Fabulous Chester Farmer’s Market – a sneak preview #Preview

Victoria Hayes
13th June 2019

There was a time before Supermarkets, before high streets even, when all we did was barter. We brought the best of our home grown produce to market to barter for things we needed and wanted and as such the Farmer’s market was born.

Of course, in these modern times, the Farmer’s market looks a little different to how it did back then, the gazebos alone setting it apart from the hand carts and baskets of the past and of course, offering money for goods is the rather more accepted method. But in concept and vitality alone, it remains a wonderful monthly event outside Chester’s beautiful town hall.

The Farmer’s market offers a delightful opportunity for producers to sell their products directly, to both regular and new customers. The real joy of it comes from the passion of these industrious small businesses who craft their product and are always more than happy to discuss its provenance, the techniques they use and the ability to question the maker is an experience no supermarket could offer.

Taste Cheshire Farmer’s Market is the 3rd Saturday of every month – and I’m here to tell you a little about it.

First a quick apology to those traders I don’t mention this time, you are all wonderful but I can’t fit everyone into this one little post, and obviously not all traders do every month. So here it is, a little sneak preview of a few of our marvellous stalls to look out for this month.

Let’s begin with Jane. Jane stays up all night before the market to mix, knead, prove and bake her incredible selection of handmade artisan breads and cakes. I can personally thoroughly recommend her Chelsea Buns as the best I have ever tasted. However I advise you get in there early. Jane has become somewhat of a local baking celebrity and usually has customers eagerly awaiting her arrival in the morning and is sure to sell out.

Powell’s Pies, now this is a local institution, quite simply the best pork pie around. Hand raised and delicious, Don’t miss out on their pickles and mustards too. Taste a sample, by all means, but be ready with your pennies because this stall is also notorious for selling out.

For other types of Pie, Great North Pie is not to be missed, no pork here, but a range of beautiful shiny pies, packed with flavour await you. 

Pop over to Gourmegg, who always appear with the most incredible Scotch Egg offering; such amazing intense flavour, these really are little balls of heaven.

British food has been redefined over the years and no one embodies this more perfectly than the delightful Perfect Samosa. The clue is in the name and don’t just take my word for it, pop by and taste one of her warm samples.

Fancy something lighter for your Saturday afternoon snack, Bashir’s beautiful range of Olives should not be missed and bag yourself some tasty Turkish delight while you are there!

Elaine’s homemade offerings straddle the sweet and savoury with a huge variety of delights from glorious large custard tarts, to savoury steak pies and so much in between I would struggle to do it all justice in this short post. Often accompanied by her son, this family business is a treat to trade with.

I think you may need to refuel and refresh at this point, so find Coffee Craving’s stand and admire their cups, made from the waste husk from the coffee bean. Another great example of small business innovation and care for their environment.

Ready for dessert?

Caroline from Ridiculously Rich Cheshire is ready for you. The peanut butter brownie and her infamous Rocky Road are absolute stand outs, and she is a lovely person to spend a little time discussing sweet treats, life, the universe and everything with. 

Whilst many of our traders offer gluten free or dairy free options, no one specialises quite like Carol. Her gluten free and vegan cakes, pies and bakes are stunning and she is more than happy to dispense tips and tricks to help you with your own gluten free baking! Her sticky toffee pudding is mouth watering and I happily ruined the gluten free aspect of it, by smothering it with custard! No need for you to do so though as it’s perfect as it is.

Joles Gourmet Bakery cakes and muffins are out of this world and look almost too good too eat….almost. Lemon and Blueberry muffin for me please…in case you were wondering.

The great thing about the farmer’s market is the diversity and it’s not just all about the food and drink.

Cheshire Candle Company’s gorgeous handmade candles smell good enough to eat, and last hours. I would definitely recommend chatting to Sue, her huge range of scents is fabulous and I’ll wager she can find the perfect one for you, or to gift to the special people in your life.

Speaking of handmade and scented, Ruth from Tudor Beauty has a phenomenal amount of knowledge and crafts her divine range of soaps with both style and an eye on the environment. Check out her recycled wallpaper packaging for a smart “green” product. Oh and don’t forget to get some soap for your dog too! (no, I’m not kidding, did you know dogs skin has a different pH to ours? Ask Ruth for more info!).

Still on the hunt for gifts that won’t expand your waistline, pop by and see the dazzling Kathleen and her colourful and unique jewellery. She has a passion for the vintage and a real eye for colour and design. I like to point things out on her stand for my boyfriend to go back and buy to surprise me. I’ll let you know when it works.

Nothing like a little tipple to taste to help Saturday on it’s merry way, and it’s always lovely to see Dipple’s Tipple with their lush selection of flavoured gin liquors. My personal recommendation is the Passionfruit – top it off with prosecco, trust me, the perfect Saturday night cocktail awaits you.

I hope you have enjoyed my little preview of the Taste Cheshire Farmer’s market and you find the time to join us this Saturday. But if you can’t, don’t worry, July is Foodie Month in Cheshire and we will be featuring a special expanded 3 day Farmer’s market so plenty of time to grab some delicious treats and enjoy a chat with our brilliant traders.