Amidst much anticipation, The Market opened its doors at Ballito Lifestyle Centre on Thursday, 9 November. Shoppers were wowed by the carefully selected array of locally created food offerings in the unique, contemporary setting, which displays careful attention to design detail and an appreciation of the finer things in life.
Local brands Home Grown Organic Produce, Yoli’s Bakery, Science of Coffee Roasters, Taylor’s Meats, Scoop Ice Cream, The Juice Kitchen, Bavarian Deli, Robson’s Brewery, We Are Food, FISH, Bird & Co., Cumin & Coriander, Olive-A-Twist and Orchids & Exotics enjoyed a tremendously successful opening weekend in the 1700 m2 retail space, entrenching themselves as firm local favourites.
Lifestyle Centre owner Bruce Rencken was overwhelmed by the support for the concept, stating that “The response from locals and visitors alike has just been incredible. Our vision of creating a space where people meet, connect, feel comfortable, relax and enjoy themselves and each other, has been embraced by Ballito… it already seems like we have been doing this for years!”
Deputy Mayor, Dolly Govender, cuts the ribbon to signal the opening of The Market on 9 November
Shoppers at The Market enjoyed the fact that they could purchase products to take home or enjoy onsite in the beautifully crafted communal seating environment, where families, couples, friends, old and young were spotted hanging out together.
“What has been personally very special for me is how supportive of and how happy for Lifestyle Centre and ‘us local business people’ all the locals have been,” says Rencken. The focus on quality artisanal food is definitely just what Ballito needed and wanted. Our exceptional local traders have been delighted by the energy of The Market and the tremendously successful launch weekend. Thank you, Ballito, for your support!”
Pictures of the new permanent food market at Lifestyle Centre, simply called The Market
Helpful attendants at The Market, looking smart in their uniforms
The Market is open from 8am daily, closing at 6pm Monday – Saturday and 5pm on Sundays. The restaurant section stays open till late.
View more here: https://www.facebook.com/ballitolifestylecentre/videos/839191726253381/
Still to launch in The Market before the end of the year is Tree, a health food restaurant, smoothie bar and coffee shop, Tchaba Tea, a Tanzanian-based tea merchant, and a couple of additional small local traders.
The Foodies Market will still take place on the first Saturday of every month, as well as on Saturday 16 December, with the addition of the usual Foodies Market traders creating an even bigger market offering.
Still on the cards for Lifestyle Centre before the end of November is the completion of ‘Eat Street’ and all its new restaurants. Mythos and Lupa have already opened, Zaras has undergone a full revamp and Salsa and Mo’s Noodles open late November. Blackstrap Craft Distillery will also call Lifestyle Centre home soon, along with a few more surprises!
