Beyond The Counter Podcast

me&u with Simon Anderson

We believe the future of food is being shaped right now, in food halls and markets worldwide. But in this rapidly evolving industry, operators are often building the playbook as they go. That's why we're creating a space where the industry can share experiences and collectively accelerate it’s growth. By bringing together the brightest minds in the space, we're turning individual insights into shared success.Through honest, behind-the-counter conversations, our podcast explores what makes this sector special. We share the stories, insights, and ideas that are shaping the future of food halls and mar, creating value for operators, traders, and customers alike.

Episodes

  1. 4D AGO

    04: Fred Carr & Mike Sinclair – Building Food Halls & Markets: Managing scale, complexity, and the 'engine room'

    Welcome to Beyond the Counter - the UK's first podcast and content series dedicated to the Food Halls & Markets. Sign up for free to our monthly articles and annual Food Hall data report: https://forms.contacta.io/68e54cbaf8643266cccaf0aa.html In this episode, we go underneath the skin of what it takes to design and build a food hall with two of the industry’s most experienced consultants: Mike Sinclair (Macaulay Sinclair) and Fred Carr (MorganCarr).  They join Simon to share the practical realities of turning massive, complex sites into social hubs and why flexibility is the most important tool in an operator's kit. In this episode, we cover: The Scale of the Beast: Why food halls can be more complex than traditional restaurants and the "nuances" of large-scale sites.The Hidden Costs: A deep dive into the 30% of your budget that goes into mechanical services and the "engine room" infrastructure guests never see.Controlling the Flow: How to design for hundreds of people navigating multiple kitchens all at once.The Design Dilemma: Balancing character and constraints, from managing the logistical hurdles of architecturally interesting or historic buildings to finding ways to inject personality into more functional, "blank canvas" spaces.The Future of the Third Space: How food halls are evolving into social hubs that blend dining with co-working and "competitive socialising".Give it a listen and a review and if you like it let us know what you think! ------ Who are me&u and why do you care about Food Halls & markets? We're me&u - the leading provider of mobile ordering in hospitality venues, including Food Halls and Markets, across the UK, US and Australia. We believe the future of food is being shaped right now, in food halls and markets worldwide. But in this rapidly evolving industry, operators are often building the playbook as they go. That's why we're creating a space where the industry can share experiences and collectively accelerate it’s growth. By bringing together the brightest minds in the space, we're turning individual insights into shared success by going Beyond the Counter.

    47 min

  2. 12/17/2025

    03: Meriel Armitage, Founder of Club Mexicana - Pop-ups to permanence, trader realities and building your brand

    Welcome to Beyond the Counter - the UK's first podcast and content series dedicated to the Food Halls & Markets. Sign up for free to our monthly articles and annual Food Hall data report: https://forms.contacta.io/68e54cbaf8643266cccaf0aa.html In this episode we chat with Meriel Armitage, the founder of the cult vegan Mexican brand, Club Mexicana. Meriel takes us through her incredible 10-year journey, offering a unique Trader’s perspective on what makes a food hall and its traders inside truly work. In this episode, we cover: The Evolution: From humble supper clubs in Hackney to festival fields and major food halls and the realities of that journey Brand Identity: How to maintain a strong and fun brand vibe when you don't own the whole building. Bricks & Mortar: Why having your own spot might not be everyone's end goal. The Drinks & Delivery Debate: should food traders should be able to serve drinks? Is doing delivery a good idea? Give it a listen and a review and if you like it let us know what you think! ------ Who are me&u and why do you care about Food Halls & markets? We're me&u - the leading provider of mobile ordering in hospitality venues, including Food Halls and Markets, across the UK, US and Australia. We believe the future of food is being shaped right now, in food halls and markets worldwide. But in this rapidly evolving industry, operators are often building the playbook as they go. That's why we're creating a space where the industry can share experiences and collectively accelerate it’s growth. By bringing together the brightest minds in the space, we're turning individual insights into shared success by going Beyond the Counter.

