Cambridge Street Collective: This is what visitors think of huge Sheffield city centre food hall, finally open

After months of waiting, Sheffield’s newest food hall is open - and the opening day on Thursday, May 23 saw saw thousands of people streaming in to take a first look.

A constant procession of people were moving through the doors of the new Cambridge Street Collective, some to eat, but even more to eye the venue up with the intention of a future visit.

The food hall, which has been described as the larget purpose-built one in Europe, has 20 kitchens, cooking up food for its range of outlets across three sites.

The Star spoke to those taking a look, to find out what impression it has made on visitors today.

Alex Chim, from Netherthorpe, said he was impressed by the variety of food choices.

He said: “I think it’s actually bringing people in here. The streets here are really silent usually, but now that’s open, they’re bringing people back to this part of the city which I think is a really nice idea.

Isaac Tsang. a visitor to Sheffield, from Hong Kong, added: “I think everything is so authentic - there is a large variety. There’s Thai food, Chinese food, whatever you could possibly think of, so I think I feel like it’s a pretty good choice enabling Sheffield people to explore difference cuisines I also like their spacing. People can sit comfortably. I feel this is going to be such an important hub for people.”

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Frankie Owusu-Agyemang, who works in the city centre was also impressed.

He said: “It looks pretty impressive. There are a lot selections in there.” He said he would definitely eat there. “I’m only across the road so yes,” he added.

Sophie Copson, from Attercliffe, said: “There are lots of different cuisines in there.

“We’ve just had a quick wander around. We were only intending to go and have a look, but if we found something we liked we would probably sit down and have something to eat. It was really quite good I think.

“It was nice and there’s a lot of seating, a bit of outdoor seating as well. There is a lot to go and see in there as well. There are also little photo booths you can go to have your photo taken, so I think it’s quite good.”

Her friend Issy Davis, also from Attercliffe, added: “There’s a lot of variety in there, lots to eat. I would go in there again.”

Ting Pei Xuan, from the city centre, said: “I feel like it is really pretty inside, There was some food from my country. I felt it was a diverse food offering and it feels like home. I can choose from many different sections.”

She said she would be coming back there to eat after her exams.

Hannah Stiver, from Meersbrook, said: “It’s a really gorgeous building and I’m excited to see regeneration like this in the city. I really look forward to eating here. It looks like there are some really good restaurants and bars.”