style tables will be added to the Food Court area.
Buskers and performers will also be invited into the space and a new PA system will also be installed, as well as giant canvas umbrellas for inclement weather.
Steve Brown, managing director, Make It York, said: “This is the next step in a long term plan to bring more life and activity to Shambles Market. The market area is at the heart of the city and we want it to be a place with a lively atmosphere that both residents and visitors can enjoy. We’ll be working with all traders to ensure they benefit from these changes.”
Simon Long, owner of Shambles Kitchen, added: “My business has traded in York for eight years. We’re always adapting to customer needs and taking part in the Great Yorkshire Fringe has been a big success for us. We’re confident this new plan for the city’s market will be brilliant for business and brilliant for York.”
