We love the fact that there are so many food halls in Birmingham. Who doesn’t want more places to eat, drink and socialise with mates? So, of course, we’re excited to see the Birmingham-born-and-bred Saint Paul’s Market opening this September—and now we’ve got our first look at the place!
The collaboration between Independent Birmingham, Baltic Market and Buddha Belly will show off Brum’s very best indie restaurants when it opens in the Jewellery Quarter very soon. Located on Mary Ann Street (off Saint Paul’s Square), the new food hall will be 10,000 sqft and will feature seven kitchens, two bars and 500 seats over two floors.
Joe Schuppler, founder of Independent Birmingham, said: “This has been a dream of mine for over six years now, and I’m beyond delighted to finally be able to announce it. The warehouse is absolutely stunning, and we have some really incredible plans to transform this amazing space into one of the very best food halls in the UK and a shining beacon of Brum’s independent scene.
“We want to be one of the very best food halls in the UK, if not the best, and so we’ve assembled the dream team to make it happen. And being located next door to the fantastic Indian Brewery Taproom, we’re certain these two businesses will complement each other perfectly and help make Mary Ann Street one of the most bustling and vibrant places in Brum.”
Independent Birmingham has been championing local Brummie talent for over 11 years, and Baltic Market has been running a similar-ish food hall in Liverpool since 2017, while Birmingham’s very own Buddha Belly is one of the best-known street food vendors on the scene right now. Together, they’ve invested over £1.5 million into the warehouse on Mary Ann Street, signing a 15-year lease and creating over 100 jobs.
Showcasing Birmingham’s very best indie restaurants and up-and-coming chefs, the “chef-led food hall” aims to be an incubator for the city’s brightest culinary talents—only resulting in more exciting new openings in the future. It’s not just about the food, however, as Saint Paul’s Market will also highlight the city’s best brewers, serving locally brewed craft beers, as well as cocktails, wines and more.
Sai Deethwa, co-founder of Buddha Belly and Soi 1268, said: “When we were approached to become part of Saint Paul’s Market, we were excited by the opportunity to be part of a different style of food hall. The incredible independent restaurants and chefs that the city houses, which have been celebrated in National news articles, Good Food Guide and Michelin, are now going to be showcasing their dishes in one place. A pivotal food hall in Birmingham.
“What excites us about this new venue is the opportunity for the great creatives in the city to come together and work collaboratively in a style the city has never seen before. Somewhere where food is truly at the centre of focus, shining a light on what makes the food scene in this city great. Independents who have dedicated their career to offering the very best food, no compromise. To be part of something like this is very special to us, and we are thrilled to be part of it.”
Saint Paul’s Market traders:
- Chancer’s – serving up mouth-watering fried chicken, waffles and beignets with fudge sauce
- Tiger Bites Pig – serving up epic bao (some of which will be exclusive to Saint Paul’s Market) and BBQ small plates
- Colbeh – serving up insanely delicious Persian meats cooked over fire alongside an array of Persian small plates
- Soi – serving up unbelievably good BBQ Thai small plates, Thai curries and wok-fried dishes
- LA-POP – serving up customisable gelato popsicles, cheesecake pops, brownies with ice cream, chocolate-dipped strawberries, milkshakes, hot chocolates and coffees
- Zindiya – serving up an array of Indian curries, thalis, snacks (think onion bhaji and samosa chaat), all packed with flavour
- Corner Shop – serving up tasty Detroit-style pizzas topped with all manner of goodies, alongside delicious sides
Saint Paul’s Market will be opening on Friday, September 26.