The Story Behind The Marketplace Bistro

When Emma Davies moved to Kenninghall five years ago, she quickly saw how important the Marketplace Bistro had become to the village. It wasn’t just a place to grab a coffee or a meal — it was a lifeline for many. A warm room. A friendly face. A moment of connection in a world where loneliness is becoming increasingly common.

“I’ve felt loneliness myself at times,” Emma shares. “And I know how much it can help to have somewhere welcoming to go — somewhere you can talk to someone, or simply not feel alone. The marketplace has always given people that, and I want to help strengthen it even more.”

Today, Emma is beginning a brand-new chapter for the much-loved bistro — building on its foundations while opening new possibilities for the community.

Emma is clear about one thing: the Marketplace’s strong reputation is thanks to Karen and the team who established it.

“We should be really proud of what Karen and the team built,” she says. “The great food, the service, the loyal customers — it has truly been an asset to the village.”

The new chapter is not about changing everything. It’s about opening the doors wider:

Longer opening hours

Evenings and weekends

More events

More reasons to gather

“We’re lucky to have a fabulous pub in the village — it’s actually the reason we moved here. The Marketplace should complement it, giving people another space to come together and make Kenninghall an even better place to live.”

One of the biggest shifts Emma wants to introduce is dedicated co-working space.

“When I needed somewhere to work remotely, there was just nowhere suitable,” she explains. “People looked at me like I was crazy for having ten coffees while working from a table!”

Marketplace, however, has the space, charm, and atmosphere to offer something new to the area: a cosy, flexible, community-driven coworking hub.

This is a key part of Marketplace’s evolution — a place not only to eat, but to meet, work, connect, and belong.

The new chapter also brings an exciting new menu direction — one that focuses on quality ingredients, excellent value, and memorable flavours.

The hugely successful launch of roast dinners on the 23rd was a turning point.

“They were absolutely epic,” Emma laughs. “We’re sourcing really good products for people. Proper portions, homemade touches, local ingredients. I want people to think, ‘If I’m going out for one meal this month, where am I going to go?’ And the answer should be Marketplace.”

Other highlights coming soon:

Curry nights

Bistro evenings & themed nights

A much-requested cheese & wine night

A brand-new wine list curated with real passion

“My husband collects wine,” Emma explains. “So yes — the wine list is going to be something special. Fantastic bottles, really good prices, and incredible pairings with our food. The Saint-Émilion with our roast? Just perfect.”

Emma’s long-term goal for Marketplace is simple: open more, welcome more, connect more.

“We want the Marketplace to be a place people feel proud of — somewhere warm, buzzing, and genuinely friendly. You know those chain cafés where you feel like a number? This is the opposite of that.”

To make that warmth visible on social media and in-store, Emma plans to introduce ‘Meet the Team’ features.

“We have some amazing baristas and staff, and I want people to know them. When you walk in and recognise the person behind the counter, it just feels different. That’s the feeling we want to create every day.”

As Marketplace steps confidently into its new chapter, Emma sees this as a collaboration with the village — not a solo venture.

“The Marketplace belongs to the community as much as it does to us. We want everyone to feel welcome — locals, visitors, families, remote workers, and anyone looking for good food or good company.”

With new events, extended hours, cosy coworking, a refreshed menu, and the same heart that has always made Marketplace special, this is a moment of renewal and possibility.

And it’s only the beginning!

Pop in and discover our new menu, co-working space, and friendly vibe — your table at Marketplace Bistro is waiting!