The Market Town

Northumberland has some of the most diverse and successful markets in the country, and consumers are increasingly seeking out these hotbeds of traditional and local produce. There is something wonderfully traditional about shopping at markets: the feeling at the heart of a beautiful town, the banter with the traders, the knowledge that your shopping is supporting small traders and local business. Northumberland has an abundance of thriving markets spanning the entire region, and they run year round.

Our artisan bakery, The Zen Baker, was established on the back of these markets, and continues to grow with the help and guidance of other producers and traders. We made a decision to grow our business organically, establishing ourselves at local markets.

This provides us with instant feedback from our customers, (so important for new businesses,) a chance to test out new ideas and recipes, and most importantly allows us to establish a base where customers know how to find us. One of the main reasons local markets are so important is that many traders simply cannot afford the overheads involved in establishing a shop, and markets provide some of the best avenues to interact with customers that small business has. The markets themselves act as a hub for producers who wish to sell direct to their customer and allow customers to put a face to the food they eat and the crafts they use. As Neil Brown, Market Manager for Morpeth says, “We have some of the finest food producers in the UK in Northumberland and you can buy it all direct at the market.” Whichever way you look at a local market - it is win/win for everyone.

For any visitors into the region, the visit to a local market is a wonderful chance to see the beating heart of a community. With each market we witness the support for local business, have the experience of traditional and unique products and we see the health, wellbeing and vibrancy of a town or village. We are very lucky to be growing our business in this wonderful setting, and we hope to see you at a Northumberland market soon.

Here are the regular markets in and around Northumberland:
Alnwick Market Place Thursday & Saturday
Amble Amble harbour Sunday
Ashington John Street Tuesday
Bedlington Vulcan Place Thursday
Berwick Marygate Charter Market Wednesday & Saturday
Blyth Market Place Tuesday, Friday & Saturday
Cramlington Focus DIY car park Wednesday
Haltwhistle Market Square Thursday
Hexham Market Place Tuesday & Saturday
Hexham The Shambles Monday to Saturday
Morpeth Market Place Wednesday
Ponteland Merton Way Friday

The Zen Baker can be found at a market near you! Check out dates and news at zenbaker.co.uk, facebook & twitter.

Photos are courtesy of Nicky Rogerson at NR Photography.