east oxford food and craft stalls up for national bbc award

Nov 17, 2011 Peter Rabbit Market News Comments Off on east oxford food and craft stalls up for national bbc award

Thursday 17th November 2011, Oxford Mail By Damian Fantato

George Bennett, Alex Towler, Thiyanga Lekamwattage

George Bennett from Sandy Lane Farm, Alex Towler from Natural Bread Co and Thiyanga Lekamwattage from Mayas Baker) show off their goods

ONE of Oxford’s most popular markets has been named amongst the cream of the crop.

East Oxford Farmers’ Market has been held off Cowley Road every Saturday since August 2006.

It has now been named as a finalists in the BBC’s Food and Farming Awards in the category of Best Food Market after being nominated by its loyal customers.

The market, which takes place in East Oxford Primary School, sells food and craft products from within a 30 mile radius of the city and is run almost entirely by volunteers.

Market administrator Helen Hewlett said: “It is very rewarding to see that the customers feel that we are providing a market which is a great place to get quality local food.

“Our stall holders work very hard on farms and in kitchens to produce their items and you can feel the love in their food.

“What is special about the market is the community feel. We have got such a wide variety reflecting some of the communities.”

East Oxford Farmers’ Market currently attracts about 20 stall holders a week and some 500 shoppers.

As well as traditional market stalwarts such as fruit and veg it reflects a large array of cultures with stalls selling food from Japan, Italy and the Middle East.

Read the full story HERE