22 Bishopsgate, the next generation work space, announces the addition of The Market, a first of its kind, 20,000-square-foot food hub which building owners and developers AXA IM – Real Assets will run in partnership with leading hospitality group rhubarb and champions of grassroots talent of the food and beverage industry, The Young British Foodies (YBFs).

Occupying the communal spaces across the 2^nd floor of 22 Bishopsgate, The Market will include a restaurant and adjoining terrace, a modern wine bar, as well as a selection of food and drink offerings in street-food style kiosks and pop-ups that are continually rotated to provide diversity, new ideas and choice. The 450-cover space will also house an events and cultural area supporting a dynamic programme of talks, music and private events.

While The Market will only be accessible to the 22 Bishopsgate community during the day, it aims to become a destination that all Londoners can enjoy by opening its doors to the public outside business hours and on Saturdays. The Market will also offer food and catering services directly to the 12,000-strong diverse and active business population residing in the ‘vertical village’ development. 

Designed to shine a spotlight on the future tastemakers of the British food and drink industry, The YBFs will source the varying range of operators for the kiosk elements of The Market, working with hotly-tipped culinary stars of the future in a first-of-its-kind collaboration. The YBFs have previously worked with industry veterans including Nuno Mendes, Yotam Ottolenghi and Melissa Hemsley with past winners of the YBF Chef of the Year award including Tomos Parry of Brat and Richard Falk of The Dairy. In partnership with the YBFs, leading hospitality group rhubarb will oversee the wider culinary offering and management of The Market.

The design of the market is being undertaken as a collaboration between two groups with international, award-winning hospitality experience and James Beard Award winners – New York’s The MP Shift and Brighton’s Design LSM.  The design plays on the idea of a modern interpretation of the guild, reflecting a contemporary twist on the heritage of artisans, craftsmanship, community and trading that represent the many facets of the city. Using architecturally clean arches and stained glass in a contemporary, understated style with natural timbers, light concrete, neutral stones and list plaster, the materials are reminiscent of those often found in London’s historic guild halls.

Amy Morris, Co-Founder and Creative Director, The MP Shift said:“We believe in 22 Bishopsgate’s vision to radically embrace a new environment for the way we work. Your surroundings have a strong impact on your day and The MP Shift’s partnership with Design LSM aims to create spaces that invite collaboration and spark ideas.  It’s a dream project with a dream team in one of our favourite cities.” 

Karen Taylor, Projects Director, Design LSM said: “We are thrilled to be a part of this monumental and exciting development for 22 Bishopsgate. Our collaborative design with U.S. agency The MP Shift delivers a highly polished and thoughtful aesthetic capturing the spirit of a modern day guild. Creating a true ‘sense of place’ where 22 Bishopsgate’s community can unwind, dine, relax and socialise.”

Lily Jones, Co-Founder of The YBFs and Founder of the acclaimed Lily Vanilli bakery in East London, said: “22 Bishopsgate is creating a permanent platform to incubate concepts from the food and drink stars of the future, which demonstrates a real commitment to supporting emerging talent in the industry. The YBFs looks forward to collaborating with the 22 Bishopsgate team to create a new foodie destination for London.”

Harry Badham, UK Head of Development at AXA IM – Real Assets, said: “Culture and amenity are an integral part of 22 Bishopsgate and both are becoming increasingly critical in the success of any workplace.

“One of the most important manifestations of this combination at 22 Bishopsgate will be The Market; a 20,000 sqft food-led culture and events space on the 2nd floor which is fully integrated into the building’s lobby and entrances with links to the outdoor spaces.

“Over the last 12 months we have met and worked with many of the people at the forefront of the food and hospitality world both to refine the offer at The Market, and to select the best operator, designers and partners. We want the offer to stay relevant over time, adapting and evolving in response to trends and tastes to best serve 22 Bishopsgate’s community, and we believe we have created a unique collaboration that will achieve this aim.”

22 Bishopsgate will be the first of its kind to house a food hub like The Market, as well as an innovation hub, gym and wellbeing retreat. The development will also offer a curated ‘art walk’, business club, auditorium, meeting spaces, project space and cycle hub, as well as the London’s highest free public viewing gallery. It will be the first UK tower to contain in excess of 100,000 square feet of integrated amenity and social spaces, creating an inspiring, healthy and energising workplace for a vibrant and diverse business workforce of 12,000 people.