Boxhall Bristol: The search is on for the city’s best independent traders for new harbourside food hall

Bristol’s hotly anticipated Boxhall harbourside food hall has entered a new and exciting stage, as developers have today announced the opening of applications for the venue’s first set of regional food and drink traders.

Ahead of the food hall’s opening in summer 2023, the Boxhall team is now setting out to curate a regional food offering which champions a diverse mix of independent street food traders.

With the assistance of chef Josh Eggleton, who joins the team as its Food Ambassador, Boxhall will ensure the venue showcases the breadth of independent local food and drink businesses that operate out of Bristol.

With just seven kitchen spots available, competition is strong, so candidates are encouraged to put their best foot forward.

Whilst the applications are open to everyone, Boxhall are looking for food businesses with a minimum of two years’ experience trading and operating in a customer-facing environment, whether it’s the small and emerging or more established and experienced businesses.

Following an initial and fully refundable deposit, each selected trader will be provided with a fully fitted plug-and-play commercial kitchen, worth around £100,000, allowing businesses to start trading without the concerns of significant financial outlay, which can often be a barrier to expanding into new premises.

Ben Mclaughlin, Boxhall COO adds: “We’re thrilled to announce that our search for traders is now officially open. We have invested heavily in our kitchens and technology to give food operators a fantastic opportunity to grow their business and ensure they can deliver a seamless guest experience.

“Food will be at the heart of Boxhall; and with space for just seven kitchens, the trader roster needs to reflect the diverse and high-quality offering from Bristol and beyond.

“Bristol has a phenomenal reputation as a culinary city and we’re incredibly excited to be working alongside Josh in our search. His reputation in the region is unparalleled and his knowledge and experience of the regional landscape will be invaluable.”

Josh Eggleton’s role will see him advise and consult on Boxhall’s incoming street food and specialist beverage operators, as well as local partnerships and working to build and deliver a variety of live events within the venue.

He says: “Over the next few months, we’ll be taking registrations of interest and from there we’ll be looking to create a food offering that’s representative of Bristol’s incredible food culture.

“The search is going to be a wide and diverse one, it’s intended to be open to all kinds of operators and the way the tenancy works, with the reduced capital outlay on the operator, there’s a real chance to make something different and special.”

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, added: “The development of Boxhall on Welsh Back is another vote of confidence in our city centre and in Bristol’s recovery from the pandemic. Their first venture outside London will create another 100 new jobs for Bristol, and regenerate derelict sheds along our docks.

“I’m excited to see the new Boxhall – and meet some of the traders the team selects alongside Josh to help make it another special stop in Bristol’s food scene.”

Set to open in summer 2023, Boxhall is a new and premium F&B-led concept with a modern food hall structure, set to offer high-quality product ranges and carefully curated, authentic cuisine from local, independent street food traders and restaurant operators in Bristol.

The scheme is set to create over 100 job opportunities for the local community. Boxhall Bristol will be located at Welsh Back’s O&M’s sheds, with an interior design delivered by Macaulay Sinclair, designers for Hawksmoor and Dishoom.

The 20,000 sq.ft venture will feature two external terraces overlooking the historic floating harbour taking in waterside views towards Bristol Bridge, as well as Welsh Back itself.

In addition to the food offer, Boxhall will host a complementary events programme showcasing the best of Bristol’s music scene throughout the week, as well as a mix of other cultural events.

Regional food businesses seeking to get involved with Boxhall can register their interest via: www.boxhall.co.uk.