First phase of Elephant Park food court project launches with new deli area

A new deli is set to open in London as the first phase of a 17,500 sq ft food court market gets underway.

Mercato Metropolitano, which already has two locations in the capital, will see its first delicatessen and cafe space open at Elephant Park, a £2.5bn regeneration project.

The deli, which will open adjacent to the Walworth Library and Southwark Heritage Centre, will sell an array of artisanal and sustainable products.

The brand will also be opening ‘MM Factory’ at the site, a mix of micro-restaurants and sustainable food concepts, as well as a mill for heritage and organic grains.

The Elephant Park regeneration project will create thousands of new homes, delivered by Lendlease in partnership with Southwark Council.

Guy Thomas, head of place assets at Lendlease, commented: “The opening of Mercato’s deli and café comes at a great time for Elephant Park, and will build excitement for the launch of the second phase of their concept.

“Community is at the heart of Elephant Park’s offer, and it’s a philosophy Mercato Metropolitano share, so we are delighted to see the deli and café open and serving local people and visitors alike.”

Andrea Rasca, founder and chief executive dreamer of Mercato Metropolitano, said: “We are in the process of creating a more sustainable ecosystem, and the site at Elephant Park has a massive role to play in that.

“The first phase is a great introduction to who we are and what we offer, building on the overwhelmingly positive response to our existing London sites.

“We are grateful for the support Lendlease has given, which has enabled us to bring this forward now, and cannot wait to see the second phase also come to life soon.”

Nash Bond, CF Commercial and Shelley Sandzer represented Lendlease.