Independently brilliant
Here at beyond we love a street market and, given the year we’ve all gone through, there’s no better feeling than getting out again, shopping locally and supporting the thousands of independent businesses who make street markets such a special place.
For so long we’ve been denied the pleasures, the smells and the interaction of our favourite street markets.
A place where independent chefs, bakers and creatives stand shoulder to shoulder and proudly sell their incredible array of locally produced treats to a throng of customers.
But as the shutters are slowly pulled back up and markets reopen, we can hopefully now look forward to getting out there again and supporting those talented businesses who have endured such a tough time.
Real Food Ilkley is just one of the many regular Yorkshire markets which has grown in popularity in recent years and allows local independents the chance to showcase their amazing food produce, hand-crafted drinks and wonderful gift ideas.
Held on The Grove in Ilkley on the first Sunday of every month, Real Food Ilkley returned to the town in May and was welcomed back with great delight by locals and visitors alike.
Launched in 2016, the bustling market offers produce from fresh bread to candles; cakes and gluten-free bakes to curries; condiments to garden plants and coffees to beautiful gifts.
Lucy Allen, a director of Real Food Ilkley, said: “Given the tough year everybody has had it is so good to be able to be back up and running and while we have reduced the number of stalls to 50 due to the covid restrictions, there is still a vast selection of amazing locally and specialist-sourced produce for everybody to enjoy.”
So, as markets up and down the country come back to life and traders prepare for a bumper summer, we salute the thousands of independent creatives, butchers, bakers and candlestick makers who for so long have been denied the chance to set up stall and sell direct to the public.
Shop local and support these incredibly talented people.
