Street food in Reading is going to get even more exciting in 2025 according to Blue Collar Corner boss Glen Dinning.
Speaking at the opening night of the new year – Thursday, January 16 – he celebrated the opening of Gurt Wings’ permanent food shack, where it will create a range of unique fried chicken products.
Blue Collar provides Reading with a feast of fun, with its regular street food lunchtime markets in Market Place, ever-changing stalls in Blue Collar Corner off Hosier Street, and a series of special events including live music, talks, and cook-off contests.
The Hosier Street venue opened in March 2022, taking over what was a scruffy and derelict part of the town centre. Glen and his team created a bar, which serves beer from Tilehurst-based Double Barrelled Brewery, four kitchen areas and a huge beer garden, which is covered and heated meaning it’s cosy even in the depths of winter.
Last year, they also organised street food specials in Reading’s Broad Street, with shacks set up outside shops from Marks & Spencer through to Smelly Alley, giving people opportunities to try, among other things, tacos, churros, Thai street food, gluten free meals, Berlin-style doner kebabs, tapas, and giros.
The Blue Collar team have also held events in Forbury Gardens since 2016, including a celebration of cheese in 2023 that saw Barry from EastEnders – aka Shaun Williamson – lead a cheesy karaoke.
Glen says this year is going to be no different.
“We’ve started the year really strong with Gurt Wings,” he says. “They are one of the most influential and most popular traders we’ve had in the nine years we’ve been going.
“It’s a really great start to the year, and we can’t wait to get going.
“Christmas and New Year were a nice way to end a good year, and we had a little break – everyone is raring to go.
“We’ve got a fantastic year lined up, with loads of events coming to Blue Collar Corner, and we will rotate the kitchens alongside Gert Wings. There really is so much to be excited about … so we’re really looking forward to 2025.”
The street food market is one of the key ways in which Blue Collar lets people try and range of traders, and with an ever-changing mixture, customers can find new stalls and enjoy old favourites every visit.
“We operate every Wednesday and Friday. When we closed for a new year break, we had people who work in nearby offices messaging to ask when it would be back.
“We are pleased to be back and really happy with it.”
As Glen says, Blue Collar has been operating for nine years now and in that time brought all manner of cuisine to Reading, including burgers, pasta and pizza creations, vegetarian specials, chicken wings, and … well, just about every cuisine on the planet.
What makes street food so popular?
Glen says: “With street food you get a trader who is specialising in one thing.
“They’re not one of those restaurants with a huge menu, so the care, time and attention has been put into whatever they are selling.”
And for the customer, especially if they are in groups or even with a friend or partner, there is the certainty of choice, as Glen explains: “You know there is going to be something there for you because you’ve got that variety, and you’ve got those options that you don’t normally get in a typical restaurant.
“And people also like the story (behind the food company). They like the fact that someone can be amazing at doing burgers or fried chicken at home and, if they really are as good as what they think they are, then they’ve actually got an outlet here.”
When is Blue Collar Corner open?
Blue Collar Corner is open
- Thursdays 5pm-12.30am
- Fridays 5pm-12.30am
- Saturdays 11am-12.30am
- Sundays 11am-8pm
Families are welcomed until 8pm, the venue is wheelchair accessible and there are disabled friendly toilets available.
While there are cocktails and other alcoholic drinks available, those who want a cuppa can order coffee and other hot drinks, made in conjunction with Anonymous Coffee.
Booking of tables for groups of eight or more is possible via its website, https://www.bluecollarstreetfood.co.uk/blue-collar-corner
When is the Blue Collar street food market open?
The Street Food Market features at least eight traders, with options varying. They may include jerk chicken, pasture fed burgers, inventive vegan options, fried chicken, Indian street food, Thai curries, halloumi wraps, loaded fries and Middle Eastern boxes.
The line-up is regularly posted on Blue Collar’s social media platforms.
Based in Market Place – the area that links Kings Road with Blagrave Street – Blue Collar’s Street Food Market takes place on Wednesdays and Fridays.
It opens at 11.30am and runs until 2.30pm.
Entry is free, but obviously the food has to be paid for.
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