
A former BHS department store on the edge of Oxford Street has transformed into London’s largest food hall. Nine street food kitchens, two bars, and a lineup of traders who actually know what they’re doing — Market Halls Oxford Street keeps pulling in crowds who want real food without the fuss of a sit-down restaurant. This guide covers everything you need to know before you go, from ordering quirks to what’s actually worth your time.
Kitchens: 9 · Bars: 2 · Exclusive Feature: Games Hall with AR darts · Former Use: BHS store · Locations: Oxford Street, Victoria, Paddington, Canary Wharf
Quick snapshot
- Former BHS store at 9 Holles Street (Tagvenue)
- 9 street food kitchens, 2 bars (DesignMyNight)
- Bookings accepted for groups of 2–50 (Market Halls Official)
- Exact opening date post-revamp
- Full current menu prices
- Numerical Tripadvisor rating beyond rank
- Quiz Night every Tuesday 19:00–21:00 (Market Halls Official)
- Live music Thursday–Saturday (DesignMyNight)
- DJ event 23 April (Market Halls Official)
- Walk-ins accepted; pre-booking optional (Market Halls Official)
- Private events room seats up to 350 (VenueScanner)
The venue details below come from cross-referencing multiple directories and booking platforms.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | 9 Holles Street, London W1G 0BD |
| Kitchens | 9 creative street food |
| Bars | 2 |
| Phone | 02045 801 290 |
| Monday–Tuesday hours | 11:00–22:00 |
| Wednesday–Saturday hours | 11:00–23:00 |
| Sunday hours | 11:00–20:00 |
| Kitchens open | 11:30 until 1 hour before close |
| TripAdvisor ranking | 4,782 of 22,676 London restaurants |
| Group booking range | 2–50 guests |
What did Market Halls Oxford Street used to be?
The building that now houses Market Halls Oxford Street was once a BHS department store, the kind of retailer that defined British high street shopping for decades before its decline. The conversion into a food hall wasn’t just a quick flip — the team kept the exposed brickwork and high ceilings, giving the space an industrial character that most new restaurants spend money trying to fake.
The transformation reflects a broader shift in how London treats its older commercial buildings. Rather than demolish, developers increasingly convert retail shells into multi-kitchen food halls that can handle hundreds of covers without the overhead of a traditional restaurant model. Market Halls, as a chain, has bet heavily on this format across four London locations.
The address sits at 9 Holles Street, just off Oxford Street near Oxford Circus — a location that draws both tourists and office workers looking for something faster than a traditional sit-down meal. According to Tripadvisor, this proximity to one of London’s busiest shopping corridors keeps the foot traffic steady throughout the week.
Do you need to book Market Halls?
Short answer: no, but it depends on what you’re after. General dining accepts walk-ins — you can simply turn up, order at any kitchen, and find a seat. The space handles this reasonably well during off-peak hours, but Friday and Saturday evenings can get crowded.
Group bookings open up through the Market Halls website for parties of 2 to 50 guests. The system isn’t mandatory for smaller groups but becomes useful if you want to guarantee a table for a work lunch or birthday gathering. Private events take things further: The Square event zone accommodates up to 350 guests with a minimum spend of £5,000, per VenueScanner.
The takeaway for most readers: show up without a reservation for casual meals, but book ahead if you’re coordinating a group or want to use the private dining room.
How to order at Market Halls?
The ordering model at Market Halls Oxford Street is closer to a food court than a traditional restaurant, but with better execution. You walk up to any kitchen, place your order, and receive a buzzer — the same system you’ll find at competent street food markets across the city.
Food orders happen directly at the kitchen counters. Drinks require a trip to the bar, though the venue also supports QR code ordering for beverages, which speeds things up if you’re already seated. Cards and digital payments are accepted throughout, according to Tripadvisor — no cash-only surprises here.
