The English Market has had to shut down hours after opening its doors at a new location on Front Street.

Fabio Iannone, the owner, told The Royal Gazette that he was able to operate until 5pm yesterday before the Health Department asked him to close.

“It was because the inspector’s water sample was not out yet,” he explained.

The English Market was previously on the ground floor of the Washington Mall, and relocated so as to double the floor space to 8,000 square feet.

The health inspection process has been a tedious one for Mr Iannone. He thought there would be a quick transition between Church Street and Front Street.

“In fact, it took a bit more than two weeks,” he said.

Speaking before the closure, he said his biggest challenge with the project has been timing.

“The biggest lesson I learnt was be prepared,” he said. “Make sure that everything is in order before you go through an inspection. If you fail it, it could take more time.”

Yesterday the store was busy two hours after opening, with curious passers-by wandering in to take a look and grab a few items.

The grocer had not yet launched a planned expanded deli and buffet, but intended to do so today.

Food is being produced out of a kitchen at Wok this Way, an Asian fusion takeout place at 57 Victoria Street, formerly the Sung Sing Restaurant.

The English Market has partnered with British brand Sainsbury’s to offer a thousand new products.

A spokesman for the health department said today: “This establishment has not been granted a valid food establishment licence by the Department of Health for various reasons.”

At the time of publication, there was no indication of a new opening date.

There was a sign on the door of the store today saying it was closed temporarily because of problems with the registers.