An old tram depot full of kitchens
Gantry Yard (sample) opened in the repair sheds of the Depot Street tram yard. The rails are still in the floor; the gantry crane still hangs over the long tables.
From repair shed to food hall
Trams were repaired here until 1987 (sample). The shed stood empty for years before a group of local cooks rented it as a weekend market, and the weekend market became twelve permanent kitchens.
The hall owns the building, the seating and the delivery desk. Each kitchen is an independent business that sets its own menu and prices.
A few house rules
Two hundred and forty people share the long tables at lunch. These keep it pleasant.
Save one seat, not six
At busy times, hold the seats you need and let others share the rest of the bench.
Trays back to the rack
Leave the dishes on the tray and the tray on the rack by the toilets.
Bring your own cup
Every counter fills your own cup or box and takes 20 cents off (sample).
Getting around the hall
The hall is one level with a smooth concrete floor. The aisle between the counters is wide enough for two wheelchairs or two buggies to pass.
- Step-free from both doors, accessible toilets and baby change
- High chairs at the tray rack; quiet tables by the north door
- Large-print menus at every counter on request
Seating
Long tables
240 seats
Counter stools by the bar
36 seats
Outside, April to October
60 seats
Seats (sample).
Twelve kitchens, open every day
Walk in from 08:00 for coffee and pastries; the hot kitchens open at 11:30. No booking needed for fewer than eight (sample).