|
BILLINGSGATE
Trafalgar Way, E14
Tues-Sat, 5 a.m. – 8.30 a.m.
Sun 6 a.m. – 8 a.m.
(020 7987 1118; www.billingsgate-market.org.uk)
Billingsgate, the UK fish market, offers wholesalers a huge selection of fish, from Cornish crab and lobster to eels from New Zealand. It is served by every port from Aberdeen to Penzance, with 54 merchants trading in the market hall. The public are admitted, though not children under 12.
BOROUGH MARKET
Southwark Street, SE1
Fri noon – 6 p.m.
Sat 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (www.boroughmarket.org.uk)
Mecca for foodies, who can munch on chorizo and rocket rolls as they browse stalls of diver-caught scallops, organic meats an poultry, ostrich and game, fresh-roasted coffee beans, a huge range of cheeses from French and UK producers. There are great fresh fruit and vegetables.
STOKE NEWINGTON FARMERS’ MARKET
William Patten School, Stoke Newington Church Street, N16
Sat 10 – 2.30 p.m. (020 7502 7558)
Cooked crayfish from the canals of Norfolk and enormous squashes are just some of the produce available at this farmers’ market where everything is organic, biodynamic or wild.
MARYLEBONE FARMERS’ MARKET
Cramer Street car park, W1
Sun. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (www.lfm.org.uk)
The largest of the London Farmers’ Markets (LFM), this is just off the gourmet heaven that is Marylebone High Street. Italian breads, British wines, sauces and salsas, organic meats, wild feathered and furred game, oysters, preserves and compotes, Isle of Wight garlic, herbs and salads: you name it, you’ll find it here.
SPITALFIELDS FINE FOOD MARKET
Crispin Place, London E1
Thurs, Fri and Sun 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (www.visitspitalfields.com)
On the site of a market since 1638, London’s latest foodie venture has more than 25 covered stalls selling olives, cheese, organic vegetables, meat and poultry as well as freshly baked sourdough and fruit breads by Flour Power City Bakery, specialist pies, organic desserts and continental deli goodies.
CANTERBURY FARMERS’ MARKET
Station Road West
Tues – Sat, 8 a.m. 6 p.m.
Sun 10 – 4 p.m. (01227 45913: www.canterbury.co.uk)
The UK’s first permanent farmers’ market, selling mainly local produce. Sausages, game, fresh fruit and vegetables. Have lunch in the on-site restaurant, then visit the national fruit collection at nearby Brogdale (it’s apple season, make the most of it).
WINCHESTER FARMERS’ MARKET
Middle Brook Street car park.
Second and last Sunday of the month 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (01420 588671; www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk)
Representing more than 90 local producers, this is the largest UK farmers’ market and “popular with Rick Stein”. Find venison, game, guinea fowl, ostrich, home-baked bread, crabs fresh from the Solent, smoked fish, water buffalo, Dexter Beef, Manx Loughton lamb, preserves, British wine and beer, and local apple juice. All produce comes from within 10 miles of the Hampshire border.
WYE FARMERS’ MARKET
The Green
First and third Saturday of the month, 9 a.m. – noon. (01223 813303); www.wyefarmersmarket.co.uk)
This community initiative, and the oldest farmers’ market in Kent, is dedicated to bringing local food to local people. Now is the time to choose fresh sweetcorn, pumpkins and squash, apples and pears. A good selection of meat, fish, honey, bread and juices, many of them organic.
BATH FARMERS’ MARKET
Green Park Station.
First and third Saturday of the month, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (www.bathfarmersmarket.co.uk)
Bath was where it all began for farmers’ markets in the UK. Now find Somerset ducks, pates and pies, fish and game from the Wiltshire Smokehouse, free-range hen, duck and goose eggs, goat’s custard and ice-cream, wine vinegar and plum juice, yoghurt, cheesecakes and preserve, amid a wealth of local produce.
BRIDPORT FARMERS’ MARKET
Arts Centre, South Street
Second Saturday of the month, 9 a.m. – 1. p.m. (01258 454510)
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall pilots new River Cottage products here and may be spotted browsing among the stalls of Blue Vinney and other West Country cheeses, hand-made crisps, muesli, home-baked cakes and quiches, pates and terrines, smoked fish, jams and chutneys, local cider and ale.
