Arcade Food Hall is expected to launch its third London location in Covent Garden.
The group has submitted a planning application to refurbish the exterior of 6 Bedford Street, the former site of TGI Fridays.
Originally a 19th-century department store, the site housed the American-themed chain until its closure in April 2022.
Documents reveal that Arcade Food Hall has applied to Westminster City Council for permission to install new entrance doors, timber sash windows, and fan lights. The exterior is set to be redecorated with oxblood red tiles, echoing the design of Covent Garden tube station.
The landlord has removed the former TGI Fridays interior, and Arcade Food Hall plans to introduce a completely new fit-out.
A design and access statement submitted by designer CO:DE Studios on behalf of Arcade Food Hall said: “The interior concept of the food hall is still in development and whilst it will carry the brand DNA of previous Arcade Food Halls, it will be a unique experience.”
Arcade Food Hall first opened at Tottenham Court Road in 2019 but closed during the pandemic. It was relaunched in 2022 with support from JKS Restaurants, followed by the opening of a second 24,000 sq ft food hall at Battersea Power Station in 2023.
According to Estates Gazette, which first reported the plans, a previous application to convert the Covent Garden site into a pub was rejected in February 2023 over concerns about potential disturbances.
Food halls are experiencing a surge in popularity, with numerous new openings across London and the UK. This year has seen the debut of Boxpark in Liverpool and House of Social in Manchester, while London welcomed new venues including Market Halls Paddington, Market Place St Paul’s, and Kerb’s Corner Corner at Canada Water.
Last week, Market Halls appointed Dan Hills, a veteran of Laine Pub Company, as its new chief executive and announced ambitious plans to double its number of food halls from five to 10 by 2028, aiming to exceed £100 million in annual sales.
