A brother and sister duo from south London have taken over the running of the Catford Food Market.
The Food Market Company, run by siblings Charlotte and Will, has been announced as the new operators of this popular marketplace, which will be back in action on Sunday, May 26 at Catford Bridge train station.
For the past decade, Catford Food Market has drawn visitors from across London and even further afield.
With its diverse and delicious food offerings, the market has had a significant role in putting Catford on the food scene map.
The Food Market Company isn't new to the food scene either.
The sibling team has experience in creating popular "destination markets" such as the weekly Food & Farmers’ market at Beckenham Place Park.
Charlotte and Will are "honoured to be taking over such a brilliant and well-established market" in Catford, where Charlotte has lived for seven years.
The siblings are "lifelong lovers of food" and started on their journey towards operating food markets in 2018.
They said: "As lifelong lovers of food, flavour and good times, we fell in love with the street food scene and in 2018 decided to make our dream of opening our own street food stall specialising in Buffalo Chicken Wings a reality."
Their experience in Croydon's Surrey Street Food Market and other London markets helped them learn about running a business and understand what makes a market special.
Drawing from their personal experience and with an aim to support local businesses, in 2021, they opened their very first market in a school playground in South Norwood.
Charlotte and Will said: "In 2022, we launched a weekly Food & Farmers’ market in Beckenham Place Park, which has been successfully running for two years in the borough of Lewisham as well as recently relaunching another monthly market in South Norwood, returning to where it all started for us.
"This year we have made the Food Market Company our full-time occupation and we're really excited about what the future holds."
The brother and sister duo aim to create a community hub for people to socialise, and hope to form relationships with traders, learning about their stories and the people behind the food.
They are eager to continue reflecting the unique characteristics of their surroundings in their markets, with at least 50 per cent of their traders being local to the borough.
Charlotte and Will have exciting plans for the Catford Food Market, including launching a new initiative, which will offer support to anyone living within half an hour of the market site looking to start a business, as well as a platform to trade.
The siblings said: "We both grew up in South London and Charlotte lived in Catford for seven years, so we are honoured to be taking over such a brilliant and well-established market.
"We are committed to preserving all the great things that the people of Catford already love about Catford.
"The great food, vibes and a welcoming atmosphere for friends and families to spend a Sunday afternoon."
Anyone interested in Charlotte and Will's new support initiative for local businesses should email thefoodmarketcompany@gmail.com.
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