Two cultural entrepreneurs from London’s artistic and entertainment scene have taken over New Street Market, a much-loved 3000 square foot venue in Woodbridge. Tim Wilson and Sam Walker are behind the new envisioning of the space, and are ambitiously describing it as a cafe, bar, restaurant-to-be, gallery, events space and community hall, all in one.

With a full renovation of the enormous venue under a new bright and colourful brand palette, they’re keeping the name New Street Market, within which is a 7-days-a-week cafe offer, opening at 8.45am and running till 5. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, expect a 5-11pm cocktail and wine bar with surprise DJ sets, moody lighting and a delicious local menu.

Tim moved to Suffolk in 2021 after nearly twenty years of visiting, and Sam moved up a year after, both with their families, and both moved their work up here as well, though they don’t expect to be known as ‘local’ for another few years yet. When the previous owner and operator of New Street Market, Samantha Denny Hodson, let it be known at Christmas that the space was up for rent, it was a no-brainer for the creative duo.

At the heart of the enterprise is the desire to create a community hub for Woodbridge and Suffolk locals. Tim’s background is in creating festivals and gathering places for makers and creators to bring their imagination into the public sphere.

With the plethora of creative people and projects in Woodbridge, be that musical, visual, artisanal or therapeutic, Tim wanted to offer a vibrant and beautiful space to host these gatherings and bring people together. New Street Market now boasts the free, bookable space called The Square, which anybody can book to run their classes or groups, be it stay-and-play, watercolours, choirs, supper clubs and more.

And Sam, who is a member of Sudbourne Park Printmakers, brings a wealth of experience as a gallerist and artist, to ensure that the space is overflowing with visual treats. Most recently Sam curated a night at the ‘old’ New Street Market featuring work by Jelly Green, Maggi Hambling, and Antony Gormley, so expect fireworks!

And restaurant-to-be? Tim and Sam are really excited to expand into a full food offering later in the summer, and are launching the cafe with a breakfast and lunch menu that they’re calling ‘the healthiest and heartiest in town’. But as with every part of the project, they’re keen to hear the opinions of the locals, and to understand what you’re all passionate about, so make sure to tap one of them on the shoulder while you’re there!

To book a space at New Street Market for free to hold your stamp collecting class, TED talk, supper club, poetry slam, or simply just a drink with your mates, email info@newstreetmarket.com