With an exciting list of names already committed to its waterside development, Gloucester Food Dock has revealed the latest two businesses to sign-up to the £3.5 million development.
They are thriving festival businesses Smashing Plates, described as an ‘unorthodox’ Greek food business, and The Hop Kettle Brewing Company, which also has a bar in Cirencester.
Ken Elliot, of Ladybellegate Estates, the business behind the development, said: ‘We now have eight businesses, which will fill nine possibly 10 of the units.
‘We are now in the fortunate position of choosing who will go into which of the remaining units, rather than trying to find anyone else to fill the other spaces. But we can't release any more names at this stage.
‘At no time have we had to push any of 15 units we have.’
Anyone who has attended Alex James's The Big Feastival in the Cotswolds may have already come across Smashing Plates, but the catering firm and festival favourite founded by Cyprus-born Neo Christodoulou in 2021 also operates four ‘thriving’ London restaurants.
Christodoulou said: ‘During my first visit to the Food Dock I immediately fell in love with the project, such a beautiful development with an array of amazing traders that share the same values and ethos.’
The Hop Kettle Brewing Company was founded by Tom Gee in 2008, just south of the Gloucestershire border in Cricklade, and as well as working at festivals and weddings, has bars in Cirencester and Swindon.
Gee said: ‘We pride ourselves on a diverse product range and produce beer in all styles from traditional best bitters to milkshake IPAs and a number of gluten-free and vegan beers.’
Other names already committed to the development include Gloucestershire’s own Sibling Gin, Wholly Gelato, Strip Steak Bar, artisan pizza business Bella Mia and burger specialists Chuck. Which means Ladybellegate Estates is yet to reveal one other name to have signed on the dotted line.
Sarah Mansfield of Ladybellegate Estates said the first businesses at the development were on course to open towards the end of 2022, with more announcements on who will take the final units expected soon.
It is anticipated that the Food Dock will create up to 120 jobs, too.
