I'm sitting at a table opposite a smiling Sandeep, owner of Tower Street Food Hall, with a beer in hand. My first question is simple: "How is it going?"
"Really well," he replies, his enthusiasm immediately apparent. "We started with a bang, dropped off a bit after, but it's since picked up. There was an education process, as not everyone got the food hall concept when we first opened."
But after an initial drop-off, numbers have picked up steadily, peaking in March: "We've seen what we can do in March. All the kitchens were busy."
Community at the heart
When I first spoke with Sandeep, shortly after he completed his acquisition of the building, he passionately spoke about the importance of community. One answer stood out. When I asked, "Why Ipswich?" He simply replied, "Why not?" before talking about the appeal of doing something big in a smaller market.
Had his views changed, having been trading in the town for three months? No, in short.
"One of the nicest things," he shares, "is to see people unexpectedly meet people they know as they come in, hugging family and friends. You just don't get that in London. I've loved being a part of the community."
Singh commutes daily from Chelmsford to be on site and in the thick of it. That commitment hasn't gone unnoticed, with one early customer saying, "Good vibes from this place. Staff are all welcoming. It was great to have a chat with the owner—it's not something you see these days. He was getting involved clearing tables and talking to guests."
Family-friendly focus
Sunday mornings have become particularly popular for families, with free children's face painting adding to the appeal. This family-friendly atmosphere was part of Singh's vision to create not just a place to eat, but a destination where people come together. It's working.
"Sunday mornings are very family-oriented," said one customer. "Offering free children's face painting to allow you a small break from the kids whilst enjoying some amazing breakfast food...it starts off your day with a calming, positive vibe."
No compromises
Singh's attention to detail is evident throughout the venue, from the marble service tops crafted by local companies to the showstopping chandelier his consultants advised against.
"I was advised by my consultants not to do the chandelier, but I ignored the advice and don't regret it," he grins. "We've had so much positive feedback – people love it."
This refusal to compromise extends to every aspect of the business. Even now, with scaffolding currently erected at the side of the building, Singh is addressing exterior work that was initially deprioritised to get the doors open.
He's also not been afraid to change staff around in order to find the people who are the best fit for the business.
Looking ahead
With promotional evenings like buy-one-get-one-free cocktails on Thursdays and DJs at weekends proving popular, Singh is constantly refining the offering.
He's excited to be taking a selection of vendors to Portman Road for the Ed Sheeran concerts and the Fabio Wardley fight, after the club approached him.
The food hall is also currently participating in Ipswich's annual "Forknight" promotion, running from 19-31 May, with special £10 deals across its kitchens.
There's something to tempt every palate: Bucket List's loaded fries, Slap & Pickle's 'Personal Cheesus' burger, a traditional dosa from Titu's Kitchen, pizza from D&D's, and discounts at Te Amo Tapas and Big Bro Bao. Each £10 meal deal includes a soft drink or pint of Tower St Lager.
The bottom line
Three months in, Tower Street Food Hall is becoming exactly what Singh envisioned – not just a collection of food outlets, but a vibrant community where quality food provides the excuse for genuine human connection.
As Singh puts it with quiet confidence when asked if he would do it all again: "Yes!" This simple answer perhaps best encapsulates the entrepreneur's unwavering belief in both his concept and in Ipswich itself.
Perhaps most tellingly, Singh is already scouting locations for his next venue. "If we did this in London, no one would blink, but here it matters," he reflects, clearly moved by the impact his business is having.
It's early days, but with customers now travelling from outside Ipswich to visit, and loyal locals bringing friends and family, Singh's vision of transformation – both of the building and of Ipswich – is steadily becoming a reality.
