London is finally getting its first Time Out Market, on Piccadilly Circus

The path to London finally getting its first Time Out Market has been a convoluted one. The journey started in East London almost a decade ago, with years of groundwork in Spitalfields which came to nothing after Tower Hamlets Council wouldn't give planning permission and Time Out then flounced.

But now, nearly 10 years after it first mooted the idea, Time Out has confirmed that it will be opening one of its huge markets in London, this time in the heart of the West End. They've taken on the landmark 10 Piccadilly building with the aim of opening the doors there in 2028. For longtime Londoners, this is the old Tower Records space, for reference.

If you haven't encountered one of the publication's market spaces - they now have 13 across the world, in cities like Lisbon (the original), New York and Osaka. Their selling point is "the best of the city under one roof". So, for example, the Brooklyn one mixes traditional NYC businesses like Ess-a-Bagel and Clinton St. Bakery with newer offerings.

The London market will be a big one, 26,400 sq ft across three floors, and they're expecting to open around 15 restaurants and bars there.

"London is one of the world's greatest cities for food and culture," was Time Out CEO Chris Ohlund's take. According to him, "there is no better location than Piccadilly Circus to showcase everything that makes it extraordinary.

Together with The Crown Estate, we are creating a destination that will celebrate London's best chefs, restaurateurs, artists and creators while welcoming millions of Londoners and visitors every year."

It'll certainly bring a much-needed energy to this part of Piccadilly Circus, which has seen a procession of businesses trying and failing to make this iconic corner of London work. And of course, it really is the perfect place if you want to get tourists in.