In the past my vision of food halls was quite sombre. that is to say shopping centres with an array of fast food chains, in a plastic filled, loud, dining area. Over the last few years, Liverpool and Wirral has been home to a burgeoning food hall scene. Consequently customers can enjoy a wide variety of cuisines from local restaurants in a convivial atmosphere.


The Baltic Market in the Baltic Triangle was the first to open in 2017. Subsequently it has proved popular with locals and tourists. The Baltic Market is the brainchild of the guys behind the Independent Liverpool card and blog. They certainly support local independent business with a rotation of eateries. Consequently they have created a lively go to place, that has directly influenced the regeneration of the whole area.

Sadly two further food halls didn’t have the same success. The Grand Central Food Bazaar closed after a year and The Dockside Dining Club is now the Dockside Sports Bar.

The latest to open it’s doors is The Duke Street Market in a converted warehouse. Moreover with a modern aesthetic, it seems to have plenty of happy customers. It also has a couple of high profile/award winning restaurants on board. Subsequently it’s future should be bright.


Our cousins across The Mersey also have two food halls. The Marine Street Social on the dockside at New Brighton. Which for a while seemed promising and attracted some high quality food establishments. However on our last visit most concessions had closed. Hopefully the recently opened Woodside Ferry Village at Birkenhead will fair better.
People are searching out local independent eateries and enjoying the choice and informality of food halls. However there does appear to a magic ingredient to ensure the success of a food hall.

Long may they continue!