Beer and Feast, the company behind successful food and drink venues in Rochester, and Rainham, is to become the new operator of Gravesend Borough Market.
The company is expected to take over in February once contracts have been signed. The council will still retain ownership of the market, with its management and operation to be run by Beer and Feast, which will also be moving its head office to the town.
Welcoming the new operators, Cllr Lauren Sullivan, Cabinet Member for Community & Leisure, said: “We listened to residents who told us during the research phase of the latest Market Strategy that they wanted a vibrant food, drink offer in the market, alongside a traditional or regular market.
“Late last year we launched a tender process aimed at finding an operator who can further develop our historic market into this vibrant town centre destination.
“The brief for prospective operators was clear in that we are looking for a venue that offers a mix of attractions including food and drink sellers, street food vendors, fixed entertainment, regular events, and regular pop-up markets.
“In Beer and Feast we have found great local partners – an established Kent company already operating highly regarded venues and who are demonstrating a real desire to commit to and invest in Gravesham.”
The company is headed up by Jamie Clark, who has more than 15 years of experience in business and marketing and chef Thomas Mudge, who has similar length of experience in the hospitality industry.
“We are very excited to be bringing our business to Gravesend. The town is full of potential, and we want to make the market a focal point in the development of this up-and-coming area.
Beer and Feast, headed by Jamie Clark (left) and Thomas Mudge, are the new operators of Gravesend Borough Market
“We have a unique opportunity to create something great, not just for Gravesend but for Kent as a whole and we cannot wait to get started.”, said Jamie.
Cllr Sullivan added: “Our historic market has a long history that has evolved through time and this model is the next step in its evolution and is in line with the feedback received from residents and visitors.
“I am sure Jamie and Thomas will work closely with the current market traders to ensure that the market develops to represent the very best of Gravesham.
“We welcome Beer and Feast to Gravesham and look forward to working in partnership with them.”