KERB is not your typical food hall. After reshaping London’s independent food culture, KERB has launched its first international site at Potsdamer Platz, which opened on May 9th. We asked Simon Mitchell, CEO of KERB, what Berliners can expect from this bold new venue and why the city was the perfect next chapter.
So what’s all this I’m hearing about KERB Berlin? It sounds like some kind of…street food collective from London or something. How’d you come up with an idea like this?
Simon Mitchell: It began as a movement built on strength in numbers, a challenge to the traditional landlord-led model, and a mission to carve out real space for independents to lead, not follow. Since those early days, we have grown into what’s now a global independent hospitality organisation: with a not-for-profit social enterprise, 160+ independent businesses in our membership, and two KERB branded food halls – Seven Dials Market and KERB Berlin. Everything we’ve done along the way has been about giving independents room to thrive.
Why Berlin – because it’s better than London? You can admit it, we all know it’s true.
Berlin has long been on our radar. It’s dynamic, diverse, and we fell in love with its street food scene from day one, which is exactly what KERB is built to support. Potsdamer Platz, in particular, is a space in transition. We saw huge potential to help redefine it: turning a landmark cinema into a cultural food destination for locals and visitors alike.
What makes KERB Berlin different from other food halls?
KERB isn’t a franchise and we’re not here to “fill stalls.” We’ve curated the space to reflect the diversity of Berlin’s food scene. There’s no fixed template — every KERB space is bespoke. The focus here is on originality, flavor, and creating a place that feels deeply connected to its surroundings.
How did your team prepare for Berlin? Visited for the weekend with a trip to Matrix Club?
We’ve been visiting Berlin since 2020, taking time to understand the city, its vendors, and its rhythms. Our food team built genuine relationships over years, not months. That’s why this isn’t a London import — it’s Berlin-rooted.
Who are your favourite vendors? I need some highlights for my Foodstagram.
We’re proud of every single trader. From Butter Bronsons’ cult fried chicken to Fräulein Kimchi’s Korean-American fusion, Jian Bing Town’s all-day Chinese street crêpe’s, and Pick & Cheese — the UK’s famous cheese conveyor belt, now reimagined with German produce — it’s a line-up that reflects taste, story, and substance.
Alright so the food is good. but I’ll bet you haven’t thought about art, music, pop-ups…you know Berliners love a pop-up.
KERB Berlin is a venue for more than meals, it’s a unique space with big energy. We’ll host live music, local art installations, pop-ups and collaborations with Berlin creatives. It’s a space designed to evolve.
Who’s the KERB Berlin audience – do I have to wear a fancy suit to get in?
Everyone who loves great food by brilliant independent businesses. Young professionals, creatives, families, visitors — we’re building something welcoming and accessible, with multiple price points and styles of cuisine. That’s the beauty of a food hall when it’s done right.
How do you support vendors long term?
KERB isn’t just infrastructure. We offer hands-on support with menu development, pricing, marketing and operations. In London we’ve helped vendors grow from a van to successful bricks-and-mortar restaurants. Berlin’s vendors will have that same backing.
Some Berliners — not naming names, definitely not me — say Potsdamer Platz is where soul goes to die. Again, only what I’ve heard. Can KERB Berlin change that narrative?
That’s exactly why we’re here, to offer something authentic. We’re reclaiming central spaces for local culture, independent food and community. We want Berliners to feel proud of what’s happening here.
