Taste Cheshire present the Chester Farmer’s Market – third Saturday of the month #Preview

Victoria Hayes
14th February 2023

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.

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!

The Sunrise Patisserie will be putting smiles on everyone’s faces with their glorious Portuguese custard tarts, we are looking forward to hearing all about their plans to open a shop in Chester City Centre!

We are excited this month to have our taste buds tingled by Goch & Co.

Goch & Co. Ltd is an award-winning producer of fine condiments and seasoning, offering traditional and authentic tastes of Africa, made in Wales. All products are concentrated fusions of natural goodness that are addictively refreshing and delicious. We love our chilli sauces, chilli jams, chutney and chilli oils available as gluten-free, vegan, with no artificial additives, colours or preservatives.

Just The Cheese…but maybe also the chutney to go with it…. joining us this month is Just The Cheese, Working with JJ Sandham of Barton to bring you the very freshest and tastiest cheese.

Ready for dessert?

Joles Gourmet is ready for you. Their muffins are legendary…whatever is on the top is all the way through!! Made with free range eggs and lashings of real local butter, this is us giving you permission to treat yourself! (They also do mahoosive scones!)

Whilst many of our traders offer gluten free or dairy free options, we have not one, but TWO absolute specialists! Carol’s  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.

Rachel with her vegan cakes will be just next to her and her cakes are a treat for the eyes as well as the taste buds! If you can buy just the one, you are a stronger person than me!

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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!).

Don’t worry, our furry friends will not be left out…the market is always dog friendly and both Frenchie Fancies and Pure Pet Food will be there to see that they will be completely spoilt, as usual and as they deserve!

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.

This month we’ll see the return of Just Sew Laura with her fab scrunchies, hairbands and so many fun things for us girlies, including make up bags and glasses cases…all handmade of course.

Speaking of handmade, there’s something for the art lovers too, with pebble art, drift wood art and Sophia’s beautiful illustrations to spark some joy for your homes.

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 selection of O’Donnell’s Moonshines. I am currently obsessed with Wild berry….in my lemonade, in my fizz and even in my hot chocolate! Don’t forget to ask her if she has Cherry in stock though…it’s new and it’s wonderful!

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, we’ll be back again next month with more for you to grab some delicious treats and enjoy a chat with our brilliant traders.