Amy Moore gives her verdict on the attraction's new food hall.
Leicester Market’s new and contemporary style food hall, which opened in May, boasts a diverse range of quality produce that puts it on par with some of the best markets in the UK and Europe.
Managed by Leicester City Council, the 700 year-old attraction is undergoing a major redevelopment, which, in addition to the new building, includes the demolition of its original food hall and the subsequent creation of a new public square. There are also plans for traders to occupy two exterior units of the food hall, due to open within the next six weeks, selling hot food and crafts.
Following on from GTW’s extensive Leicester feature, it was discussed over a cuppa within a petit office overlooking the rooftops, that the thriving city will have even more to offer, with the upcoming renovation seeking to further draw tourism.
This was my second visit to the city, with most of my time already spent exploring the centre. I think it’s fair to say that a day’s itinerary could well be dedicated to exploring the destination’s vast shopping space, with its charming lanes stocked with independent shops and boutiques.
My colleague and I embarked on a one- off tour of the market place, provided by Michigan-born Adam Piotrowski, Development Officer at Leicester Market, who is highly optimistic about the redevelopment project. We arrived at the market around 1100hrs to a venue that was already crammed with people. It became obvious that the food hall proved popular with locals, as its airy interior allowed produce to benefit from a fresh and shiny look.
The most memorable merchandise was at the Trawlerman fish stall, which sold a variety of underwater produce, including shark meat neatly placed amongst a heady display. Owner of Trawlerman, Leo Hunt said in a statement: “We do everything. We have a selection of game, venison, rabbit; we stock everything from a quail’s egg to a whale’s tail and if it flies or swims, I sell it.” Stalls are neatly sectioned into the relevant categories, with such other quality traders as Sherwin’s Cheese Company and Andrew Sykes Butchers.
The structure’s modern exterior strongly juxtaposes the Corn Exchange, with its outdoor market said to be one of the largest covered markets in Europe. The food hall interior has been constructed from European influence, with beams imported from Denmark to attribute to its characteristic curved roof, uniquely designed for viewing from every angle. We were lucky enough to be visiting at the same time as the Continental Market, which appears a few weeks within the year, spreading as far into town as the iconic clock tower and selling such treats as the German bratwurst.
Leicester is already bustling with culture, yet the city is keen to make improvements via the Connecting Leicester scheme, which aims to increase accessibility to certain hubs of the city. Leicester’s Winter Food Festival, to be hosted at the market on November 16, will feature a vast array of gourmet delights. Will your group be visiting?
CONTINENTAL MARKET october 15-19
REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE november 11
WINTER FOOD FESTIVAL & CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON november 16
For more information contact Adam Piotrowski on 0116 223 2372 or email adam.piotrowski@leicester.gov.uk
For more information on upcoming events and what Leicester can offer groups, visit www.visitleicester.info