Time to put independent restaurants in the limelight

With over 230 projects presently under construction across London, and with a sizeable portion of those being mixed-use developments, there is naturally a growing demand from landlords for hospitality professionals to operate from these brand new premises.

Many of the restaurants that pop-up in major mixed-use developments are well–established chains with a wide footprint elsewhere in the UK. They are tried and tested brands, which are understandably attractive to consumers and landlords alike. But, in a post-pandemic world where people have started to place a higher value on community, provenance, sustainability and value for money, there is an increased need to ensure that any new food and beverage offer truly reflects the local area and aligns with the wider development's values.

Independent operators, while perhaps without the deep pockets of the successful chains, have a strong advantage in appealing to the local community with the ability to be flexible and mould their offer to the local audience. Without a sprawling network elsewhere, they are able to build something that uniquely resonates with a new development and becomes an extension of that community.

For London's growing group of independent restaurants, all too aware of an uncertain economic environment, the question remains – where should they look to open?

Traditionally, many will have started looking in central London, prioritising a space in the bustling West End or fashionable streets of Shoreditch. But with business rents and rates remaining unsustainably high, many will be looking further afield at new areas that are developing as the Capital expands in line with infrastructure growth – Barking Riverside is one such area that is seeing a thrilling transformation.

At Barking Riverside, a 443 acre, 10,000 home development is emerging on the riverbank. It's an exciting mix of green space, residential buildings, leisure and educational facilities as well as commercial premises with the Thames on one side and the bustle of Barking on the other. Years in the making, a project of this scale requires careful planning and partnerships to foster an attractive ambiance and lifestyle.

The new restaurant that opens in 2023 will be a focal point of the whole development, nestled between the new London Overground station and the Uber Boats by Thames Clipper pier. Not only will the new eatery benefit from a stream of local residents, workers and visitors alike, but – with the possibility of London's historic food markets moving to the local area in the near future – it looks set to become the ideal location for a hungry restaurateur.

We're now beginning the process of looking for an independent operator to take up this new 2,000 square feet of space, searching for a business that is keen to collaborate to create a restaurant that works perfectly for the development and wider community.

As the market continues to recover after a bruising two years, we're ready to fully embrace the age of the independent restaurant, and give our community the local feel that it craves.

For more information on the space available, please visit www.barkingriverside.london/riverside-news/exciting-plans-are-taking-shape-for-our-river-frontage

Calls for interest are currently open. If interested, please contact: mark@harrisrestaurantconsultants.com