KERB Francis Road: finally all the details we've been waiting for
With 20 traders every Saturday, this is way more than just a streetfood market
Sure, it’s been a helluva long time coming, with a couple of false starts and delayed launch dates. But today this special bonus edition of the newsletter, free for all subscribers, gives you the lowdown on what is probably the area’s biggest food and drink launch this year.
It follows last week’s excellent news that Leyton is one of only four areas in London (along with Shoreditch, Brixton and Westminster) to bag a wedge of cash (£50k to be precise) from the Mayor’s Summer Streets fund for alfresco drinking and dining — much of it allocated largely to Francis Road.
Which, of course, is where streetfood pioneers KERB are launching their brand new weekly market from Saturday July 5th. The key takeaway is that it will be bigger than first anticipated, with the organisers pushing it as "a new weekend staple for East Londoners this summer and beyond.”
There’s a reason for this. In addition to the usual streetfood — which I outline in detail below — there's also going to be a wide selection of local produce stalls, as well as DJs spinning music all day outside our esteemed local record shop (cum bar), Dreamhouse Records.
The rotating line-up of up to 20 independent street food traders and local produce stalls will run every Saturday from 10am–4pm, the main idea being for the resident Francis Road businesses also to be involved in the action. The whole shebang is supported by Waltham Forest Council.
This makes sense, as everyone needs to profit from all this — not just the businesses popping up once a week. And the increased footfall alone should — hopefully — be a boost all round.
Key traders so far announced
Oshpaz
A favourite at Seven Dials Market, and with a critically acclaimed Regent Street restaurant (endorsed by Leyton-based celeb Grace Dent in her Guardian column), Oshpaz is bringing his Uzbek plov rice bowls to Leyton for the opening weekend. I tried these recently down in Elephant’s Mercato Metropolitano and can vouch for their deliciousness.
Utopia
A graduate of KERB’s incubator programmes, this stall is all about “homestyle Syrian goodness.” The must-have is the spiced sujak wrap — succulent, spiced sausage paired with fresh veg and zingy sauces, all tucked into pillowy flatbread.
Hanoi Cà Phê
Many readers will know and love this former staple of Leyton’s Argyll Avenue industrial estate. Growing up in an all-women household, founder Gina learned all that she knows about Vietnamese cuisine and cooking from her late grandmother, who shared stories and cooking techniques with her until she was 103 years old. Hanoi Cà Phê is a celebration of her family recipes with dishes that boast mouth-watering flavours — expect Bánh mí and more.
Banzai Kitchen
Started in 2023 by mother-daughter duo Sumiko and Ocean, Banzai serves authentic Japanese cuisine “rooted in tradition.” Specializing in tender, crispy Karaage chicken and rice bowls, their dishes celebrate family, heritage, and “the joy of sharing great food.”
Mexclub is owner' Erika’s way of bringing a true taste of Mexico to London. Expect an expansive menu of authentic tacos, including their signature slow-cooked beef birria.
And here’s what we can expect from the local producers
I like the idea of a Saturday morning mooch perusing local artisan stalls from small-batch producers, many of whom are based in the borough of Waltham Forest.
So far these will include Woodkin Mushrooms, a micro-farm based in Leyton, “born out of a desire to grow and share gourmet mushrooms with our community in a way that’s sustainable, ethical and fun,” says former chef and founder Vincent Wood. He’s also an administrator for the brilliantly named East London Fungi Club.
Another Leyton producer is Capworth Street-based Shedletskys, who create award-winning pickles, kimchi, sauces and ferments, while Morny fans will be all over the bakes served up from E10-based Liv’s Baked Goodies.
Other stalls will include artisan chocolate by Land, ethically sourced meats from Fosse Meadows, and handmade crumpets from Jones’ Crumpets.
Overall, this all sounds like a welcome addition to the area. Let me know what you think in the comments section below. The market launches on Saturday July 5th at 10am. Follow @kerbfood
Don’t forget your regular weekly in-depth issue will still come out this Friday at 8am for all paid subscribers, with a generous chunk of free for everyone else. Until then, have a good week.
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Very excited!
I’m a bit confused - apart from Hanoi Ca Phe, it doesn’t look like any of the street food traders are from this borough, let alone Francis road? 🤔