Mercato Metropolitano to leave Elephant & Castle site in 2026 after ten years, ahead of major redevelopment

Mercato Metropolitano, the community food market that has occupied its Elephant & Castle site in south London for more than ten years, will trade at its current Newington Causeway location for one final summer in 2026 before relocating to a smaller, temporary space next door at the end of autumn. The move precedes a major redevelopment of the existing site.

The market, which first opened in London in 2016, will continue operating throughout spring and summer 2026. During this period, the team will place a renewed emphasis on the venue’s Outdoor Piazza, which features an open-air terrace, several bars and the Crazy Boules attraction – a series of retro, crazy golf-inspired courses. Covered areas have been installed to allow the space to remain in use during inclement weather.

The site currently houses more than 40 independent food traders offering a range of international cuisines. Among them are Jollof Mama and Dub Pan, which serve West African and Caribbean dishes; Tandoori Tadkaa and Mazavaroo Club, specialising in spice-led cooking; and a number of Italian pasta and pizza vendors. Dessert options include British-style bakes from Crumbled London and gelato from Badiani.

The bar offering ranges from sustainable wines at BeBeMe and craft beer at Craft Beer, to German pours at German Kraft and cocktails at Central Cocktail Bar and Cocktail Caravan. The Temple of Art and Music (TAM), a bar and live music venue on site, hosts live performances, open mic nights and karaoke events, with proceeds from drink sales contributing to support for emerging artists.

Alongside its food and drink traders, Mercato Metropolitano will run an events programme over the coming months, including World Cup screenings, live music and DJ sets, Latino nights, food pop-ups, craft fairs, a community boxing club and kilo sales.

Once the current site closes in autumn, the market will continue operating from a neighbouring temporary location, retaining its focus on independent food traders, cultural programming and community events. Mercato Metropolitano also operates other London venues, including Mercato Mayfair and sites at Elephant Park, Wood Wharf and Ilford.

Food Desk

Further information on the spring and summer programme, visit Mercato Metropolitano’s website here