I love markets. Small suppliers, independent crafters and producers. It’s a place to support those who are just starting out, who have had a brilliant idea for something different, or just produce stuff that you need to get your hands on.
And there’s a new one in town – almost anyway. The Greengate Urban Market is held on the last weekend of the month and is held in Greengate Square, opposite Manchester Cathedral on the border between Manchester and Salford. I stopped by on Saturday for a quick nosey around at the new kid in town.
The weather, for once, was kind and the view that greeted me as I crossed the street was stunning. Sunshine, bridge over the River Irwell and a stunning little wheeled hut filled with flowers and plants. It couldn’t have started with a prettier welcome.
The market itself was still quiet – I was quite early and thankful for it when I saw some of the goodies on offer. Purchasing some teas from A Tea a Day, we chatted and I spotted some stunning looking baked goodies on the stand of Sent from my Kitchen. Louise has a lovely array of both pretty macarons, croissants and cakes and I was soon purchasing a couple of fridge cake slices – containing macaron pieces. And yes, they were just as good, if not better than they sound.
I stopped by the Bread Fairy, who I’ve met previously and whose bread I love – and bagged myself a walnut and Gorgonzola loaf. I must confess, this didn’t make it home in it’s entirety. Just mostly.
I also saw The Ale Man, who I’ve spoken to about beer many a time on Twitter, and had yet to meet. Ogling the gorgeous (and local) beers on offer, I leant my solidarity to chick brewed beer and purchased a couple of bottles of Off Beat. As I speak, it is in my fridge awaiting my attention (I’m going to reward myself for writing this).
I visited the gorgeous crafty stalls, including the Tweed Queen, who has a vast selection of vintage tweed repurposed into handbags, purses and pins. How I managed to walk away, I don’t know. Next time, I know my purse won’t be so lucky (but I will).
I didn’t manage to make it around all of the stalls, I missed Pig & Co, who’s pork products I love, and somehow, my pie-dar was defective and I missed The Cumbrian Pig Company.
I will not make that mistake next time.