    1h 12m

  3. 11/24/2025

    02: Matt Bigland, Founder & CEO of Blend Family - Building community-led Food Halls and letting authenticity shine

    Welcome to Beyond the Counter - the UK's first podcast and content series dedicated to the Food Halls & Markets. Sign up for free to our monthly articles and annual Food Hall data report: https://forms.contacta.io/68e54cbaf8643266cccaf0aa.html Joining us for Episode 2 is Matt Bigland, Founder & CEO of Blend Family - the folks behind Cutlery Works and Cambridge Street Collective (voted UK's Best Food Hall in 2024) in Sheffield and the recently opened Tower Bridge Collective in London. Here's a sneak peek of what we cover in the chat: Culture Over Classics: moving beyond the "safer options" to build a diverse and authentic food scene that showcases their traders' genuine culture and family recipes. The Transformational Play: why they believe food halls need to be transformational, not transactional. They focus on curating a unique schedule of events and family-focused fun (ever heard of a kids' rave?). Doing Good is Good Business: the story behind the Blend Culinary Foundation and how simple concepts like their 'Cocktail for Good' are having a tangible impact on local charities and food banks. Growth on Their Own Terms: Discover the hands-on, entrepreneurial approach that Blend Family says has allowed them to grow without taking VC investment, keeping control and the soul of their business. Give it a listen and a review and if you like it let us know what you think! ------ Who are me&u and why do you care about Food Halls & markets? We're me&u - the leading provider of mobile ordering in hospitality venues across the UK, Australia and the US. We believe the future of food is being shaped right now, in food halls and markets worldwide. But in this rapidly evolving industry, operators are often building the playbook as they go. That's why we're creating a space where the industry can share experiences and collectively accelerate it’s growth. By bringing together the brightest minds in the space, we're turning individual insights into shared success by going Beyond the Counter.

    58 min
  4. 01: Nick Johnson, MBE, Founder of Market Operations - The power of independence and transformational change in towns

    10/07/2025

    01: Nick Johnson, MBE, Founder of Market Operations - The power of independence and transformational change in towns

    Welcome to Beyond the Counter - the UK's first podcast and content series dedicated to the Food Halls & Markets. Click here to sign up for free to our monthly articles and annual Food Hall data report. Kicking off our first episode, is a true industry legend, Nick Johnson, MBE, founder of Market Operations (the folks behind Altrincham Market, Mackie Mayor and Picturedrome). Nick's story of transforming Altrincham Market and kick-starting a chain of transformational change across the town, is an incredible insight into what's possible when you prioritise independence. Alongside host Simon Anderson, they cover some serious ground: growing up in 80s Manchester, his rules on never attending a meeting with more than 3 people, who writes the iconic blackboards at their venues, and the true intention behind building some of Greater Manchester's staple food destinations. Central to it all is his passion for highlighting the importance of supporting independent businesses in UK towns and cities.  If you want to know what it really takes to disrupt and build a thriving independent hospitality hub, then listen in! ------ Who are me&u and why do you care about Food Halls & markets? We're me&u - the leading provider of mobile ordering in hospitality venues across the UK, Australia and the US. We believe the future of food is being shaped right now, in food halls and markets worldwide. But in this rapidly evolving industry, operators are often building the playbook as they go. That's why we're creating a space where the industry can share experiences and collectively accelerate it’s growth. By bringing together the brightest minds in the space, we're turning individual insights into shared success by going Beyond the Counter.

    1h 2m
  • 4 Episodes

About

We believe the future of food is being shaped right now, in food halls and markets worldwide. But in this rapidly evolving industry, operators are often building the playbook as they go. That's why we're creating a space where the industry can share experiences and collectively accelerate it’s growth. By bringing together the brightest minds in the space, we're turning individual insights into shared success.Through honest, behind-the-counter conversations, our podcast explores what makes this sector special. We share the stories, insights, and ideas that are shaping the future of food halls and mar, creating value for operators, traders, and customers alike.

Information

  • Creator
    me&u with Simon Anderson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Beyond The Counter Podcast
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Counter Podcast