This International Women’s Day (8 March), KERB is celebrating the women shaping London’s food scene with a special takeover at its brand-new Saturday market, KERB Francis Road in Leyton, open from 10am to 4pm.
Already fast becoming a local favourite, the weekly market brings together a hand-picked line-up of standout street food. To celebrate International Women’s Day, this special edition is firmly focused on female founders, entrepreneurs and creatives whose talent, resilience and innovation are helping redefine the capital’s independent food landscape.
At the heart of the line-up is Banzai Kitchen, founded in 2023 by mother-and-daughter duo Sumiko and Ocean. Serving authentic Japanese cuisine, their signature karaage is based on a treasured family recipe passed down through generations. Banzai Kitchen is also one of the success stories of KERB’s women-only InKERBator programme in 2024 – an initiative designed to support and accelerate female founders in street food. Since graduating, they’ve gone from strength to strength, building a loyal following across London.
Joining them is Hanoi Cà Phê, another 2024 InKERBator alumna. Founder Gina grew up in an all-women household and learned to cook from her late grandmother, who shared family recipes and stories with her until the age of 103. Today, Hanoi Cà Phê is a vibrant celebration of those traditions, serving Vietnamese dishes full of depth, warmth and heritage – and continuing to thrive as a rising name in London’s street food scene.
The market also welcomes Utopia Food, founded in 2023 by Syrian entrepreneur and refugee Hind Danoun. Her Middle Eastern-inspired menu is rooted in authenticity and storytelling, bringing bold, comforting flavours to East London. Meanwhile, Mexclub, founded by Erika Villafuerte Garcia, serves up traditional Mexican tacos, birria and tortas, drawing on the team’s heritage and experience. Rounding out the street food line-up is beloved Scottish café and street food brand Deeney’s, co-founded by Carol in 2012, famous for its iconic haggis toastie.
Beyond street food, visitors can explore a thoughtfully curated selection of women-owned produce and lifestyle businesses, from Liv’s Baked Goodies – small-batch granola and bakes – and Saff Bakes serving up inventive cookies to Korean Pantry’s kimchi and Korean pantry essentials. Nutty Belly Gal’s will offer artisan nut butters, Andrea Cacao’s Colombian drinking chocolate, Sirip’s single-source maple syrup and Bushwood Bees’ local honey. The market also champions independent makers such as Turning Earth Ceramics and even Littlest Paws Club, bringing handmade dog treats and grooming to the line-up.
The celebration of female-championed businesses extends beyond the market stalls. Francis Road itself is home to a vibrant community of inspiring women-owned permanent businesses, including florist Edie Rose, bookshop-café Phlox Books, neighbourhood produce store Marmelo and CCP Home Kitchen — all contributing to the street’s growing reputation as one of East London’s most exciting independent destinations.
With bold global flavours, local makers and a strong sense of community, KERB Francis Road is quickly establishing itself as a new weekend ritual for Leyton. This International Women’s Day takeover not only celebrates the incredible women behind the businesses but also highlights the tangible impact of initiatives like KERB’s InKERBator programme, supporting female founders to launch, grow and thrive.
KERB Francis Road takes place every Saturday from 10am–4pm at Francis Road, Leyton, E10.
