A pizza restaurant chain is the most likely contender to move into Kingston's iconic Market House later this year, displacing the independent craft shops that currently trade in the building.

August 2015: Kingston's landmark Market House set for restaurant or retail makeover

The Stable Bar and Restaurant, an upmarket pizza, pie and cider brand established in Dorset in 2009, was singled out as the “preferred bidder” for the 1838 Market Place landmark.

A report, due to be discussed by Kingston Council’s growth committee tomorrow night, said “many reputable retailers” viewed the building but most chose not to bid because of issues with its size and location.

Many prospective tenants were also said to have been put off by the “encroachment and smell” of the market stalls at the front of the building.

Market House is currently home to several craft sellers and a tea room.

It was operated by Kingstonfirst between 2010 and 2014 before the council took over.

Surrey Comet:

Crafty sellers: Lavender Lucy, Eva Veliotou, Nicky French and Sarah Farncombe inside Market House

Kingston Council collects between £30,000 and £45,000 a year in rent but estimates that more than three times that could be made by moving in an established retailer.

A brochure distributed last summer showed the authority was hoping for some £150,000 a year in rent.

Abigail Perry, The Stable Bar and Restaurant Marketing Coordinator, said: "The Stable is actively looking for sites in Kingston but as yet has nothing confirmed.  

"Indeed our next opening that we have just competed on is at the opposite end of London to you in Whitechapel.  

"As soon as we have any news on any successful site acquisitions in your area we will contact you."