A Birmingham food hall has been crowned Best in Britain within just six months of opening at this year’s British Street Food Awards.

Despite only being open for half a year, Digbeth’s Alfred Works, which houses 18 independently owned global kitchens, took home the Best Food Hall title earlier this week.

Alfred Works, which boasts the likes of Fuego 1987, Spice Club, Jimmy’s Burgers, Clapping Seoul and more, is operated by the Blend Family, which also has food hall venues in Sheffield, Salford and London.

Now in its 17th year, the British Street Food Awards feature four public UK heats, plus wild card entries picked by the organisation’s expert judges. Winners progress through to the British finals, where a total of 15 awards are up for grabs.

Previous years saw Cambridge Street Collective, who are also part of the Blend family, claim the title in 2024 and 2025 following its opening in Sheffield.

Nina, COO of Blend Family, said: “We want to thank everybody who voted for Alfred Works to win Best Food Hall. To be crowned the Best Food Hall in the UK just six months after opening is our biggest achievement yet, and we couldn’t be prouder of what the team and our Food Partners have created in Birmingham.

“This award belongs to our incredible Food Partners and the wider Alfred Works team who have worked super hard to bring this home to Birmingham! But it also belongs to our community and our guests. They are the reason Alfred Works is what it is, and we’re incredibly grateful for their support.

“We’ve always believed that food halls can be about so much more than food. We curate authentic food halls that bring together independent entrepreneurs, global cuisines and cultures, but we also build communities through events, celebrations, workshops and initiatives such as our community kitchens at the Blend Culinary Foundation Cookery School.

“To have a Blend Family food hall recognised by the British Street Food Awards for five consecutive years is a huge honour. It’s a testament to our Food Partners, our teams and the communities around each of our destinations.”

Featured image: Charlie Greater