Housed in a rather grand Victorian market-hall, the Saturday market at St George’s is noisy, colourful and crammed with shoppers. Jolly bunches of home-grown daffodils vie for space with vast pans of paella and whole spit-roasted pigs, and there’s always a queue at La Creperie for Francis’s Spanish Bonfire crepes. (Although a Tamworth hot dog with rocket and mustard from the Pheasant’s Hill stall hits the spot very nicely too.)
Other treats include spanking-fresh fish, organic meats, farm-made yoghurt, home-made pasta, artisan cheeses and cloudy Armagh apple juice. The Millview Farm stall is a real gem – a wonderful range of salad leaves, fresh organic vegetables and eggs. And don’t miss the poppyseed wheaten bread served with a smile at the Delicious deli stall.
The market – located about 10 minutes’ walk from City Hall – is especially popular with couples and families. Face-painting and a petting farm with fluffy chicks and rabbits keep the kids happy, while those with more grown-up tastes can browse the craft and antique stalls – Himalayan rugs, “upcycled” glassware, amber jewellery, hand-made candles and funky T-shirts are all on offer. In general, prices are fair. The biggest gripe among regular market-goers is the lack of decent parking in the area (though a free market bus runs every 20 minutes between the market and the city centre). More extensive seating areas and a free cash-point in the immediate vicinity would enhance a market experience that’s second to none in the North. Fionola Meredith
SHOPPING LIST (Prices per kilo)
Potatoes: £2
Eating apples: £3
Organic carrots: £1.30
Organic chicken: £5.79
Sausages: £5.20
Organic sausages: £8.50
Brie: £23.90
Marmalade: £2.30 per jar
Loaf of focaccia: £2.50
Rhubarb crumble: £2.30
St George’s Market – Saturdays, 9am-3pm