The venue offers eight independent local food traders
Southport Market has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past four years, emerging as a modern food hall and vibrant social hub while keeping one foot firmly planted in its Victorian seaside heritage. Once a traditional market hall, it has been reimagined for a new era, with a fresh layout, eclectic traders, and a buzz that brings locals and visitors back time and again.
With its fourth anniversary just around the corner, the market now stands as a symbol of Southport’s efforts to evolve while staying true to its roots.
Jordan Khokhar, Marketing Manager at Southport Market, told the ECHO: “In two weeks’ time, it’ll turn four, in its current set-up. It used to be a traditional market but that sort of landscape, across the country, has changed, and buildings like this have been repurposed. It’s clean and modern but it still has hints of Southport’s past.”
Indeed, the market’s aesthetic blends the old and new. Its interiors are styled with a light, airy feel and colourful arcade-inspired décor, paying homage to Southport’s coastal charm. Jordan added: “For the theme of the market, they’ve gone with the sort of seaside town, Victorian-themed, arcade-themed hall, basically.”
At the heart of the market are eight independent businesses offering a broad and tempting mix of cuisines: Hector’s Mexicana serves up Mexican street food, 600 Degrees brings Neapolitan pizza, Pitamu specialises in Greek gyros and halloumi, Cake Corner satisfies the sweet-toothed with cakes and desserts, Pasta 51 Express focuses on fresh pasta dishes, Lenny’s grills burgers, Korean Kitchen offers Korean favourites, and Blackhurst Butchers provides top-quality meat. The central bar ties everything together, making it an ideal place to spend a leisurely afternoon or evening.
Jordan said: “We have seven independent, local food vendors – all Southport-based. There’s also the butcher – the meat in there is unreal, really top-notch stuff.”
Behind the stalls are the stories of traders who have grown with the market. Dan Johnston, founder of 600 Degrees, was the very first to sign up. He said: “600 Degrees was the first trader announced in the market, so we’ve been here from the very start.
“Before that, 600 Degrees had an existing mobile events business, so doing weddings and catering, so we were already established as a brand in Southport – and that was running alongside my job as an international sales director. When this place opened, I left that job.”
Since launching his stall at the market, Dan has expanded his brand, opening two more sites in Hillside and Ormskirk. He added: “This place has been a bit of a springboard for the business. It’s all Neapolitan pizzas, so all of the guys are trained up. We do all of our homemade dough every day and follow a strict process.”
Speaking about the venue itself, Dan said: “It’s a good place. Everyone works together. We all help each other out if we need something. There’s a good feel about the place and a good buzz.”
Mathew Stock, manager at Pitamu, echoed that sentiment. He said: “One of the owners did a few fish and chip shops and he saw a market in Southport for somewhere selling good gyros and souvlaki.
“We specialise in gyros, souvlaki and halloumi. We’ve got a whole halloumi menu. Picky bits which you can share out too, like loaded chips and big platters. It’s great here. Everyone gets along really, really well. Everyone on this row has been here since the start so we’re all like brothers, working together.”
Meanwhile, Blackhurst Butchers offers a direct link to the market’s past. Tony Blackhurst explained: “The business started in 1963. My dad started it in County Road, Liverpool, and came to the market in about 1972. There used to be six butchers here and we’re the last one.
“The new market is very good. It’s a good place to work and there’s a good atmosphere.” His quality meat doesn’t just supply customers – it’s also used by 600 Degrees and Lenny’s.
Beyond the food, Southport Market has a growing reputation as an events venue. At the rear of the hall is a 200 to 250-capacity space which hosts weddings, private parties and functions. A second stage is being finalised in the main dining room, where live music and entertainment will be added to the Friday and Saturday offering.
Jordan explained: “We’ve also got another stage in the main room which is almost finished, so there’ll be live entertainment on there on Fridays and Saturdays.”
The market is increasingly seen as a place where the whole community can find a spot to relax, work, or socialise. Jordan said: “If you’re going out for food with the family and you’ve got to decide on one place to go, here you can have whatever you want from each stall.
“This place is hitting multiple markets. People bring their kids, elderly people come here for a coffee, the internet’s really good so you have people coming in and working, people come in for business meetings. It’s a community hub, really, where you can do a bit of everything.”
That versatility has helped the market attract a wide range of visitors, with weekends being particularly lively. Jordan said: “Friday and Saturday are obviously a lot busier, with a bit more of an atmosphere.”
The market also has a dog-friendly policy, with water bowls dotted throughout and Cake Corner even offering ‘pup cups’ for furry companions.
When asked if the market is playing a role in revitalising Southport’s town centre, Jordan was clear: “If you stick to what you’ve always done, you’ll get left behind. I think every seaside town has changed. It’s about keeping the charm but moving to 2025 with the ideas and concepts.”
He also praised Sefton Council, which is behind the transformation: “I came here from the private sector and it’s my first time working in the public sector. I’m quite impressed with Sefton Council. A lot of councils do get stick for some of the stuff they do but on this they’ve done a pretty good job.”
Since reopening following its £1.4 million transformation, backed by Sefton Council and part-funded by the Southport Town Deal, Southport Market has welcomed thousands of guests and become a lively centrepiece of the town’s regeneration efforts. It’s a place where businesses can flourish, families can connect, and the community can come together under one historic roof.
Whether you’re after authentic Neapolitan pizza, a halloumi-packed Greek platter, or just a good coffee in a friendly space, Southport Market has something to offer – and with four years under its belt, its future looks brighter than ever.