Have you noticed the popularity of street food? If not, where have you been? If so, then you’re noticing a trend that shows no signs of slowing. Street food traders including pop-ups and food trucks now have a place in a massive market worth £1.2 billion. There are over 7,000 street food vans in the UK and that number has grown by 20% year on year. Even here, in Abergavenny, you’ll notice the popularity of street food with pop-ups regularly taking place at various pubs as well the introduction of the monthly Street Food and Night Market at Abergavenny Market Hall, which has now become a staple for our community.
Not long ago the whole street food thing was a bit of a niche market, but now it has pretty much become part of British culture and offers customers the chance to try out different cuisines from all over the world. The Covid Pandemic changed much about the hospitality industry. With restaurants and pubs being forced to close, would-be street food vendors spotted a gap in the dining market where they could go mobile and safely serve food, unlike indoor food venues which were not permitted to open. Selling from a food van also significantly reduces overheads like the cost of rental premises and staff and businesses can go where the footfall is, instead of waiting for customers to come to them.
As a result of the relatively low start-up and running costs, food from street food vendors tends to be competitively priced, which means customers are inspired to try new foods without breaking the bank. With the cost of living crisis forcing everyone to tighten their belts, dining out is one of those luxuries that many of us have forfeited. Cuisine from food trucks and street vendors that is lower in cost but as tasty as restaurant offerings, can offer a perfect alternative to those keeping to a budget but still looking for a treat now and then.
The growth of street food looks set to continue, so if you haven’t tried some of what’s on offer locally, why not give it a go? The best place to keep informed of pop-ups and their locations is, of course, on social media either by following a vendor’s account to see where they’ll pop-up next or via a local page, like Abergavenny Voice.
