Petticoat Lane Food Court has won the Best Small Speciality Market Award at The Great British Market Awards 2024.
The market was commended for its vibrant atmosphere, support for emerging talents, and innovative approaches to community engagement.
Hosted by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA), the awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of markets to local communities, regeneration, and tourism over the past year.
The Markets Team at Tower Hamlets Council had the idea for Petticoat Lane Food Court in 2009, with the motivation to increase footfall in the wider Petticoat Lane area.
In 2009, the market was setup with a modest budget and three traders. Today, 20 quality traders serve cuisines from around the world five days a week and there is a long waiting list of venders who would like to trade at the market.
Shaker Al-Bdour from Eye Falafel has been trading at the market since it first opened and serves around 400 people per day.
Shaker said: “It is great to win this award, I am so excited! It’s not just my effort it is the other traders and the people in the Markets Team too, whatever we need they are always there for us.”
Pattaraporn Boochan hosts Satay Street, an authentic Thai stall, and has been with the market for 12 years.
Pattarapron said: “I’m very glad to win the award and very appreciative to the Markets Team for making this happen. Everyone is friendly here and we are like neighbours to each other.
“All the food we make is fresh and on show for everyone to see. Food comes from love you know, and we want to give our customers the best. It’s a good vibe!”
Five years’ ago, the Council implemented new processes to improve standards at the market. The changes ensured that the market showcased high quality traders, food and customer service. All the traders have a Food Hygiene Rating of 4-stars or higher.
Cllr Abdul Wahid, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Skills and Growth, said:
“Petticoat Lane Food Court has changed the dynamics of the area, saved the long-established local market and offers affordable prices, friendly traders, meticulous management and quality food.
“It’s important to highlight that there is more than a thriving market here, there is a community of traders that take an immense amount of pride in what they do and always endeavour to support each other. This award is a real testament to the hard work and commitment shown by the traders and our Markets Team.”
The awards took place on 25 January 2024 in Birmingham and issued by Jonathan Fitzpatrick, Head of Urban Strategy, Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Allan Hartwell, Managing Director of Market Place, Katherine Brown, Blachere Illumination and Cllr Chris Poulter, NABMA President.
You can find Petticoat Lane Food Court on Goulston Street, Bell Lane & Wentworth Street trading Monday to Friday 11:30-3pm.
Posted on Thursday 1st February 2024