Ordering process
- Approach any of the 9 kitchens and order from the posted menu
- Receive a buzzer; your food gets brought to your table when ready
- For drinks, either visit the bar or scan the QR code at your table
- Pay via card or digital payment — no cash required
Payment options
- Credit and debit cards accepted everywhere
- Digital payments via QR code for drinks
- No minimum spend mentioned
- Split bills handled individually at each counter or bar point
Market Halls Oxford Street Menu and Restaurants
The kitchen lineup is where Market Halls Oxford Street earns its reputation. Rather than stacking the space with generic fast food, the venue curates traders who have built followings elsewhere. This isn’t a coincidence — the Market Halls brand specifically recruits street food operators looking to expand, which means you’re eating at places with something to prove.
The roster includes Gopals Corner by Roti King (known for Malaysian rotis), DF Tacos (Mexican), Apoy (Southeast Asian), Inamo Sukoshi (Japanese-inspired), Krapoww London (Thai), 20ft Chicken, Le Bab (kebab specialists), Hot Box, Sexy Buns, and Whipped Ldn. Tagvenue confirms this trader list, though the exact lineup can shift as vendors rotate.
Available cuisines
- Mexican tacos and small plates
- Malaysian and Southeast Asian
- Japanese and Japanese-inspired
- Thai
- Fried chicken specialists
- Kebab and burger concepts
- Desserts and sweet treats
Standout stalls
- DF Tacos — consistently cited for quality Mexican in a casual setting
- Le Bab — elevated kebab concept with loyal following
- Roti King’s Gopals Corner — for those who want something outside the usual food hall range
Menus and prices change as traders rotate. Check the Market Halls website the day you plan to visit rather than relying on outdated screenshots.
The implication for visitors: trader turnover means repeat visits can surface completely different menus, so treating each trip as a new exploration pays off.
Market Halls Oxford Street Opening Times and Reviews
Opening hours follow a consistent pattern across sources, with DesignMyNight and Squaremeal aligning on the core times. The venue opens at 11:00 every day, with kitchens joining at 11:30. Closing times vary by day: 22:00 Monday and Tuesday, 23:00 Wednesday through Saturday, and 20:00 on Sunday.
Hours of operation
The table below breaks down daily venue and kitchen hours for planning purposes.
| Day | Venue open | Kitchens open |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 11:00–22:00 | 11:30–21:00 |
| Tuesday | 11:00–22:00 | 11:30–21:00 |
| Wednesday | 11:00–23:00 | 11:30–22:00 |
| Thursday | 11:00–23:00 | 11:30–22:00 |
| Friday | 11:00–23:00 | 11:30–22:00 |
| Saturday | 11:00–23:00 | 11:30–22:00 |
| Sunday | 11:00–20:00 | 11:30–19:00 |
Visitor feedback
Tripadvisor places Market Halls Oxford Street at #4,782 out of 22,676 London restaurants — a middle-of-the-pack ranking that reflects solid execution without standout brilliance. The 69 reviews cited mention the food variety, straightforward ordering, and cocktail quality as consistent positives. The main complaints cluster around weekend crowding and inconsistent kitchen wait times during peak hours.
One pattern worth noting: reviewers who visited on weekdays rated the experience significantly higher than weekend visitors. If your schedule allows flexibility, a Tuesday lunch will likely feel like a different venue compared to a Saturday dinner rush.
Thursday through Saturday bring live music and DJ events, which enhances the atmosphere but also draws larger crowds. Budget extra time if you’re visiting during these windows.
What this means: visitors prioritizing speed and table availability should target weekday lunches, while those who want the full atmosphere experience should brace for longer waits on Thursday through Saturday evenings.
How to Get There and Practical Details
Market Halls Oxford Street sits at 9 Holles Street, London W1G 0BD — a one-minute walk from Oxford Circus tube station (Bakerloo and Central lines). The nearest car park operates 24 hours at approximately £5.60 per hour, according to Tagvenue, though central London parking rarely represents good value.
The venue is wheelchair accessible and welcomes dogs, making it viable for visitors with mobility requirements or those with pets. Highchairs are available for families with young children. Free WiFi throughout means you can work or study if needed, though the ambient noise during busy periods makes focused work challenging. For those interested in the film’s production, a West Side Story 2021 guide offers further details.
