Maison Noor marketplace to open in former site of Mercato Metropolitano Ilford

Maison Noor, a “community-first” food hall from the former managing director of Creams Café, is to take over the former Mercato Metropolitano site in Ilford later this month.

Meaning ‘house of light, taste and culture’, the new destination seeks to replicate the energy of a traditional outdoor market indoors through its offer of 16 F&B traders, all of whom serve 100% halal food.

These include Badiani Italian Gelato; Caprinos Pizza; Chai & Chapati; Birria Taco; Mrs Potts Chocolate House; Flip and Sear; Bunify and Dum Dum Doughnuts.

The food court is aiming to add an 850 sq ft soft-play area for children and families, a deli supermarket, daily farmers’ market and Shish Courtyard, subject to planning approval.

There are also plans to transform the 15 retail units on the mezzanine level into a fashion, beauty and arts and crafts hub.

The project is part of a wider regeneration initiative in Ilford supported by the Greater London Authority’s City Hall, backed by Sadiq Khan.

The Mayor of London has invested £12.4m to improve five key London high streets in Hoxton, Neasden, Lewisham, Ilford and Croydon.

The Maison Noor team is led by managing director Atif Amin, who previously scaled Creams Dessert Café from 42 to 92 sites and also served as chief financial officer for Clos Maggiore, Big Easy Restaurants and Euphorium Bakery. He is joined by Nicola Allieta, chief executive officer of Mercato Metropolitano.

Amin said: “We are incredibly proud and excited to introduce Maison Noor, a new concept that will create a new highly desirable destination in Ilford for all from across London. With our highly experienced and proven team, we’re bringing together some of the most exciting food brands, entrepreneurs and traders under one roof to create a new space that is inspired by global cultures and adds value to the local community.

“Maison Noor will cater for all in a setting that is warm, welcoming, and exciting. We can’t wait to open our doors and introduce Londoners to their new favourite destination.”

Mercato Metropolitano opened its Ilford site in July 2024, but closed its doors after several months of trading.