Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Fantastic new Tonbridge Farmers Market....




The Organiser: He calls himself Steve The Chilli Man


Well TonbridgeBlog went along to the new Farmers Market, just behind Waitrose, on Sunday with a totally open mind. Even if it was only as good as the one at Shipbourne Church I'd have been delighted. Let me tell you though that this one was in a totally different league to Shipbourne and Hildenborough's efforts (good though they are.) The Tonbridge market had over 50 stalls and was absolutely fantastic; the weather helped as it was a glorious morning on Sunday but, that aside, this is a market you really should find the time to get along to whatever the weather. It had bread stalls, two or three speciality butchers, game, olives, chillies, (and even olives and chillies together!) cakes, fruit and veg, summer fruit stalls, a hog roast, cheese, local beers, ciders, olive oil to name just the ones I can remember; oh and a few craft stalls. It was somewhere between a lively French market and a food festival. There was a lovely central covered eating area where you can enjoy a coffee and taste some of the local produce you've just bought. There was plenty of free parking right opposite. I may even take a stall at the next one to flog a few books as I can see this market growing in popularity as the months go by. These events take a lot of organising and considerable financial risk, it's great for Tonbridge that someone has bothered to put it on for us; only thing is it only continues if we go along and support it and by God it's worth supporting. Organiser, Steve The Chilliman, told me that it's early days yet but, judging by the response so far, it will be a permanent fixture in the town. The market is held on every second Sunday morning of each month from now on....

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jeez, the crackling on that pig! I'm so gonna be there next time.

TonbridgeCommuter said...

Fantastic market - well done to all involved.

Suggest a sign board is put on the High Street to direct people to it who might not know it's on or where it is.

Hope it succeeds.

Anonymous said...

... or even get an old bike with an ad on it and put it by the castle.

sebfox said...

Looks good. I must go next time since I to want to munch on the crunchy pig.

Steve@tonbridgefarmersmarket.co.uk said...

Thank-you so much,
and thank-you for your comments...
We are heads down planning the next one already.
It's fantastic you enjoyed it.

Remember you can get in touch any time, with questions, comments... Or find us on our facebook page.
Tonbridge Farmers market

I know Philpotts farm with be pleased to hear such raving about their pigs, I will tell them they really do need a bigger pig for the next market.

Jeremy said...

great news see you there next month

Bloss said...

That's funny, there was a perfectly good market in Bank Street, when I was growing up. Agh, the smell of animal poop on wednesdays...wafting across to Slade School. Then on Saturday, it was all cleaned up and full of stuff to buy from meat, veg, clothes, toys, linen, ladidadidah...it was always packed, and the stallholders were entertaining! Oh the memories! Those were the days when Tonbridge was a Market Town...what went wrong? Should have stayed as Tonbridge Urban District Council, instead of joining Malling. Bit like how the country changed after joining the EEC!

Heather said...

I bought a chicken from one of the butcher's stalls and can safely say it made the best roast chicken I have ever had! Will be back next time.