Ilford food market reveals reason for temporary closure and 'exciting' new plans

Mercato Metropolitano Ilford was launched on July 11 last year, but after six months it closed temporarily in early January this year. The business aims to create a space for local artisanal traders to cook and sell food in a market environment. A spokesperson from Mercato revealed that the temporary closure was actually "always part of the bigger picture" of the business' involvement in Ilford.

She said: “Our agreement with Redbridge was that we’d open for six months and then evaluate where we were. “We don’t want people thinking we’ve closed down after six months because that isn’t the case. The venue closed in early January for evaluation of how it can be improved (Image: Newsquest) “It was always part of the bigger picture to open and see how it goes for six months as part of an Ilford regeneration scheme with Redbridge - in this time we have learnt a lot and taken a lot of feedback from the community.



“We think there is a better way to serve the community with this space." The Ilford venue was one of five London Mercato locations - the others being in Elephant Park, Elephant and Castle, Mayfair and Wood Wharf. According to the Mercato website, only the latter three are still open today.

The venture into east London formed part of Redbridge Council's Spark Ilford regeneration project and created around 100 new jobs in the area. The spokesperson added: “We’re working at the moment with Redbridge on some really exciting plans but we can’t say anything yet. “Hopefully by the middle of summer we might be able to share some news.

“We hope to reopen this year but we’ll have a better idea around the end of June." She claimed that holding events for Christmas, Diwali and Black History Month allowed Mercato to "connect" with the community and understand their wants and needs..