Duke Street Market, Mezzanine

I like these market hall type food places. This one is a bit like the one up at the old Caines Brewery, but better, as you don’t have to queue up to get your food! The concept is straightforward, seven small kitchens have gathered, like animals seeking warmth at the fireside, to share a common dining hall and pool their overheads. This is an excellent idea and, here, they’ve gone one better in that you can order from all of the different kitchens at once, in a single order, via the QR code on your table. No more trying to coordinate your orders so as not to lose your table, no more angst if you fancy chips and somebody else wants a pizza. Here, all can sup from the keg of their choice and all can order together. The dining hall itself is deceptively large, with a downstairs and a mezzanine. Beware the downstairs as it does have those bench tables that you might have to share with someone else. Smaller tables, benches and perching points exist also. The aesthetic is retro-industrial, with lots of exposed wood and metal. The choice of food is excellent, almost overwhelmingly so – the indecisive will be paralysed with choice. There is Mexican, pizza, meat, Asian etc. And remember, you can have it all and that’s ok. For myself, I began with hoisin duck bao buns from Barnacle – these were juicy and full of flavour. The richness of the sauce was beyond pleasing. I would eat these again. Following that, I opted for the Birria Quesadilla, for Birria must be ordered wherever it occurs, and a side of the pulled lamb shawarma loaded chips from Barnacle. The quesadilla was perfect – beautifully flavoured and rich. The Birria itself was bursting with meaty flavour. I always want more Birria but I fear too much of a good thing. The loaded chips were, well, loaded – piles of pulled lamb upon fat and tasty hot chips. This meal was a definite hit. There was, alas, no room for pudding. The beer selection was limited, but there was a house lager – this came quickly and was as it should be, cold and refreshing. Drinks ae ordered in the same way as food, via the QR code on the table. Overall, a very positive experience and a place I would recommend – visit here if you love good food. Particularly good if you have an indecisive group who can’t decide what to eat or are out with the sort of people that only want to pay the exact cost of their own food, down to the last penny (for they can just order separately…). A point to note – this place doesn’t open on Mondays. I know it says this online, but it still surprised me – it’s such a big endeavour that I overlooked that these are small businesses, they’re just cohabiting under one roof, so they do need time off.