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Bristol's burgeoning independent retail scene received a major boost today with the oepning of a new food market to promote local food producers, growers and traders.
Based at St Nicholas Market, it has been created thanks to the Bristol Independents campaign – which aims to highlight Bristol’s independent retailers and high street shopping centres.
The market, backed by city council leader Barbara Janke, features a selection of some of the best independent food retailers and traders in the region, giving shoppers and city-centre workers improved access to a wide range of fresh and local products.
Speaking in advance of its first day’s trading, Cllr Janke said: “The introduction of an additional daily food market offering locally sourced, quality food is something I very much welcome.
“The new Friday market will showcase some of the best independent traders in the region and will further underpin Bristol’s reputation as a city renowned for quality food and successful independent traders.”
The Friday Food Market will sell basic products, such as bread, cheese and fish, and will feature local producers and artisans such as Yatton-based bakery, Pullins; fishmongers Felce Foods; Bristol charcutier, Vincent Castellano; cheeses from Greens of Glastonbury and organic produce from Crooked End Farm in Gloucester.
The market will also feature some international flavours, including Dr Weng’s authentic Szechuan cuisine and the American Kitchen’s store of goodies offering American street food classics – ‘Sloppy Joes’.
Meanwhile, for those with a passion for something sweet, some of Bristol’s best home made cupcakes from local favourites Absolutely Cakes and Crumpet Cakes will also be on sale.
The new market follows on from the launch of the Bristol Independents campaign last month, following mounting pressure in some areas of the city against the rise of the big supermarket chains.
Further information on the Bristol Independents campaign can be found at www.bristolindependents.co.uk. Information on other support for the retail sector can be found at www.bristol.gov.uk/retail and via Twitter www.twitter.com/ShopLocalBris