BRISTOL FARMERS’ MARKET
Corn Street
Wednesday 9.30 a.m – 2.30 p.m., and the Slow Food Market, Corn Street, the first Sunday of the month, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (0117 9224014); www.visitbristol.co.uk)
Recent winner of a Soil Association award, the market offers the usual staples of wet fish and shellfish, buffalo and other cheeses, fruit and vegetables, hand-made bread, honeys, apple juice and plants and herbs, but with strong emphasis on local, organic and free range. Visit the Slow Food market for fresh fish and local sausages for Sunday lunch, to be washed down with local beer, cider or perry (an alcoholic pear drink). Or watch one of the regular cookery demonstrations.
CHELTENHAM FARMERS’ MARKET
The Promenade
Second and last Friday of the month, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (www.cheltenham.gov.uk)
This year named Best Farmers’ Market in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds by Cotswold Life. Offers organic, free-range meat from traditional breeds, fresh and smoked fish, wines, ciders, apple juice, chutneys, vinegars, fruit syrups and an abundance of fresh produce.
STROUD FARMERS’ MARKET
Cornhill Market
First and third Saturday in the month, 9 a.m. – 2 pm. (01453 758060; www.fresh-n-local.co.uk)
Winner of Cotswold Life’s food and drink awards for three years, pipped to first place by Cheltenham this year. All produce from a 17 mile radius. Attractions include ice-cream and cooked-food stalls, Thai snacks, home baking, live entertainment and occasional demos from local chef Robert Rees.
Cirencester Farmers Market
2nd and 4th Saturday each month - 9am to 1pm
Cirencester Farmers Market takes place in the Market Place right in the centre of Cirencester twice a month.
Taunton Vale Farmers Market
Taunton Vale Farmers Market takes place in the High Street in the centre of Taunton.
Every Thursday - 9am - 3pm
West Somerset Farmers Market in Minehead
The market takes place at the United Reformed Church Hall in Bancks Street, on the corner of Irnham Road, just along from the Public Library.
It takes place every 1st & 3rd Friday of each month from 9am - 1pm
LEICESTERSHIRE MARKET
Market Place
Tuesday – Saturday, 7 a.m. – 6 pm. (0116 2232376)
Reputedly the biggest covered market in Britain, and with a 700 year history. You will find exotic fare such as plantains, coconuts and breadfruit, lemon grass and galangal, alongside local cabbages and spuds. Butchers’ stalls offer traditional cuts and such rarities as oxtail, lambs’ hearts and sweetbreads.
LUDLOW LOCAL PRODUCE MARKET
Castle Square
Second Thursday of the month, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. www.localtoludlow.org.uk)
Already spoilt rotten with Michelin-starred restaurants, residents of the gastronomic hotspot have a wealth of choice at their farmers market, served by small-scale producers operating within 30 miles of town. Old apple varieties, home-grown King Edwards and sunflowers seeds, Shropshire honey, organic fruit and vegetables, free-range duck, goose and quail eggs, smoked goods (butter, cheese, meat, fish, fruits, nuts and seeds), rare-breed park, game, fishcakes, pates and chowders, speciality sausages and terrines, cheesecakes, Greek-style yoghurt, ice-cream ,hand-made chocolates, Staffordshire oatcakes, flans, pies, lasagne, 30 varieties of scotch egg, including a veggie version, samosas, kebabs, salads, olives, pickles, preserves, wines, cider, bottled beers, liqueurs, and more and more, and much, much more.
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON FARMERS’ MARKET
Rother Street
First and third Saturday of the month, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (01608 664659; www.warwickshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk)
About 90 producers are registered with this robust market in the old market area of historic Stratford. All produce, including baked goods, beers, Gloucester Old Spot pork, wild boar and local cheeses, fruit and vegetables, and plan seats, must come from within a 30 mile radius.
HAVERFORDWEST FARMERS’ MARKET
Riverside Quay
Alternate Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (01437 776168)
Free-range duck, guinea-fowl and geese, home-reared meats, organic, rare-breed Oxford and Sandy Black pork, crab and lobster sandwiches, continental salad leaves, bread and locally milled flour, bara brith (a traditional sweet tea bread) and Welsh cakes, Lanboidy farmhouse cheese and laver bread, ewe’s milk cheese, smoked game and all the usual delights.
