Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Not another bloody market kitchen

62 replies

Peacemirl · 29/03/2026 23:40

I love eating out, and trying new places. I like everything from fine dining to (really good) takeaway food. I’ve lived in the city where I currently work for fifteen years and one of the big reasons for moving was the vibrant, varied food scene.

In the last few years, I’ve been less and less enthusiastic about it. There are still some great places, but more and more new openings are generic and “same again” - everything seems to be yet another “market kitchen” concept or more noodles (I like noodles but they’re everywhere).

I get these places must be popular and I’ve had good food in some of them but it all feels a bit uninspiring these days, and less exciting. I also understand hospitality is having a hard time and so bankable, tried and tested models are safer than going out on a limb.

AIBU?? Or am I just getting old??

OP posts:
BeanQuisine · 30/03/2026 00:41

They are food courts but often with lots of multi-ethnic choices. As with all such places, a bit hit and miss but there can be some very tasty fare on offer.

Shinyandnew1 · 30/03/2026 00:19

I’ve never heard it called a market kitchen before. It sounds like the food court in the top floor of a covered shopping precinct from 1995-I can’t think of anywhere else I’ve seen one.

Whowhatwerewolf · 30/03/2026 00:19

I love them as DH and I have such different tastes in food.

Original poster
Peacemirl · 30/03/2026 00:18

I actually think they operated better during Covid when most had app ordering meaning you could mix and match from different places. Many have dropped that now so you have to physically go to the vendors and order; not a chore if you want everything from the same place but if I want a couple of different things and a drink from the separate bar, it rapidly becomes a bit of a pain.

Agree about the seating, generally speaking.

OP posts:
Foofedifiknow · 30/03/2026 00:15

The seating is usually uncomfortable and it’s inconvenient to go for drinks and separate vendors for kids YANBU ..

DBSFstupid · 30/03/2026 00:12

Jellybelly80 · 29/03/2026 23:56

It sounds like another name for a food court.

Show quote history

Of course! It's just dressed up to sound healthy and interesting. I find in most of these places the food is bland and overpriced.

Jellybelly80 · 29/03/2026 23:56

Peacemirl · 29/03/2026 23:43

It’s a large building where there are lots of different food vendors and you can order from any of them, with seating in for them all in the middle. So you could have a pizza from the pizza vendor and your friend could have tacos from the Mexican vendor. You get the benefit of lots of different restaurants in one location.

Show quote history

It sounds like another name for a food court.

lemoncurdcupcake · 29/03/2026 23:54

I can understand the frustration though. When I was growing up every 3rd restaurant was Indian cuisine or fish and chips. It just didn't feel like my town was big enough to need more than one, and would have been great to have something different! One Indian was really popular and is still open today, the others came and went. I remember going back to visit a few years ago and being astounded that the variety has increased considerably! So YANBU if they're getting overly common.

Personally haven't even heard of one. May have to seek one out and have a go :)

Original poster
Peacemirl · 29/03/2026 23:49

lemoncurdcupcake · 29/03/2026 23:46

As in all separate businesses so you'd queue up and pay at individual vendors but then eat together? Or more like an international buffet type place where it's all one business, and usually all you can eat? The latter I've heard of, but the former is new to me. Sounds like a good idea tbh!

It’s the former - all separate businesses.

They are a good idea. But when it’s the tenth one, all with very similar outlets, it’s hard to get excited.

Appreciate fully this is a very first world problem.

OP posts:
lemoncurdcupcake · 29/03/2026 23:46

As in all separate businesses so you'd queue up and pay at individual vendors but then eat together? Or more like an international buffet type place where it's all one business, and usually all you can eat? The latter I've heard of, but the former is new to me. Sounds like a good idea tbh!

Original poster
Peacemirl · 29/03/2026 23:43

Linoleum81 · 29/03/2026 23:41

What is a market kitchen?

It’s a large building where there are lots of different food vendors and you can order from any of them, with seating in for them all in the middle. So you could have a pizza from the pizza vendor and your friend could have tacos from the Mexican vendor. You get the benefit of lots of different restaurants in one location.

OP posts:
Linoleum81 · 29/03/2026 23:41

What is a market kitchen?

Swipe left for the next trending thread