Hey Ross,
No offence taken at all mate - thanks for taking the time to pass on your comments.
Here's how I see things: -
1. When it comes to street trading, it's not like I can just pull up near a busy street and start serving. It has to be either in a council run market or a privately owned market.
Also it has to be one where I can drive in/out of, as I am in a mobile vehicle.
2. Many of the popular London markets (e.g. Leather Lane) only open for a short number of hours each day, and also only on specific days. I want and need a market that will allow me to trade 5-6 days per week, so that narrows down the list further.
3. As a mobile operator, I will never properly compete against FW or anyone who has seats and a roof, including the high street chains. However, there is a school of thought that says retailers of a certain type should group together. e.g. I know that if I want a new bit of trendy gear, then I might head off to covent garden, whereas if I know that good coffee is to be found in / around Berwick Street, then I'll head there.
4. Yes, FW is a top place. However, it is small and I have heard many people say that quality is good, but service is slow. People have their favourites, and everyone has a chink in their armour...
Ideally, I'd be situated in a sunny atrium in a nice office block with customers coming at me as fast as I can handle. We are banging on those doors too, as well as looking at larger events or weekends that can help pay the bills. There is a comprehensive list of events to be found here if anyone is interested...
http://www.eventsbook.co.uk/home/index.rails
At the end of the day i tried Rupert Street and it wasnt right, so we move on to the next one. I cant afford to wait for the perfect spot to appear, and I need the business to start earning it's keep asap, so I gotta start trading. At least Berwick Street is a recognised market with a steady throng of people.
I suspect that Berwick Street wont be the final answer, but if it helps pay the bills in the meantime, then I'll take it.
Thanks for your concern mate, and I know that all reading this forum will wish me well. We have a great product, and the vehicle is well-presented with a great character, so I am sure something good will come of it at some point...