SWANSEA MARKET
Oxford Street
Mon – Thurs 8.30 a.m. – 5.30 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. – 5.30 p.m., Saturday 7.30 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. (01792 654296)
Indoor markets are a feature of Welsh towns and this one is housed in a glass-roofed market hall at the heart of a dispiriting shopping centre. Welsh specialities from Gower, such as cockles, hake and laver bread, to handsome Welsh cheeses, keep company with pet stalls, second-hand books and cheap tat. Try salt-marsh lamb, home-made burgers, fresh fruit and vegetables in season.
AMPTHILL, BEDFORDSHIRE
Bedford Street Car Park.
4th Saturday monthly from 9.30 am - 1.30 pm
BARLEYLANDS FARMERS MARKET
Billericay,Essex, CM11 2UD.
Markets held 2nd and last Saturday of each month, from 9am to 1pm.
A 'FARMA' certified Farmers Market with all types of produce including Game and locally farmed meats, fresh fruit, vegetables, cakes, puddings, pastries, blended coffees, eggs, and fish.
Visit www.barleylands.co.uk or call 01268 290226.
CHELMSFORD GOURMET FOOD FAIR - EVERY FRIDAY
Chelmsford has played host to the Gourmet Food Fair since 2005 and has gone on to be a very popular fixture in the town centre calendar.
Every Friday, shoppers are treated to a veritable smorgasbord of international treats. Foodies can enjoy a range of fresh produce including breads, pastries, cheeses, olives, fruit, hand-made sausages and Fair Trade products. There is always something for everyone, with dozens of stalls taking part.
Here's what some shoppers had to say:
"Wonderful experience to sample local food. Lots of different choices of many different foods. Very good."
"Fab idea really good to try different things and the stall holders really friendly makes shopping a lot more fun."
"I think it's a very good idea especially the fudge stall, as my 7 year old son loves it!"
CHELMSFORD FARMERS' MARKET - THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH
Chelmsford holds a regular farmers market on the first Sunday of each month between 10am and 4pm on the High Street.
As many as 20 traders come to Chelmsford to sell a wide array of fresh and locally grown produce including, meat, bread, seasonal fruit, sausages and herbs.
The farmers' market encourages healthy eating by enabling people to rediscover the benefits of quality, fresh, local produce - which often cannot be found in supermarkets. The Chelmsford farmers' market is a fantastic way for people to support local farmers and producers.
Most of the town centre shops are also be open - so there are plenty of reasons to visit the town on Sundays. Plus, parking is only £2 for the whole day, so plenty of time for breakfast, morning coffee, or even Sunday lunch at one of the many eating places in the town centre.
BARSHAM FARMERS’ MARKET
Brick Kiln Farm, Halesworth, Suffolk.
Last Saturday of the month, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (01502 575218); www.dmfs.co.uk)
One of the few farmers’ markets held on a working farm. A core of regular producers offer sea fish caught from a longshore boat off Lowestoft (hope for plaice, Dover sole, wild sea bass, if they haven’t got away), dressed crabs and shrimps, lobster, beef, lamb, award-winning ice-cream, yoghurts, chilli chutney, fruit and vegetables. “Nearly every month there is something different” hints at hit and miss, but a worthy endeavour.
NORWICH FARMERS’ MARKET
Norfolk Showground
Second Saturday of the month, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.;
The Forum, City Centre, first and third Sunday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (01953 681715; www.norwichfarmersmarket.co.uk)
Mighty meaty products – fresh sausages, game, black pudding, cured park fillets, salami, haslet, lard and Longhorn beef, rear-breed park, stews and pies, alongside ice-cream, honey and bottle-conditioned beers, plums, beans, potatoes, asparagus in season, potted shrimps, dressed crab, cockles, mussels, whelks, bunched herbs, unpasteurised goats milk, yoghurt, cheese, fresh mushrooms and mushroom products, and hand-make chocolates.
Dereham Farmers' Market
Dereham, Norfolk
Every second Saturday in the month
Aylsham
Aylsham Farmers' Market: Open 0900 to 1300 . 1st Saturday in each Month
Location: Market Place
Diss
Diss Farmers' Market: Open 0900 to 1300 . 2nd Saturday in each Month (Winter trading peaks at 1100)
Location: Mere's Mouth
Fakenham
Fakenham Farmers' Market: In the Market Square Fakenham. 8.30 am to 12 noon on the 4th Saturday of every month. A wide variety of the freshest top quality local produce, seasonal variations. A traditional market with atmosphere, value and entertainment. Contact details tel: 01328 862702
Dates for 2007: March 24th; April 28th; May 26th; June 23rd; July 28th; August 25th; Sept 22nd; Oct 27th; Nov 24th; Dec 22nd.
