It’s been through a few iterations, the Leyton car park that sprouts out in front of Tilbury Road’s railway arches. And yet, in the last twelve months, this unlikely fenced-off patch of tarmac, owned by a local van hire rental agency, has become a key social space.
It began with the inaugural Leyton Arts Festival, attended by over two thousand back in July. Then there was the admirable but slightly soggy Leyton Night Market in the run-up before Christmas (that December rain was intense, if I remember).
Now, with the weather on the up — and the sun even out — it’s properly back. Not only weekly, but on both Fridays and Saturdays, weaving it more permanently into the fabric of the neighbourhood. And it goes by a simple name: Tilbury Yard.
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So, what can we expect? “East London’s most exciting food and drink residencies,” says organiser and Chop Shop Tavern owner Danny Saunders, “and a weekly market. It’s a dedicated space for independent brands to push boundaries.”
The weekly schedule of live music, DJ sets and eclectic food takeovers will continue every weekend until autumn. Tonight’s launch sees two superior vendors, Daccapo Pizzeria — a blue vintage truck whose chef Stefano specialises in next-level Neapolitan pizza “with a Roman twist” — and Korean fried chicken from East London faves Gochu Gang. There’ll be a further five artisan food stalls, plus live music from Tom Peacock.
Can’t make it? Highlights next weekend include ten graffiti artists, live hiphop DJs and, best of all, Indonesian bowls from KERB Francis Road regulars Borobudu, whose vegetarian nasi goreng I reviewed here. It’ll be interesting to see how the Yard takes shape as summer progresses.
Read more on Tilbury Road in the latest Substack newsletter HERE.
Tilbury Yard opens tonight on Tilbury Road E10 (entrance opposite Tun Cafe). Fridays 5pm–10pm and Saturdays 3pm–10pm
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