READING UK has announced that Blue Collar Street Food has been appointed as the operator of the Friday street food market in Market Place from next month.

Blue Collar, who currently operate the Wednesday street food market in Reading town centre, won the tender process and have been given a contract to run the market until September 2022.

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Reading UK said Blue Collar have built up a strong reputation in Reading for high-quality street food since they started trading in 2016.

In addition to the town centre, they run street food markets at Reading FC on match days and on local business parks, along with bespoke events in Forbury Gardens and other locations in Reading.

As a locally-based event organiser, they have a strong existing relationship with Reading and local independent food traders.

Nigel Horton-Baker, Executive Director, Reading UK, said: “We are delighted that Blue Collar will be running the Friday street food market in Reading town centre.

"Glen Dinning has shown through his commitment to grow a strong customer base for the Wednesday market that he understands what Reading foodies want and can deliver it.

“Reading UK would like to thank SMT, who have operated the Friday market, CHOW, in Market Place for the past four years.

"A quality food offer is a key part of what makes Reading town centre an attractive place in which to work or to visit and we look forward to the new Friday market building on that success.”

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Glen Dinning, Owner of Blue Collar, added: “We’re really excited to be taking on Fridays in addition to the Wednesday Market and can’t wait to create a place for the very best street food traders to push the boundaries and make lunchtimes special.

"After what’s been a difficult year, we really believe local, independent food traders can help us put our town’s food scene on the map, and I’d like to thank Reading UK for giving us that opportunity.”

Blue Collar Street Food will continue to operate the Wednesday market alongside the new Friday market. Both markets take place in Market Place, RG1 from late morning through to mid-afternoon.