Kendal Farmers Market sits in the heart of the picturesque ancient marketplace, market days are always bustling with groups of people of all ages – it’s somewhere for everyone.
Which is why the Farmer’s Market Committee is proud to announce that from the 10th May Kendal Farmers Market will operate twice monthly on the second Friday and the last Friday of every month.
The market has in the last 18-months gone from strength to strength, rapidly becoming an integral part of the area’s food scene, and a must-visit destination for anyone who is passionate about quality, provenance and sustainably reared, grown and sourced ingredients.
It’s somewhere visitors and locals alike can find a cornucopia of seasonal delights, from freshly harvested fruits and vegetables to artisanal cheeses, homemade preserves and honey, as well as quality meat and game, and freshly baked cakes and artisan breads. But that’s not all. The market isn’t only a place to shop for exceptional local fare but also an opportunity to connect with the passionate farmers and makers behind the products.
The granting of a Market Charter in 1189, by Richard 1, to the then Baron of Kendal, Gilbert Fitz-Renfried, heralded the arrival of ‘Market Kendal’, and the start of the town as we know it today. Since those early days the market has continued with mixed fortunes over the ages, but happily with the creation of Kendal Farmers Market over 30 years ago, one of the oldest in the UK, things have seen a significant shift for the better. Especially in the years after the pandemic, with the increased interest in the provenance of what we buy and who produces what we eat.
Kendal Farmer’s overall vision is to reawaken food curiosities and people’s taste buds, fostering a community of food enthusiasts who appreciate wholesome, northern crafted products. This vision guides every facet of the market, from the diverse array of offerings to the warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Which is one of the main reasons that in the last 18-months or so, the Farmer’s Market has experienced a consistent increase in footfall, which in turn has seen a rise in the number of stall holders wanting to join the market. Ultimately leading to a drive to increase the number of market days from one to two each month. But that’s not all, as the committee is also now looking at how they might be able to increase the number of available pitches for each market day.
Operating at Kendal Farmers Market has allowed a number of start-up businesses to try their idea before committing to bricks and mortar sites and the proof is definitely in the pudding. As the Farmer’s Market has been a catalyst for 31 new business start-ups in the years following the pandemic. Of those 60% are still regular stall holders, who have loyal followings and continue to grow. Whilst roughly a further 20% have flourished to such an extent that they’ve outgrown the market and have chosen to take on dedicated premises locally, demonstrating their longevity and the overall sustainability of their businesses. Recent examples include The Seafood Shack, Wraysholme Creamery, Morecambe Bay Chowder, Northern Pasta and Fellside Coffee, who have all gone on to dedicated premises.
Catherine Connor Chair of Kendal Farmers Market commented: ‘’It’s really good news that we’ve been able to increase the number of Market Days from one to two each month and that’s largely down to the quality of the hugely dedicated stallholders and the amazing produce that they have on their stalls for people to buy. There’s no doubt at all that the Farmer’s Market adds a real focal point to Kendal’s high street, it attracts local residents and visitors into the heart of the town in equal measure, helping to drive overall footfall, dwell time and customer spend, all of which in turn helps support the town’s shops because people linger longer in town and make an occasion of the day.’’
For more information about Kendal Farmers Market visit: https://kendalfarmersmarket.co.uk