Getting there by public transport
- Oxford Circus tube station — 1 minute walk (Bakerloo, Central, Victoria lines)
- Bond Street tube station — 8 minute walk (Elizabeth, Central, Jubilee lines)
- Numerous bus routes serve Oxford Street directly
Practical notes
- Dog-friendly throughout the venue
- Vegetarian options available at most kitchens
- Free WiFi for all visitors
- Highchairs for families
- Wheelchair accessible
- Phone: 02045 801 290
The pattern: the venue packs in practical amenities for diverse visitor types, but the environment favors social dining over quiet working.
Upsides
- Exceptional street food variety in one location
- No reservation needed for casual dining
- Live music and events enhance the atmosphere
- Dog and wheelchair friendly
- Flexible group booking options
Downsides
- Weekend crowding can undermine the experience
- Kitchen wait times inconsistent during peaks
- TripAdvisor ranking suggests room for improvement
- Limited quiet hours for working or studying
Events and Regular Programming
Market Halls Oxford Street has embedded regular programming into its offering, treating the venue as an events space rather than purely a restaurant. This matters because it shapes when you might want to visit — and when you might want to avoid.
Quiz Night runs every Tuesday from 19:00 to 21:00, offering a structured activity that brings regularity to the week. Live music and DJ sets fill Thursday through Saturday evenings, creating a bar-like atmosphere that sits awkwardly between “food hall” and “venue” — but in a good way for those who enjoy the hybrid.
Private events capabilities include The Square event zone, which VenueScanner lists as accommodating up to 350 guests with a £5,000 minimum spend. Kids’ birthday parties and private dining are also available through booking, making the space viable for celebrations beyond spontaneous dining.
“We make the good times easy. Bringing together a world of flavour, free flowing drinks, the best street food traders, live music and sport across our 3 locations in London.”
— Market Halls Official
“Market Halls has a great range of food options as well as a couple of large bars. The ordering process was straightforward and there’s plenty of seating.”
— Tripadvisor Reviewer
“Prepare to be blown away by 9 next-level food traders offering everything from sizzling tacos to mouth-watering dumplings and gourmet burgers.”
— DesignMyNight (Venue Promoter)
For visitors to central London seeking a flexible dining option near Oxford Street, Market Halls Oxford Street occupies a useful niche: better food than most quick-service alternatives, more variety than a single restaurant, and enough atmosphere to justify choosing it over a generic food court. The former BHS building now does something its original tenants never managed — it gives Londoners a reason to return midweek, not just during weekend shopping trips. If you’re planning a visit, go early on weekdays for the most comfortable experience, or embrace the energy on Thursday through Saturday evenings when the events programming turns the space into something closer to a bar with excellent food options.
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At Market Halls Oxford Street, the opening hours and menu guide offers comprehensive details on menus, entertainment, and seamless booking to enhance your visit.
Frequently asked questions
What food can I find at Market Halls Oxford Street?
Nine street food kitchens offer Mexican tacos, Malaysian rotis, Thai dishes, Japanese-inspired plates, fried chicken, kebabs, burgers, and desserts. Traders rotate periodically, so the exact lineup varies.
Is there parking near Market Halls Oxford Street?
A 24-hour car park is within 1 minute walking distance, charging approximately £5.60 per hour. However, public transport via Oxford Circus station is far more practical for most visitors.
Does Market Halls Oxford Street accept cards?
Yes. Credit cards, debit cards, and digital payments are accepted throughout the venue. QR code ordering for drinks means you can pay without visiting the bar.
What ages are allowed at Market Halls Oxford Street?
The venue is family-friendly with highchairs available. Children are welcome, and the space also hosts kids’ birthday parties by advance booking.
How to get to Market Halls Oxford Street by public transport?
Oxford Circus tube station (Bakerloo, Central, Victoria lines) is a 1-minute walk away. Bond Street station (Elizabeth, Central, Jubilee lines) is approximately 8 minutes away.
Are there vegetarian options at Market Halls Oxford Street?
Yes. Tripadvisor confirms vegetarian-friendly options are available at most kitchens. Specific dishes vary by trader and their current menu rotation.
What drinks are served at Market Halls Oxford Street bars?
Two fully stocked bars serve cocktails, craft beers, and wines. Drinks can also be ordered via QR code at your table without visiting the bar directly.