Punchline-Gloucester.com has been given an exclusive walk through of the new Gloucester Food Dock.

Fifteen units will gradually be opening at the new £3.5m venue with the Hop Kettle the first to open next week on Friday, October 13.

Planning permission was first granted in 2016 to redevelop 23-15 and 27-29 Commercial Road, two derelict 19th century brick buildings which overlook Victoria Basin in Gloucester Docks.

The original plans submitted by L&R Group were altered in 2019 from five restaurants to 15 independent, food court style units with communal seating areas.

Sarah Mansfield, co-founder of Gloucester Food Dock, said the development had taken a little longer than originally anticipated but she couldn't wait for the first business to open its doors.

"We've been on the building site for the past 18 months," she said. "Each business brings their own style, design and personality to the space.

"There's just some amazing things to see. You can see both the docks and the city here and that's what's lovely about this location, you can sit between the two."

Sarah said other businesses would open when they were ready. "It's when businesses are ready to do their fit-outs," she said. "We're ready for them."

Kyla Hyett, the Food Dock's general manager is eagerly anticipating the opening of the Hop Kettle.

"It's set over three floors," she explained. "They've got a deck level and two floors above. They're having chef residencies and serving tacos, burgers and street food, a real variety of food."

The Hop Kettle's opening is set to be followed by Bella Mia Pizza @ No.1 and Wholly Gelato early in November, with Strip Steak Bar, Elote, Chuck, Hetty's Place and Our House opening later in November, in good time for Gloucester's Christmas celebrations.