Customers have been given a taste of what to expect from the new Aklu Plaza, which is to fill the former Romford Debenhams store.

A fish mela, meaning fair, took place at the Market Place shop between November 15 and 21.

Romford Recorder: Customers had the chance to shop at the store, which is due to open as Aklu Plaza shopping mall in early 2022Customers had the chance to shop at the store, which is due to open as Aklu Plaza shopping mall in early 2022 (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

Dubbed Europe's biggest by organisers, it was put on after the opening of the shopping centre was delayed until next year.

Romford Recorder: Ella Hewitt from Shana Foods handing out samplesElla Hewitt from Shana Foods handing out samples (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

Debenhams closed its branch of the department store in May after more than 60 years in the town centre.

Romford Recorder: Aklu Miah (front left) holds the fair's biggest fish with Shamim Ahmed, Shuvo and Monza Ahmed.Aklu Miah (front left) holds the fair's biggest fish with Shamim Ahmed, Shuvo and Monza Ahmed. (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

The Recorder spoke to Aklu Plaza's chairman Aklu Miah in September about his plans to turn the unit into a shopping centre.

Romford Recorder: Home Superstore selling world food and household essentials is set to operate on the ground floor of the Aklu Plaza from early next yearHome Superstore selling world food and household essentials is set to operate on the ground floor of the Aklu Plaza from early next year (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

He hoped to open the flagship brand Home Superstore by Christmas, but a spokesperson later said supply chain issues and staff shortages had pushed the date back to early 2022.

Romford Recorder: The fish fair was labelled Europe's biggest by organisersThe fish fair was labelled Europe's biggest by organisers (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

When fully open, Aklu Plaza will also include outlets selling items ranging from Indian clothing to jewellery and cosmetics, as well as a global food court, children's play area and prayer room.

Romford Recorder: The fish mela took place between November 15 and 21The fish mela took place between November 15 and 21 (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)