This International Women’s Day (8 March), London’s food scene gets a powerful, flavour‑packed celebration as KERB Francis Road in Leyton hosts a special women‑focused market. From 10am to 4pm, the weekend destination will spotlight the female founders, chefs and creatives whose passion and ingenuity are reshaping the capital’s independent food culture.
KERB Francis Road, the vibrant new Saturday market that’s already winning over locals, brings together a hand‑picked line‑up of outstanding street food traders. For this special edition, the focus is firmly on women‑led businesses — reflecting the impact women are having on London’s culinary landscape.
Street Food from Women Founders
Leading the line‑up is Banzai Kitchen, a Japanese street food concept from mother‑and‑daughter duo Sumiko and Ocean. Their signature karaage comes from a treasured family recipe, and the pair are celebrated graduates of KERB’s women‑only InKERBator programme — an initiative supporting female founders to start and scale their food ventures. Since graduating, they’ve become a beloved feature across London’s food scene.
Joining them is Hanoi Cà Phê, founded by Gina, another InKERBator alumna. Raised in an all‑women household and taught to cook by her grandmother, Gina’s Vietnamese dishes are rooted in tradition, warmth and heritage — bringing authentic, soulful flavours to East London.
Also on the roster:
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Utopia Food – Middle Eastern‑inspired cuisine by Syrian entrepreneur and refugee Hind Danoun, grounded in storytelling and authenticity.
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Mexclub – Traditional Mexican favourites like tacos, birria and tortas from Erika Villafuerte Garcia.
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Deeney’s – The iconic Scottish café and street food brand co‑founded by Carol in 2012, famous for its haggis toastie.
More Than Street Food: Women‑Owned Makers & Makers
Beyond the food stalls, visitors can browse a curated selection of women‑owned produce and lifestyle brands offering everything from baked goods to artisan pantry essentials:
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Liv’s Baked Goodies – Small‑batch granola and artisanal treats
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Saff Bakes – Inventive cookies and sweet delights
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Korean Pantry – Kimchi and Korean pantry staples
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Nutty Belly Gal’s – Artisan nut butters
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Andrea Cacao – Colombian drinking chocolate
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Sirip – Single‑source maple syrup
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Bushwood Bees – Local honey
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Turning Earth Ceramics – Handmade pottery and ceramics
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Littlest Paws Club – Natural dog treats and grooming essentials
A Street Full of Women‑Led Independent Businesses
The women‑empowering atmosphere extends beyond the market. Francis Road is home to a dynamic community of women‑owned permanent businesses, reinforcing the street’s growing reputation as one of East London’s most exciting independent hubs. Highlights include:
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Edie Rose – Florist bringing elegant blooms to the neighbourhood
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Phlox Books – Independent bookshop and café
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Marmelo – Local produce and speciality store
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CCP Home Kitchen – A curated lifestyle and kitchen destination
This diverse mix of food, craft and community spirit makes KERB Francis Road quickly becoming a new weekend ritual in Leyton.
Supporting Female Founders & Future Food Innovators
The International Women’s Day takeover celebrates the impact women have on London’s food ecosystem — and highlights the importance of initiatives like KERB’s InKERBator programme, which equips female founders with the tools to launch, grow and succeed in an often‑challenging industry.
KERB Francis Road’s regular market takes place every Saturday from 10am–4pm at Francis Road, Leyton, E10 — offering bold global flavours, local makers and community at its heart.
About KERB
KERB is on a mission to be the most impactful hospitality business in the world. Since launching as a pop‑up in 2012, KERB has expanded into an international operator of food halls, event catering, and a social enterprise platform.
Fiercely championing independent businesses across the UK, Berlin, Copenhagen and San Francisco, KERB’s social enterprise arm, KERB+, was founded in 2023 to break down barriers in hospitality — helping people from less‑advantaged backgrounds access meaningful work and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Visit kerbfood.com to explore more and follow @kerbfood on Instagram for updates.
