Behind the Counter Podcast: Episode Three Listen Here

In this episode, we speak to Meriel Armitage, founder of Club Mexicana — the cult vegan brand that’s gone from supper clubs and street food stalls to multiple restaurants and major food hall residencies.

This is the first vendor-led episode of Beyond the Counter, and it’s a refreshingly honest, practical deep dive into what it really takes to build a food business from the ground up. Meriel shares how food halls shaped her brand, what operators often get wrong in working with traders, and how she’s navigated growth in a sector still dominated by meat and men.

For anyone working in food halls, whether you’re an operator, trader or investor - this one’s essential listening.

Beyond the Counter is hosted by Simon Anderson of Next Phase and produced in collaboration with me&u.