Green light for first Market Halls outside of London to open in York

The City of York Council's licensing committee has approved proposals for the first Market Halls development outside of London.

The food hall would inhabit the ground and basement space of the city's Stonebow House; the former office block above has been transformed into residential accommodation.

Market Halls - led by chief executive and former property investor Andy Lewis-Pratt, and Simon Anderson, the restaurateur behind London's Pitt Cue Co operator - transforms "unloved public spaces" to showcase local food and drink operators. The first Market Halls opened in Fulham in May this year, a second opened in Victoria last month, and a third is set to open in a former BHS building off Oxford Street next year.

David Laycock, regional development for Try Market Halls, said: "We listened carefully to the understandable concerns of nearby residents who clearly had a very bad experience from previous tenants operating a night club with licensing until 4am. We have taken on board their feedback and have a very different style of business. This will be an asset to revitalising this part of York and I believe it will be enjoyed just as much by residents as it will by visitors."

York Business Improvement District executive director Andrew Lowson added: "I believe that this high-quality venture will be an experience that will add value to our city centre. I have spoken to professional services in the city who say it will be great place to meet and do business and I also think it will draw in local people due to the choice of food and its unique proposition."

Market Halls reveals traders moving into Victoria ahead of November opening >>

Three new food halls planned for London including the UK's largest in Oxford Street >>

Get The Caterer every week on your smartphone, tablet, or even in good old-fashioned hard copy (or all three!).