AN historic Carlisle city centre venue is becoming a haven for foodies – despite a lack of financial support. 


Nearly all the units suitable for food outlets, which require a water supply, have been filled at Carlisle’s Market Hall, and manager Helen Wylie said it was becoming a food hall even though it has missed out on important funding. 
“We’ve virtually filled up all the food units on the market, which is a very positive thing, but we were meant to be getting levelling up money,” she said. “It was the intention to have an all-singing, all-dancing food hall but we’ve got a food hall in a way. 
“The variety of food on offer in the market is unrivalled in the city centre. There are other vacant units which need to be filled but it’s a good sign that we’re popular for food.”
Among a host of new arrivals is the mini market Afrikana, offering popular African produce, frozen meat and fish, and dry goods, and jacket potato stall Tattie Pit.

“It’s a young lad and his mum and they’re doing very well at the moment,” said Helen. “They’ve only just started but folk are going back because it’s good value for money. 
“We’ve got another stall opening called So Nice and it’s going to do homebaked pies. There’s also a new baker, Dough Luxe, who’s really getting a loyal customer base.”
As older stalls, like the fabric shop, cease trading, they’re being replaced by new businesses. “We have four Afghan sisters who have opened up a stall called Four Sisters Beauty,” said Helen. “There is also Star Brow and Beauty, which opened around the same time, and Wendy’s Wholesome Healing, offering tarot readings and Reiki treatments.”
With prices low and portions plentiful, Helen feels the food is excellent value.

“There’s lots of communal eating areas where people can come and eat as a family,” she said. “They can choose from several options. We get a lot of students through the week and school pupils and basically they can get a meal that’s very substantial, filling and healthy for under a fiver - in some instances, less. There’s a wide price range that most folk can afford.”
She added: “There are lots of opportunities for small businesses to take their first steps in retail in the Market Hall. It’s a lovely welcoming place to be a tenant or a customer.”