Mercato Metropolitano to open new Mayfair site next month

The brainchild of “executive dreamer” Andrea Rasca, Mercato Mayfair follows on from his successful four-month pilot venture in Milan in 2015 and his subsequent permanent location, Mercato Metropolitano, constructed in 2016 at Elephant and Castle. Recently acquiring the grandiose site of St Mark’s Church from the Grosvenor Estate, this Grade-one-listed and deconsecrated building has been sensitively transformed into a gastronomic community street market in one of London’s most affluent areas.

The imposing architecture of the large pillar-framed entrance opens up to a gigantic walkway of colourful groceries. From chocolate to chorizo thins, each has been carefully selected alongside the beautifully printed Mercato “bags for life” that dangle from the heavily laden shelves.

Leading through to the main room there are colourful metal chairs and tables, the light shining through the church’s original stained-glass vernacular etchings. Lacing around the edge of the building and the balcony above are dozens of shacks filled with hand-picked artisan produce. There’s an outdoor roof terrace serving drinks from English sparkling wine to numerous local Craft beers; and the original altar houses a bar made entirely from recycled pint glasses. The basement below will lend the space to events, classes and workshops; and gorgeous live Jazz music fills the air, as it will do on a regular basis.

From handmade gelato to freshly prepared sushi, the tastes are worldwide and eclectic; soupçons of our continents all under one roof. Every vendor is specially selected following the ethos of the Mercato Movement and each dish is required to have no more than five ingredients in it, allowing for a more natural and simple approach to good eating. Absolutely every utensil and plate is recycled and reusable and where possible, organic ingredients and materials are used.

The space of Mercato Mayfair feels very much like it has retained the roots of the church. With affordable food bringing together a diverse mix of footfall. With a clear view of supporting sustainability, locality and independent small farmers, plans are ongoing for a new space in Ilford and expansion abroad; and it certainly appears a visionary success given our critical state when it comes to climate change.

Ezelle Alblas
Photo: Courtesy of Mercato Metropolitano

Mercato Mayfair is set to open at St Mark’s Church W1K 6ZA, for further information follow their Instagram account here.