Everything is clicking into place as a multi-million pound project to convert a former Ipswich pub into a food hall nears completion.
Sandeep Singh and his team are working to renovate Trafalgar House, the former Yates, into Tower Street Food Hall.
When it opens it will house six food vendors offering south Asian and English food alongside smash burgers, pizza, loaded fries and more.
Tower Street Food Hall is set to open at the end of January. Picture: Ash Jones
Mr Singh said he wanted to make Tower Street Food Hall a ‘destination’ and ‘experience’ specialising in catering for families and groups.
He plans to offer live music, events, stand-up comedy gigs and a children’s play area – and hopes to welcome diners by the end of January, pending the installation of a glass front door.
Mr Singh believes food halls are the next evolution of the food and drink sector.
Penn Commercial’s Paul Keen (left) presents Mr Singh with the keys in September. Picture: Penn CommercialThe entire project will cost over £2 million. Picture: Ash Jones
He said: “What we wanted was to offer a place where there’s good food, a strong vibe and a place for the family to enjoy. We want it to be a destination – a reason to come into the town centre.
“I get asked all the time about the difference between a food court and a food hall. A food court is a place, maybe at work, where you go to fill your stomach. A food hall is an experience.
“I’m passionate about food and good wine and I wanted vendors who shared that passion. Our vendors love food, this is not your typical burger or pizza brand, that’s where we gel.
“As for why we chose Ipswich? Well, why not? You have to give people a reason to come into town.”
How the inside of Tower Street Food Hall currently looks. Picture: Ash JonesThe main bar, upstairs. Picture: Ash Jones
The refurbishment is expected to cost around £2 million, although Mr Singh said he had gone slightly over budget.
He estimated it could seat 280 people across the ground and first floors. The building’s second floor will be available for private bookings.
He signed a 20-year lease for the building in September.
Daddy & Daughter Pizza will be located at this booth. Picture: Ash JonesSlap and Pickle, offering smash burgers, will be at this unit. Picture: Ash Jones
The six vendors coming to Tower Street Food Hall are:
– The Bucket List, offering loaded fries
– Felixstowe-based Big Bro Bao, which will offer Asian food such as dumplings and crispy chicken
– Chelmsford-based Titu’s Kitchen, offering south Indian cuisine
– Slap and Pickle, offering smash burgers
– Bury St Edmunds-based Daddy & Daughter’s Pizza
– Felixstowe-based London Calling, offering traditional English food such as pie and mash and jellied eels.
In addition to seating and the main bar, upstairs will also host events and gigs. Picture: Ash Jones
In addition there will be two bars – one downstairs and one upstairs – serving cocktails, craft beers and more.
Diners will be able to choose from any vendor they want, where they want to sit and will be given a buzzer which will go off when their order is ready.
Mr Singh wanted to ensure the renovation of Tower Street Food Hall met his vision.
Two floors of the building will be available for seating. Picture: Ash JonesThe second floor will be available for private functions, such as parties or meetings. Picture: Ash Jones
“The building is 160 years old and we wanted to move away from the traditional pub look that Yates had,” Mr Singh said.
“You look around Ipswich and there’s lots of old buildings that I love – and I wanted the inside to keep in with the outside, with a Victorian look.”
This includes green tiles, brass lanterns and a large Egyptian chandelier.
This chandelier is from Egypt, Mr Singh said. Picture: Ash Jones
When SuffolkNews first spoke to Mr Singh, he hoped to open before Christmas. Planning delays to install the glass front door have pushed this back to January.
Mr Singh added: “Once the door’s installed we should be good to open. We can’t wait to welcome diners. A food hall like this is exactly what Ipswich needs.”
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