The Best Food Markets In Britain

Food markets are thriving throughout Britain's cities, towns and villages, and it's easy to see why. With a huge variety of high-quality produce, unique ingredients and fair prices, they're a haven for anyone who cares about the quality and source of the food they eat. For all you food lovers, here's a list of ten of the best food markets in Britain today.

The best food markets in Britain

Broadway Market, East London

Crammed with stalls selling everything from locally baked bread to Vietnamese coffee, Broadway Market prides itself on the quality and variety of its produce. Established in the 1890s, the market today has a huge array of foods spanning different tastes and cultures. The produce here is often cheaper than the supermarkets, so it remains a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Moseley Farmers Market, Birmingham

At the FARMA Local Food Awards in 2012, Moseley Farmers Market won the award for best farmers market. After winning the same award in 2009, it's the only market to win this illustrious award twice. When you visit this thriving market, you can understand why. With produce from all over the Midlands, there are around 50 stallholders selling bespoke luxury cakes, Caribbean cuisine, handcrafted traditional cheeses, and much more.

Edinburgh Farmers Market, Scotland

One of the best food markets in Britain is located under Edinburgh Castle on Castle Terrace. As well as a stunning location, the market offers some of the finest and freshest produce in Britain. Among the foods on sale every Saturday are Scottish venison, handmade pies, duck eggs, organic beer, water buffalo and Danish pastries. There's even a German bakery selling breads and cakes, proving there's something here to suit all tastes.

Marylebone Farmers Market, London

This lively market is a perfect example of how farmers markets can bring excitement to a community. With so much variety, it's not surprising it attracts so many people from all cultural backgrounds. You'll find a huge selection of produce, from first-class meats to colourful salad leaves. Fishermen must have a licensed fishing vessel to sell here, so there's plenty of freshly caught shellfish and wet fish from the coast. There's also fresh food to sample, so you won't go hungry.

Orton Farmers Market, Cumbria

Every second Saturday of each month, around 40 local farmers and producers gather in the small and peaceful village of Orton in Cumbria to sell a selection of quality food produce, including trout pate and home-brewed cider. All the food has to be grown, raised, caught or processed within 50 miles of the market, so if you want to discover some local gastronomic hidden treasures, this is the place to come to.

Winchester Farmers Market, England

Located in the shadow of Winchester Cathedral, Winchester Farmers Market was once voted the best market in the country by the Guardian Food Magazine. It's also the biggest in Britain, with around 95 stalls selling everything from Hampshire honey to local watercress. Everything sold here must come from Hampshire or within 10 miles of the border, so you're guaranteed local, quality produce. Enjoy the food and atmosphere on the second and last Sunday of every month.

Borough Market, South London

Full of outstanding British and international produce, Borough Market is probably London's most famous food market. You can try anything from Italian cheeses to artisan Breads to British pies. There's now even a dedicated lunch market, so you can sample the food from many of the regular stalls. It would be hard to find a more lively market, but remember to take plenty of money because it's not all cheap!

Shipbourne Farmers Market, Kent

It's simply one of the 10 best Farmers Markets in Britain, according to the Times and the Telegraph. Shipbourne Farmers Market welcomes around 20 stalls every Thursday morning, and is situated next to St. Giles's Church. It has become an important part of the local community and the local producers are rightly proud of their quality produce. There's a good selection of foods, from chutneys and juices to meats and cakes.

Kirkwall Farmers Market, Orkney, Scotland

Located in front of St. Magnus Cathedral, on the last Saturday of every month, Kirkwall Farmers Market is renowned for its high quality local beef and fish, organic vegetables and herbs, wool products, and even herbal bath products. The market is also famous for its award-winning strong beer called Skullsplitter!

St George's Market, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Although it was built between 1890 and 1896, this beautiful Victorian market was refurbished in 1997 and it's now one of the best in Britain. The market on Saturday features foods from around the world. As well beef from Armagh and probably the greatest seafood selection in Ireland, you'll also find French, Spanish and Caribbean delicacies. There's even live music to further enhance your experience.

Farmers markets mean so much more than simply shopping for food. You can chat to local producers, sample unusual delicacies, discover local crafts, relax with a coffee and even enjoy live music. Buying locally produced food also reduces food miles, so you're helping the local economy and the environment too!