Mercato Metropolitano taster days to spark Ilford’s cultural quarter

Fancy a taste of what Ilford's new community food market backed by Mercato Metropolitano has to offer?

Come down to Oakfield Road (opposite the Kenneth More Theatre) on Thursday 25 November from midday to 9pm and sample a selection of delicious food and drink from local producers.

On offer will be freshly baked bread and cakes, craft beers, plus hot Mexican and Thai food. Not only that, you'll also be able to buy some cozy knitwear or pick up a Christmas tree.

The event will provide a mouth-watering preview of what you can expect when Mercato Metropolitano opens fully in Redbridge in 2022, transforming Ilford Town Hall's former car park into a truly sustainable covered market, providing residents with a wide range of natural and locally grown food, and forming a key part of Ilford's new cultural quarter.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Jas Athwal,said:

"The opening of Mercato Metropolitano is part of our commitment to support our high streets and local businesses to build back stronger after the pandemic. The new food market will provide jobs for local people and give people from across London the opportunity to sample a wide range of delicious fresh food and drink, including local producers, right here in Redbridge. Mercato Metropolitano will be open at select times in the run-up to Christmas, with even more stalls being added to the market in early 2022."

Cllr Rai, Deputy Leader of Redbridge Council, said:

"When fully opened, Mercato Metropolitano will play a key role in Ilford town centre's transformation, offering a brand new eating experience at the heart of our emerging cultural quarter. We’re delighted that, through the initial Christmas market, residents will get a sneak peek at what's to come."

Amedeo Claris, Managing Director of Mercato Metropolitano, said:

"Mercato Metropolitano is raising the community spirit by offering space to Ilford local traders for a small Christmas market, from 25 November to the end of December and hopefully beyond. Enjoy a few festive treats while browsing arts and crafts by local artists and artisans in the heart of Ilford cultural quarter."

The Mercato Metropolitano taster market launches on Thursday 25 November from midday to 9pm and will continue throughout December, with traders being present  on Thursdays from midday to 8pm until Thursday 23 December. 

List of traders

• The East Side Brewery
• Bearded Man Cocktails
• Jack’s Bakery
• Mexican Burritos (Halal)
• Silom Thai
• Alex the Plant Guy
• Kina Kraft
• Sipp’d Drinks
• Evolve Juices