HYS Food Hall to Champion Independent Businesses with New Cardiff City Centre Destination

Friday, 13 November 2026

A brand-new food hall is preparing to open in the heart of Cardiff, creating exciting opportunities for small, independent businesses to establish themselves in the city centre, reach new audiences and gain the recognition they deserve.

Set to open towards the end of 2026, HYS Food Hall will bring together 14 independent food kitchens, three bars, dedicated event spaces and seating for approximately 650 guests across two floors within Cardiff’s historic High Street Arcade.

Developed by Welsh hospitality and property group Loft Co, the team behind Newport Market, Goodsheds in Barry, Swansea Albert Hall and Platform in Cardiff Bay, HYS has been created with a clear purpose: to give independent businesses a platform to grow and thrive in the heart of the Welsh capital.

Giving Independent Businesses a Place in the City Centre

For many small, independent businesses, securing a presence in a busy city centre can be a significant challenge. From the financial commitment of taking on standalone premises to the demands of attracting consistent footfall, expanding into a prime location isn’t always an accessible opportunity.

HYS aims to help bridge that gap.

By bringing multiple independent businesses together under one roof, the food hall offers traders the opportunity to operate in a prominent city centre location, benefit from shared footfall and introduce their products to a much wider audience.

Rather than competing for attention individually, businesses become part of a collective destination, where the variety of food, drink and experiences encourages visitors to discover something new.

The ambition is not simply to create another place to eat, but to give hardworking independent businesses the visibility, opportunities and recognition they deserve.

Among the traders announced so far are Sharkbite Burgers, Pizza Boyz, Rock & Scallop and Fire & Flank, with further independent businesses set to be revealed ahead of opening.

Each brings its own story, personality and offering to HYS, creating a diverse food destination that celebrates the talent and entrepreneurship found across Wales.

Simon Baston, CEO of Loft Co, said:

“There are so many incredible independent food businesses across Wales, but making the move into a city centre location like Cardiff can be a huge challenge when you’re doing it alone.

“That’s exactly what we’re trying to change with HYS. We want to give these businesses the space, support and opportunity to reach thousands of potential new customers, grow their brands and get the recognition they deserve.

“But it’s also about creating something for Cardiff. We want HYS to become a real community hub, somewhere people can come together for great food, events, celebrations or simply to spend time with friends and family.

“If we can create a destination that people love visiting, while helping independent businesses grow and succeed, then we’ve achieved exactly what we set out to do.”

More Than a Food Hall – A Community Hub for Cardiff

While independent businesses are at the heart of HYS, the wider vision is to create a welcoming and vibrant community hub that gives people reasons to visit time and time again.

Alongside its food and drink offering, HYS will host a varied programme of ticketed events, including pre-concert gatherings, creative workshops, quiz nights, bingo and other social experiences.

These events will not only bring people together but also help introduce new audiences to the independent businesses operating within the food hall.

By creating a destination that offers something throughout the day and into the evening, HYS hopes to build a loyal community of customers who return regularly, supporting the traders and helping their businesses grow.

Whether it’s a coffee with colleagues, lunch with friends, an afternoon workshop or an evening of entertainment, HYS aims to become a place where people can eat, drink, socialise and connect.

Spaces to Meet, Work and Celebrate

HYS will also feature a collection of versatile event and private hire spaces, offering a unique setting for meetings, corporate events, networking, private dining and celebrations.

From small business meetings and team gatherings to birthdays, special occasions and larger corporate functions, the venue will offer flexible spaces supported by its independent food and drink offering.

The event spaces will also provide opportunities for local businesses, creatives and organisations to host their own activities, workshops and gatherings in a central Cardiff location.

By combining food, business and events, HYS aims to create a destination that supports not only its resident traders but the wider local business and creative community.

Supporting Cardiff’s City Centre Economy

Located within the historic High Street Arcade, with access from both the arcade and St Mary Street, HYS will bring new energy to an established part of Cardiff city centre.

The development aims to encourage footfall, support local entrepreneurship and contribute to the city’s thriving hospitality, leisure and cultural offering.

With 14 independent kitchens operating alongside bars, events and private hire facilities, HYS will provide multiple reasons for people to visit, helping generate consistent customer traffic for its traders.

For Loft Co, the project represents a continuation of its commitment to transforming spaces into destinations that provide opportunities for independent businesses while bringing communities together.

Through projects such as Newport Market, Goodsheds and Swansea Albert Hall, the group has demonstrated how bringing independent businesses together can create vibrant destinations with a strong sense of local identity.

HYS will build on that approach, bringing it into the heart of Cardiff.

Opening Towards the End of 2026

Preparations are well underway for the opening of HYS Food Hall, with further trader announcements, event details and private hire information to be shared in the coming weeks.

The venue is expected to open towards the end of 2026, with an official opening date to be confirmed.

HYS Food Hall is about more than bringing great food to Cardiff. It’s about opening doors for independent businesses, creating opportunities for growth and giving local talent a place to shine in the heart of the city.