If you're looking to escape the predictable turkey-and-tinsel routine this Christmas, Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant and Castle offers a fun, buzzy and less-traditional backdrop for your festive celebrations this year. Set within a beautifully transformed former paper factory, this 17,000-square-foot community market has been breathing life into South London since 2016, and during the festive season, it becomes one of the capital's most atmospheric spots for a knees-up celebration.
Home to a sprawling array of indoor warehouses, outdoor piazzas, and a heated garden with bars and benches, Mercato is perfect for large and small groups alike. Whether you're planning a drinks reception beneath twinkling lights or a sit-down street food feast, there's a corner of this market to suit you.
Smaller groups can choose from the dedicate Wine Bar area for up to 30 seated guests, or 45 standing. While the cosy Cafe area can host up to 36 for a sit-down event, or 100 standing. For larger festive events, The Glasshaus is a beautiful option. With its cosy wooden decking, rattan lampshades and dedicated garden area, it offers a covered and heated private space for up to 570 seated or 750 standing. Equally, you can hire piazzas 1 and 2 separately or together for up to 500.
One of the perks of hiring Mercato Metropolitano for your Christmas bash is the breadth of food options on offer. With over 40 independent traders serving everything from Neapolitan pizza and Syrian mezze to Korean bibimbap and Caribbean jerk, your guests can graze their way around the world without leaving SE1. Add craft beers from the on-site micro-brewery, cocktails from the dedicated bars, and wines from independent producers, and you've got an alternative festive menu that’s guaranteed to suit everyone.