Time Out will launch its first UK market in London’s West End in 2028, marking a significant return to its roots.

The company has secured a deal with The Crown Estate for the venue at 10 Piccadilly, overlooking Piccadilly Circus.

Slated for summer 2028, the London site will feature approximately 15 restaurants, bars, and food businesses. It will also host a programme of live entertainment and cultural experiences, curated by Time Out’s editors.

This move underscores Time Out’s strategic pivot towards food-focused markets, prompted by pressures on its traditional media operations. The group currently operates 13 Time Out Markets globally.

Time Out, founded as a London print magazine in 1968, ceased physical publication in 2022 but continues online. Its expansion into food markets began with its first site in Lisbon in 2014.

Earlier London market plans near Waterloo and Spitalfields were withdrawn due to pandemic disruption and planning issues. New venues are developing in Delhi, Abu Dhabi, Sao Paulo, Prague, and Riyadh.

Chris Ohlund, chief executive of Time Out Group, highlighted the venture's importance: "Securing this partnership with The Crown Estate to create our global flagship in the heart of Piccadilly Circus is one of the most significant milestones in Time Out’s nearly 60-year history.

“Bringing the globally recognised Time Out Market concept home to London is both a celebration of where we began and a statement of where we are going. London is one of the world’s greatest cities for food and culture, and there is no better location than Piccadilly Circus to showcase everything that makes it extraordinary."

Time Out released its annual 25 Best Cities list back in March, with London placing fourth as the magazine highlighted the English capital’s abundant culture, diverse cuisine, and character, alongside its free museums, galleries, and green spaces.

London was beaten to top spot by Melbourne, which was praised for its compelling culinary scene, vibrant neighbourhoods, and strong sports offering, while Shanghai was ranked second and Edinburgh took the final spot on the podium.

New York dropped from third to fifth this year, but was still hailed for its world-class restaurants, public art, and improved transport links.