Remember, remember the fifth of November, because that is when Croydon’s street food eatery opens its doors to hungry diners.
Firework cocktails and bonfire dishes will be the order of the day as Guy Fawkes themed activities take place to celebrate the launch of Surrey StrEatery.
Wednesday’s fun starts at 10am with willow lanterns and sculpture workshops, followed by demonstrations of bonfire food.
A guest chef will then show how to cook produce sold from the market, with recipes set to include bread bowl cookery, apple dumplings and bobotie.
As it gets dark there will be tabletop fireworks, sparklers and live music and customers will be able to buy their dinner from the seven street food tradets at the Surrey StrEatery.
Funding for the traders has come from the Mayor of London’s regeneration scheme with each one given a grant of up to £3,000 towards the cost of their stall and running a demo area for teaching, cooking demonstrations and workshops.
They will be given six months’ support to help them build their businesses, including a tailored package of free space to trade, with no rent, rates or utility bills.
Training and mentoring is also included, as well as the offer of a professional marketing campaign to help promote the area as a destination for lovers of quality street food.
The aim is to create at least 14 jobs for Croydon from supporting these businesses, with two jobs per business.
Cabinet member for economic development Councillor Toni Letts said: "What better way to bring a vacant shop into use than by turning it into a vibrant, bustling eatery serving up quality street food which everyone can enjoy?
"There are not many markets like the one we have in Surrey Street.
"It’s a really fantastic resource which this project taps into, by ensuring all ingredients are sourced directly from the market.
"I’m sure this will be a very popular initiative, and I can’t wait to visit and try out the wonderful variety of cuisine on offer."
Deputy Mayor for business and enterprise Kit Malthouse said: "The beauty of the Surrey StrEatery is that it is more than just a place for people to come to shop; they can eat, relax and socialise too.
"On the other side of the counter, valuable jobs are being created.
"As with high streets across London, the small businesses here are entirely unique and provide a great service to their customers whilst boosting local economies, which is exactly the sort of venture the Mayor of London Boris Johnson is delighted to support."
The seven businesses at the food hub are:
- Dos Santos Foods - offering Goan food, unique Portuguese/Indian street food
- Liquid Pod - a healthy super food alternative also offering a concept called Liquid Select, a type of smoothie where customers choose the ingredients
- Plumbun - offering cakes and bakery goods
- Mum’s the Chef - this sees the launch of That’s a Wrap, a project about creating healthy nutritious alternatives to greasy breakfast rolls and sandwiches
- Olivier’s Bakery - an existing business that freshly bakes croissants, Danish pastries, savouries and seasonal pastries. He will also display a selection of his bread range which will be baked and delivered daily
- Ro Co Coffee - this company recently started trading on the Platform at Ruskin Square and will be selling coffee, tea and hot chocolate.
- La Carreta - founder Beatriz Iliana Machado has swapped California for Croydon and will be selling Mexican and South American food
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