Stalham
Stalham Farmers' Market: Open 0900 to 1200 . 2nd and 4th Saturday in each Month
Location: Town Hall
Watton
Watton Farmers' Market: Open 0830 to 1300 . 1st Saturday in each Month
Location: Watton High Street
Wymondham
Wymondham Farmers' Market: Open 0900 to 1300 . 3rd Saturday in each Month
Location: Market Cross
BARNARD CASTLE FARMERS’ MARKET
The Cobbles
First Saturday in the month, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (www.teesdalefarmersmarkets.co.uk)
Homely local fare – scones, biscuits, cakes and fruit pies, marmalade, tea loaves, jellies, chutneys, quiches, game pie, traditional sweets and fudge, cow, goat and sheep cheeses, fresh trout from the River Lune, home-make organic soups, rare-breed sausages an port products, venison, home-grown herbs, mustards and pickles, hedgerow fruit, jams and jellies.
HEXHAM FARMERS’ MARKET
Market Place
Second and fourth Saturday of the month, 9 a.m. – 1.30 p.m. (0796 3426932; www.northumberlandfarmersmarkets.org.uk)
“England’s favourite market town” (according to Country Life magazine) provides an historic setting for about 30 producers to show off such specials as local oyster mushrooms, Northumberland hill lamb, hand-made chocolates and fudge, beef, poultry, eggs, cheeses, bread and gluten-free baked goods, soups, salads and vegetables all of which are grown or reared within 50 miles.
BURY MARKET
Murray Road, Bury
Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. – 4. 30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (0161 253 6520)
Go there fore meaty Lancashire specials such as black pudding, brawn, tripe, locally reared port and port pies and suet “rag pudding”. A thriving mixed market, but food fights its corner.
ORTON FRAMERS’ MARKET
Orton, 2 miles from the M6 (jct 38)
Second Saturday of the month. 9.30 a.m. – 2.30 p.m.; and at Pooley Bridge, 5 miles from jct 40, last Sunday of the month, 10.30 a.m. – 2.30 p.m., April – September. (015396 23303; www.ortonfarmers.co.uk)
All produce is local, from the fell-bred lamb to the rare-breed beef. Try Weardale organic soups, ewe’s milk ice-cream, home-made butter and cheeses, hen and duck eggs, home-grown organic vegetables and herbs, pickles, chutneys, chilli sauces, toffee, fudge, herb jellies and delectable damson liqueur.
ABERDEEN COUNTRY FAIR
Belmont Street
First and last Saturday of the month, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (01224 649000; www.aberdeencountryfair.co.uk)
A crafts and farmers’ market, typically featuring local specialities - from Angus beef to fish freshly landed at Aberdeen and Peterhead, to local fruit and vegetables, cheeses, breads baked to traditional recipes, and Speyside whisky.
EDINBURGH FARMERS’ MARKET
Castle Terrace
Every Saturday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (0131 652 5940 www.edinburghcc.com/farm-market.htm)
The very model of a great farmers market, in a stunning setting. Features up to 60 specialists, from Inverness to Northumberland, with all stallholders primary producers; they rear it, grow it, make it, bake it. Carroll’s Heritage Potatoes (Red Duke of York, Witchill, British Queen, Edzell Blue), Highland beef, Auchtermuchty venison, wild boar, ostrich, hog roasts, Black Isle organic beer, fruit wines, hand-made chocolates, gourmet crisps, grains and porridge, a veritable cornucopia.
The Scottish Association of Farmers Markets
The definition of a Scottish Farmers' Market is a market in which farmers, growers and producers from throughout Scotland sell their produce direct to the public. All foods/products sold should have been grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked, smoked, or made/prepared by the producer.
www.scottishfarmersmarkets.co.uk
BELFAST CITY FOOD AND GARDEN MARKET
St George’s Market Hall, East Bridge Street
Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (0289032 0202; www.belfastcity.gov.uk)
Local farmers’ market meets the wider world. Shop to the sound of live music and choose from freshly landed fish, local park and beef, wild boar, venison, pheasant, organic fruit and vegetables, cheeses, tapas, crepes, and Caribbean fare.
Timesonline.co.uk/realfood
Find the best locally sources, seasonal food near you – regularly updates listings for restaurants, meat, fish, vegetable suppliers, and farmers’ markets. |
