“You’re like an ambassador of the city,” they tell him. And after five minutes with Scott Cham, the market manager at Darley Street, it’s hard to disagree.
Walking through the newly opened Darley Street Market during the Women of West Yorkshire Festival felt less like visiting a shopping venue and more like stepping into the heartbeat of a modern Bradford, vibrant, diverse, and full of life.
Set across three bustling floors and an outdoor courtyard, Darley Street Market is a bold addition to the city centre. It’s a space that doesn’t just sell things; it brings people together. And if you ask Scott what makes it special, he’ll tell you: “It’s everything, but especially the people’s reaction.”
The Spirit of Bradford, Under One Roof
“I’m from Bradford,” Scott says with a smile, “and my friends say I’m like the city’s ambassador.” His pride shows in his warm welcome, his detailed food stall recommendations (he’s memorised them all), and the joy he finds in stories like this:
A visitor from Leeds recently returned with friends, all first-timers to Bradford, and said they never realised it was so nice. They’re coming back again next week. Word is spreading.
And that’s the magic of Darley Street Market. It’s changing perceptions of the city, of public spaces, of food, and of community.
From loaded fries to Greek gyros: A culinary world tour
Up on the top floor is Darley Street Kitchen, a food lover’s dream. There’s Friesday’s loaded fries, Taste of Thai’s satay chicken, Jerk Chicken from Jenny’s, shawarma from Babtuma, sushi from Sushi Town, and giant cakes at The Cup, to name just a few.
The variety is incredible, from Sri Lankan dishes to Greek gyros, Mexican burritos to Italian pizzas. And if that’s not enough, there’s also a bar, live music stage, outdoor rooftop terrace, and big screens showing sport and film.
Scott puts it simply: “It keeps growing.”
For many in our South Asian communities, where halal options, vegetarian variety, and flavourful food are non-negotiables, this food court is a treat. But it’s not just about indulgence.
Health, wellness, and the joy of ‘just one more’
We spoke with Julie Thomson from FoodSavers, which now runs its 30th outlet right inside the market. The aim? Making healthy food more accessible and joyful.
“We’re launching a campaign,” Julie said. “It’s called Just One More. Instead of pushing five-a-day, which can feel overwhelming or unaffordable for some, we’re saying just try one more fruit or veg. That’s progress.”
From food deserts to community health, Julie and her team are working with local traders and public health teams to bring fresh produce and education to Bradford’s doorsteps. Nourishing Communities Vouchers, fruit & veg vans, and school outreach are all in the mix.
And it’s culturally sensitive too, “We’ve just done a survey,” she told us. “The families aren’t short on food skills. They’re short on money and transport.”
Is it truly for everyone?
As refreshing as it is to see a place celebrate global food, local traders, and community spirit, one crucial piece remains missing: a prayer room.
With a large portion of Bradford’s population being Muslim, the lack of prayer facilities, especially in a venue that sees all-day family footfall, is a noticeable gap.
Accessibility isn’t just about ramps and toilets. It’s also about spiritual needs. While the market offers so much, the inclusion of a quiet space for prayer would make it truly welcoming for all.
When we raised this, it was met with openness. We also spoke with Saira Ali, one of the architects involved in the project. She revealed that more housing and even a park are planned just across from the market, signs of ongoing regeneration in the area. Could this be an opportunity to include a dedicated prayer and reflection space? We hope so.
Behind the scenes: A labour of love
Scott shared candidly that the first month has been full of hard work. “You don’t see what happens behind the scenes,” he said. “The cleaning, the maintenance, the snagging, we’ve got to get it right. You only launch once.”
And get it right, they mostly have.
From cultural events celebrating Estonian and Lithuanian communities, to family-friendly activities like Yorkshire pudding-making with kids on Yorkshire Day, the market is alive and it’s only just getting started.
A new destination, a new vision
Darley Street Market isn’t just for Bradfordians. It’s for the friends from Leeds, the families from across West Yorkshire, and anyone curious about what a modern, diverse, and warm public space can look like.
There’s global food, health-conscious stalls, kid-friendly zones, and a rooftop terrace with killer views.
Now, it just needs that final thoughtful touch a quiet space for reflection to become a beacon of true inclusivity.
And we’ll be back. For the food, the buzz, and perhaps most of all for the people like Scott and Julie, who make it feel like home.
Have you visited Darley Street Market yet? Let us know what you think and what you’d love to see next.
