Nottingham Street Food Club has announced it won't be renewing its lease at Victoria Centre due to rising costs. The venue, on the upper floor, opened five years ago and has helped to put many local street food traders on the map.
The industrial setting has been home to scores of vendors selling all kinds of cuisine from Indian to Mexican, and burgers to healthy options. Homeboys, Clean Cut Kitchen, Dosa Love, and 13th Element have all had a stint there.
The club, which has also had outdoor events at Sneinton Market, revealed the decision on Facebook saying: "Over the years we have had the enormous pleasure of working with many different independent food businesses, helping them grow and contributing to a better circular economy in our great city. An achievement we are immensely proud of.
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"We have seen and experienced the impact the last two years has had on the hospitality industry and are very grateful for the support everyone has given, helping us to survive these testing times.
"The rising costs across so many elements means it is no longer sustainable to continue at this location. This past year everyone has seen a sizable increase in energy bills and ours quadrupled. Unlike most businesses we have had to power four kitchens and we wouldn’t be sticking to our values if we had passed these costs straight onto the independent food traders we work with. We’re proud that our decision to absorb this increase has given these independent businesses the best opportunity to continue to grow.
"We would like to thank all the staff and traders who were a part of our Victoria Centre chapter. Special thanks to Jack from FHP for making it happen and Victoria Centre for giving us the opportunity. We hope you have as many great memories of this chapter as we do."
Fans responded with sadness. Food blogger Will Flirt for Food said: "This is really sad but can’t wait to see what you do next!" Another food lover added: "So sorry to hear this...there was a few years where I was powered by katsu, bibimbap and fish tacos, good times."
Nigel Wheatley, centre director at Victoria Centre, said: "We were sorry to hear the news that Nottingham Street Food Club has decided to close, having been with us for many years. We wish the team the very best for the future, and we look forward to being able to update shoppers on what may take its place in due course.”
Phil Tomlinson, street food fan, and faculty area manager for catering and hospitality at Nottingham College said: "Nottingham Street Food Club has helped to raise the awareness of a vibrant, exciting sector of the hospitality industry. Working with them on the Nottingham Street Food Academy has introduced our students to this entrepreneurial area and we will continue this forward with them.
"They have been an integral part of the ever-developing eating out in Nottingham for the last five years and we look forward to the next chapter."
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