A food court in Spitalfields has won an award recognising its markets.
Petticoat Lane food court has been named the best small specialty market for 2024 at the Great British Market Awards.
The awards, hosted by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NAMBMA) on January 25, celebrate contributions to the value of regeneration, tourism and to local communities by markets.
The food court was created in 2009 in a bid by the markets team from Tower Hamlets council to increase visitors to Petticoat Lane.
Fifteen years later, the market has gone from having three traders to 20, all serving international foods to customers five days a week.
Some traders have been at Petticoat Lane since it opened, including Shaker Al-Bdour.
Shaker runs the Eye Falafel stall and serves around 400 people a day.
He said: “It is great to win this award, I am so excited.
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"It’s not just my effort it is the other traders and the people in the markets team too, whatever we need they are always there for us.
"Everyone is friendly here and we are like neighbours to each other.
“All the food we make is fresh and on show for everyone to see. Food comes from love you know, and we want to give our customers the best. It’s a good vibe.”
The award praised Petticoat Lane food court for its "vibrant atmosphere, support for emerging talents, and innovative approach to community engagement".
Cllr Abdul Wahid, cabinet member for jobs, skills and growth, said: “Petticoat Lane food court has changed the dynamics of the area, saved the long-established local market and offers affordable prices, friendly traders, meticulous management and quality food.
“It’s important to highlight that there is more than a thriving market here, there is a community of traders that take an immense amount of pride in what they do and always endeavour to support each other.
"This award is a real testament to the hard work and commitment shown by the traders and our markets team.”
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