FARMERS MARKETS
 Farmers
Markets
Ongoing, Various Locations & British Food Fortnight 18 September –
3 October 2004
With growing numbers of us taking what we eat seriously, perhaps being concerned
about the environment or our overly fatty fast-food culture, farmer markets
are seeing a bit of a revival in London and, west London has its fair share
of growing opportunities to buy directly from the producer.
But, the idea that a farmers market is only about fruit and veg is a bit of
an outdated idea. In fact, many farmers markets are amongst the best places
to buy – at reasonable prices- a whole range of traditional delicacies
everything from home-made jams and pickle to neglected traditional cheeses and
organic bread.
And, although the farmers market is playing an evermore important role in reminding
us of our heritage of traditional British produce and cuisine, it is also becoming
a place that reflects our growing interest and awareness of food cultures from
other parts of the world. These days, you’d be hard pressed to find a
good farmer’s market that didn’t offer delicious French breads and
pastries, Italian preserved vegetables or healthy Middle-Eastern fast food.
A good example of this new kind of cosmopolitan farmers market takes place
every Thursday, 11am - 4pm in King Street outside the Town Hall in Hammersmith.
In addition to wonderful cheeses and juicy fruit and veg, other regulars include
freshly baked breads and tangy condiments. And it’s not just the place
to stock up on weekly provisions. Stalls selling freshly baked quiches and pies
and mouth-watering falafel and tabouleh make it an ideal stop for an alternative
to a processed fast-food lunch for those on the run.
If you would like to know more then the person to contact is Chris Selder via
email: chriselder@cityfarmers.fsnet.co.uk
And it’s by no means the only farmers market in west London. Why not
take a look in on these…
Ealing: Saturdays, 09:00 – 13:00, Leeland Road, West Ealing, W13
Twickenham: Saturdays, 09:00- 13:00, Holly Road Car Park, Holly Road, off King
Street, Twickenham, TW1
Notting Hill: Saturdays, 09:00 – 13:00, Car park behind Waterstones,
access via Kensington Place, junction of Kensington Church Street, W8
Buying The Farm
One of the many advantages of farmers markets is that they stimulate the local
economy by helping local producers, something that is especially helpful to
small scale producers or those producing labour-intensive produce such as some
of the less commonly seen varieties of fruit and vegetables or specialist dairy
and grain products or organic products.
This role in helping to keep alive some of the produce and culinary traditions
specific to the UK is becoming increasingly recognised in a world of “globalism”
and mass production.
This explains why, amongst other reasons, people are being encouraged to explore
farmers markets as part of British Food Fortnight which aims to promote the
broad benefits of British food and produce ranging from health to economic benefits.
If you are interested in finding out more about markets, how they work and
their benefits, why not take a look at the website of London
Farmers’ Markets
A good example of the role that farmers markets can play in the local economy
and regeneration in west London is the project being developed by the Friends
of Dukes Meadows in Chiswick. Their website
explains how and why…
To find out more about British Food Fortnight taking place between 18 September
and 3 October 2004, please take a look at their comprehensive
site, packed full of details and resources…
Top Nosh
If all this talk of fresh produce and food has got you thinking about trying
out our hand at some traditional recipes, there are many courses in west London
that could help you on your way. Here’s just a taster of what’s
available….
In Brent
In Hammersmith
& Fulham
In Harrow
In Hillingdon
And if you’re too busy to get out the kitchen but you can still log on,
you can always take a look at BBC
Food’s seasonal offerings for September..
The Regional
Food & Drink site is fascinating. Although it is primarily aimed at
helping British producers export their products, its listing and details of
over 3000 UK regional producers and their products highlights just how diverse
the UK production is. A very useful learning resource for amateur enthusiasts
and budding food industry professional alike.
Thinking traditional, what could be more traditional than the great British
banger? But a whole website
devoted to sausages? You might need to see it to believe it..
But, if you want to explore the broad range of different sites out there offering
traditional British recipes, which take a look at this section of UKNetguide
If on the other hand, it was actually the farming aspect that interested you,
you might be interested in looking in on the BBC’s
Farming Today section (The site of the Radio 4 programme of the same name
will also allow you to download and listen to programmes that have been aired.
Perhaps you’ve been gripped by the idea that it’s the farming life
for you? Well taking a look at Farmers
Weekly Interactive might give you a clearer idea about what farmers are
up to these days.
One of the things that a growing number of farmers are up to in Europe, including
the UK, is agritourism. No idea what that means? Then this article from Time
Europe Magazine is a good place to find out more.
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