London Union to 'change capital's food landscape forever'

The company, founded by Street Feast's Jonathan Downey and Leon co-founder Henry Dimbleby, plans to open a permanent flagship food market in central London and 15 day and night food markets around the capital in the next five years. 

It already has the backing of a number of food writers, entrepreneurs and restaurateurs with Jamie Oliver, Polpo Group's Russell Norman, Wahaca co-founder Thomasina Miers and chef Bill Granger among its investors and is hoping to replicate the success already seen through Street Feast. 

Street Feast, which transforms neglected spaces in London into street food markets, has helped showcase some new food concepts over the past two years as well as give an alternative trading space for others, like chef Ben Spalding​.

Three markets have already opened this year - Model Market in Lewisham, Dalston Yard in E8 and Dinerama in Shoreditch - and potential locations currently being considered include a floating market on the Thames and Smithfield’s Fish Market.

Downey said: “London is the greatest city in the world, but it doesn’t yet have the world’s greatest food markets. With London Union we are going to change that. 

“The past 18 months have been phenomenal for Street Feast. We’ve turned underused and derelict parts of London into lively food markets that have brought people together, created countless jobs and helped individuals get their new business ideas off the ground. 

"We’re making a real difference to local communities and London Union will help us take this model to a whole new level.”  

Dimbleby added: “London is in danger of being hollowed out. It is full of empty spaces that have been bought by investors awaiting planning to build flats. We want to take those spaces and use them to create something both profitable and positive for Londoners. 

“In particular we want our flagship market to become one of the great global food destinations and to cement London’s place as the street food capital of the world.”