Oh, Bustler, how we’ve missed you…

The award-winning street food market is returning to Derby after securing a new site in the heart of the city centre.

Bustler Market has today announced plans to open a brand-new hub of independent street food, micro-restaurants, lifestyle and retail units at St James Yard, in the heart of Derby City Centre. 

The market was recently forced to abandon its home at the Chocolate Factory in John Street after it was earmarked for development by the council.

Founded in 2017 as a monthly street food market, Bustler became known for championing independent food traders and creating vibrant social spaces centred around food, drink and entertainment in Derby. Since then, the business has grown into a multi-venue operation across the East Midlands, known for transforming underused spaces into thriving food and drink destinations in both Derby and Nottingham. 

Now, Bustler is taking that same energy and experience to St James Yard to reimagine the long-unused site as a bustling destination built around independent businesses and exciting forward thinking hospitality. 

The development will be constructed from over 20 shipping containers across two levels, with gallery walkways, large seating areas and will feature a carefully curated mix of micro-restaurants, street food, bars, cafes, entertainment spaces, retail and lifestyle units, designed to bring new life, footfall and social vibrancy to the area from day to night. 

“We’re so excited to finally announce this,” said Andy Darke, operations manager of Bustler Market.

“St James Yard is an incredible opportunity to use our experience and bring a neglected space back into use and create another reason for people to visit and stay in the City Centre, a destination that feels genuinely futureproof and exciting for Derby”. 

“We’re ready for this next iteration of Bustler. It really feels like the right idea, right location and right time. Our plans for this project feel like a step up and a culmination of everything we’ve worked so hard at over the past 8 years.” 

Bustler is now calling for applications from independent traders and businesses to take space within the new area. The opportunity is aimed at ambitious food, service and retail operators ready to grow as part of a proven, well-loved brand with a strong track record of delivering successful, high-footfall destinations. 

Further details, including timelines and application information, will be announced later this week.