London market eateries face closures amid lease disputes

Maria's Market Cafe, a long‑standing food stall at Borough Market that opened in 1961, will likely close after the market announced it will not renew the lease, leaving the owner Mark Aldridge in dispute with the landlord.

A month‑old pie and mash shop, 74 Chapel Market in Islington, revived the historic M Manze's site but announced its closure after just one month, citing “issues out of our control.” The sudden shutdown adds to recent losses of traditional food venues in London.

Both closures highlight the challenges faced by historic market‑based eateries in the capital, including lease negotiations, rising costs and uncertain business conditions.