Inside the new Mercato Metropolitano Ilford food market

Mercato Metropolitano Ilford was launched yesterday (July 11), welcoming the public through its doors for the first time. 

The artisanal market is located in Chadwick Road, nestled in the heart of the cultural quarter with the Kenneth More Theatre and Redbridge Central Library & Museum.

Andrea Rasca, founder and CEO, started the idea of Mercato Metropolitano in Italy (Image: Mercato Metropolitano) It is one of five London Mercato locations - the others being in Elephant and Castle, Elephant Park, Mayfair and Wood Wharf. 

Managing director Luke Jenkins said: "It's based on the idea of food for all.

"What we wanted to do was build a community, or a market for the community, to be able to come in and be able to eat and enjoy food but food that is cultivated and grown by artisanal traders."

Luke Jenkins said Mercato will bring a spark to the area (Image: Mercato Metropolitano) The launch follows a seven year journey to bring Mercato to east London. 

Two additional storeys will be added to the current premises, with stage two of the project expected to get underway in the next eight months. 

The entire development is forecast for completion in a year. 

Luke said: "Ilford for us is kind of an untapped resource. There's no food culture, there's no late night culture, there's an area that needs regenerating and bringing up so this is an exciting time for us. 

The inside is extensive, with plenty of different food businesses (Image: Olivia Carter) "A big part of Mercato is about regenerating areas and bringing communities together, making sure the communities understand each other and work alongside each other.

"It's a spark. Mercato wherever it goes it brings the spark, it brings the regeneration of the area. It ignites what it is."

Mercato Ilford is made up of 19 traders, with 18 food traders from around the world, and is believed to have the biggest blend of nationalities and food cuisines of all other London Mercato's.

Cuisines on offer include Ethiopian, Turkish, Caribbean and more (Image: Mercato Metropolitano) The venture forms part of Redbridge Council's Spark Ilford regeneration project and has created around 100 new jobs in the area. 

Mark Baigent, corporate director of regeneration and culture for the council, said: "The opening of Mercato Metropolitano, right in the heart of Ilford is a shining example of regeneration. 

"(It's) helping to create employment for local people, bringing in new opportunities for local traders, and encouraging visitors into our town centre.

"It will give our communities somewhere to come together and enjoy some of the best and most diverse artisan food from local traders, with music and regular entertainment."

The hall was bustling on opening day (Image: Olivia Carter) READ MORE: Shopping centre reopens after 'downpour' causes closure

The opening was attended by founder Andrea Rasca, Jas Athwal MP for Ilford South, and at least 200 people. 

Jas Athwal MP for Ilford South made a speech at the opening (Image: Mercato Metropolitano) Mercato will be hosting a range of activities, including those for children. 

Across the weekend (July 13-14), live sport will be shown, with the Euro 2024 final scheduled for 8pm.