Waterside Greater Manchester food hall named one of the UK's 'best'

Ahead of its three-year anniversary, a Greater Manchester food hall has been shortlisted for a prestigious award. Dubbed 'Salford's boldest food hall', Kargo MKT opened to great fanfare at Salford Quays in September 2023. Now, the waterfront food hall and cultural hub, which features almost 20 independent traders, has been shortlisted for ‘Best Food Hall’ at the British Street Food Awards 2026, marking an exciting milestone as the destination.

Held every year, the British Street Food Awards aim to champion ‘all aspects of the street food revolution’ from burgers, vegetarian food and desserts, as well as the vendors and entrepreneurs behind independent stalls and businesses. Nina, COO of Blend Family, said: "Having multiple of our food halls selected this year is a huge moment for the team.

Kargo MKT being up for nomination so close to their third anniversary is such an honour from the team and reflects the commitment they have shown to Manchester since we opened in 2023.” “Being a finalist reinforces that Blend Family’s food halls are destinations that bring people together, while making a positive contribution to the neighbourhoods we serve.”

Located at Quayside, Kargo MKT is home to 19 unique, independently owned kitchens, bringing together a mix of cultures and cuisines under one roof. The venue was previously named a runner-up in 2024 alongside Feast at The Mills in Wigan.

First opened last year, Salford’s £3.5m waterfront food hall features traders including Mexican-American fusion stars Fuego 1987, Palestinian kitchen Baity, fried chicken star Bok Bok and Greek street food pros ThatZiki. Other food on offer at the Salford-based food hall includes pizzas from Leopard Pie, proper burgers from What's Your Beef, and Vietnamese street eats from +84, with the latter serving up freshly made Banh Mi, rice and noodle dishes.

The venue also hosts DJ takeovers, kids activities and parties, as well as workshops - creating everything from homeware and pottery to candles and advent calendars. The British Street Food Awards voting link is now live. The Blend Family is encouraging guests, supporters, and communities across the UK to vote for their favourite food hall and help bring home a win for Manchester.

Blend Family is an independent hospitality business creating and operating award-winning food halls across the UK. Its growing portfolio includes Cutlery Works and Cambridge Street Collective in Sheffield, Kargo MKT in Manchester, Tower Bridge Collective in London and the newly opened Alfred Works in Birmingham.