Will M and S Foodhall spark a boost for Dalston, or lead to the return of the department store?

Inside job: Marks and Sparks Foodhalls appeal to a wider age range than the company’s legendary department stores

PUSH YOUR WAY THROUGH the crowd that Marks and Spencer hopes will mill about in Kingsland High Street next Wednesday and you may pocket a freebie or two.

The chain retailer is opening a Foodhall just south of Dalston Kingsland station, on Wednesday 11 April at 10am. Marks has told Loving Dalston that the new store’s manager, Debbie Cunningham, is likely to offer a giveaway or two.

Foodhall manager: Debbie Cunningham

This site reported exclusively a year ago on the retailer’s planned return to the street three decades since the closing of the Marks department store a few blocks south in the High Street, opposite the McDonald’s at the corner of Abbot Street.

Foodies have been excited by news of the Foodhall, although the multinational’s initiative could take some custom from independent provisioners such as Harvest E8. There have already been casualties: Pickles, the wonderful grocery and eatery (wine £6.50 a bottle, with or without a meal), closed this winter just past.

Fed By Water, the vegan restaurant courageously reopened despite recent tenancy problems, may find that hungry travellers wearily emerging from the station decide on a ready-to-eat snack rather than a freshly made meal.

Yet a Marks presence could also be good for local business. Ridley Road traders’ leader Larry Julian looked on the Marks opening optimistically, saying: “It will bring more customers to Dalston and Ridley Road Market.”

David Altheer 030418

* The M and S Foodhall is at 51-57 Kingsland High Street E8 2JS (below the Dustbin building) and will be open Mon-Sat 7am-10pm and Sundays 11am-5pm.

* Backstory: Footfall frenzy for Marks in E8; Dirty deals in Dalston; Hackney eateries to love or loathe; No to a McRoof rave; Dalston Peacocks site is sold on

Rainbow after the rain? Vegan resto Fed By Water in Kingsland Shopping Centre

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