Mercato Metropolitano opens in Ilford boosting local economy and culture
Mercato Metropolitano, London’s first sustainable community food market, has launched a new market in Ilford. This initiative aims to regenerate the local area and economy, marking a significant milestone for the community.
Located in the heart of Ilford’s Cultural Quarter, the new Mercato Metropolitano market has transformed the area into a sustainable community food market, creating 100 new jobs. First-time traders, including DreaMM graduate Afuego, will be part of this vibrant space, offering locals an array of global cuisines.
Boosting employment and economic contribution
Mercato Ilford is expected to generate 100 new jobs and significantly contribute to Ilford’s local economy. Strategically located next to cultural landmarks like the Art Gallery SPACE, Kenneth More Theatre, and Redbridge Central Library and Museum, it offers a regenerated destination for culture and food.
Part of the ‘Spark Ilford’ regeneration project
This project plays a crucial role in the ‘Spark Ilford’ regeneration initiative, driving new interest and visitors to the area for arts, entertainment, events, and food. It aligns with the Redbridge Council’s “Ilford for All” Manifesto, which aims to create a better future vision.
Commitment to community and sustainability
As part of Mercato Metropolitano’s broader mission, Movimento Metropolitano, the Ilford market opening underscores its commitment to positive community impact. It provides a space for cultural convergence, promotes local food entrepreneurialism, and improves access to sustainably sourced, healthy food.
Diverse culinary offerings
Mercato Ilford hosts diverse trading partners offering Ethiopian, Indian, Turkish, and Jamaican cuisines. Notably, Afuego by Yassir Chair, a Mercato DreaMM campaign graduate, marks its first permanent trader business here.
Leadership and vision
Andrea Rasca, Founder and CEO of Mercato Metropolitano, emphasises the market’s role in fostering inclusive communities and sustainable local food systems. Ilford’s Cultural Quarter offers a perfect backdrop for this, providing opportunities to experience cultural diversity, historic architecture, and art.
Andrea Rasca said, “We are excited to be opening up a new market in Ilford, making this our fifth location in London. Hospitality can act as a force for good – and through Movimento Metropolitano, our mission is to build more inclusive communities and sustainable local food systems. It will serve as a catalyst for diverse cultures and passionate people to come together to enjoy good food from all over the world without cultural or societal barriers.”
Social impact and community programs
Beyond being a culinary destination, Mercato Ilford plans social impact programs to tackle food poverty, educate on nutrition, and address socio-economic issues.
Andrea Rasca added, “Ilford’s Cultural Quarter is the perfect location for this, providing ample opportunities to experience cultural diversity, historic architecture, and art. Mercato Ilford will be more than simply a place to eat, it will have social impact programmes and community plans in place to tackle food poverty, educate on the importance of good nutrition and help address ongoing socio-economic issues within the community.”
Commitment to fair employment practices
As with all Mercato Metropolitano markets, Mercato Ilford will be a London Living Wage employer. Recognized as a Mayor’s Good Work Standard employer, it is committed to fair pay and good working conditions.
Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth, praised the new market, saying, “I am delighted that Mercato Metropolitano has opened up a new market in Ilford, delivering another fantastic place to meet, eat and socialise in the capital. The Mercato model has proven to be a great asset to London’s hospitality sector and will play an important role in the regeneration of Ilford.
It will support local entrepreneurs, increase employment, boost life at night and drive footfall to the area offering a brilliant selection of food from around the world. As an accredited Good Work Standard employer, Andrea Rasca and his team will ensure their staff receive fair pay through the London Living Wage and benefit from good working conditions, helping to build a better London for all.”
Mark Baigent, Corporate Director of Regeneration and Culture at the London Borough of Redbridge, said, “The opening of Mercato Metropolitano, right in the heart of Ilford is a shining example of regeneration, helping to create employment for local people, bringing in new opportunities for local traders, and encouraging visitors into our town centre.
It will give our communities somewhere to come together and enjoy some of the best and most diverse artisan food from local traders, with music and regular entertainment.”
Katherine Chapman, director of the Living Wage Foundation, stated, “We are thrilled to see Mercato Metropolitano go from strength to strength with a real Living Wage for workers at its heart. Mercato Metropolitano’s commitment to the real Living Wage ensures its workers are always paid enough to live decent lives, vital after years of high living costs. It also sets a powerful example to other businesses in the hospitality industry, where 50% of workers are paid below the real Living Wage.
Mercato’s continued expansion demonstrates that paying the real Living Wage is not only good for workers, it’s also an essential investment for businesses looking to succeed in challenging economic conditions. That’s why the Living Wage movement has continued to see record growth, with nearly 15,000 businesses committed to paying all their directly employed and contracted-out staff in line with living costs.”
Grand opening
Mercato Metropolitano Ilford opens to the public on Thursday, 11 July 2024, offering fresh produce and a vibrant community space to socialise, learn, and enjoy.
