[By Lis Watkins in London] As
a result of the huge rents and rates on London high streets, I’ve noticed a new
ways that creative and entrepreneurial businesses are finding to trade in the
capital. ‘Boxpark’ in Shoreditch and Croydon uses old shipping containers to
house small shops and restaurants on land which is waiting to be developed.
‘Flat Iron Square’ is essentially a series of railway arches and former car
parking space near London Bridge station, which, with the addition of wooden
huts, vintage food trucks and ropes of lights, has been turned into a popular
food and drink hub. ‘Mercato Metropolitano’, close to the Elephant and Castle,
is another example, using the shell of an old warehouse as a home for a huge
selection of food and drink stalls. Recycled materials for seating areas, lots
of interesting signage plus a large amount of plants give the place a festival
feel. At least while the sun is shining.
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Mercato Metropolitano |
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Flat Iron Square |
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Flat Iron Square |
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Mercato Metropolitano |