There are SO MANY fabulous foodie markets here in the UK, but what makes them so special? We’ve put together a list of the Top 10 Independent Food Markets in the UK, including some of the reasons they are so popular. We highly recommend checking them out yourself this year!
What makes food markets so special?
One of the best things about any artisan market is the food. Whether it’s street food, a cheese stall amongst a craft market, mulled wine and mince pies at a Christmas Market, a local Farmer’s Market or a dedicated food specialty market, there’s usually something delicious to be found at any kind of market!
You may have noticed that independent food markets are making a bit of a stir in recent years. You may have also noticed that a lot of big chains that were once the darlings of the high street are starting to close. People are sourcing locally produced foods, wanting to support their local community producers and lower their carbon footprint, as well as discover localised delights.
The thing with food markets is that they’re personal. Unique food, often specialist items, locally sourced so that they’re more eco-friendly – and often with local delicacies too – there’s lots to love about them.
As independent food markets become more and more popular, we thought we would give you the low down on some of the best independent food markets to check out this year.
The Top 10 Independent Food Markets in the UK
1. Fargo Mini Asian Fusion Fest – a mini festival filled with Asian delights
Fargo Village is home to a variety of events, with other fabulous foodie markets happening this year. However, it’s their Asian Fusion Fest which really caught our eye – a vibrant, exciting event dedicated to celebrating the richness and diversity of Asian cultures. Our mouths are watering just thinking about it!
Get ready for a feast of flavours, beats, and cultural treats, at an event jam-packed with food, music, and vibes from across Asia. Styled as a mini festival, this is the perfect foodie event to pick up some treats this summer.
Fargo Village is a creative hub of independent businesses, with more permanent shops as well as the stallholders popping up on the day, and this market is the perfect chance to show some support for the creative community as well as embrace your love of food!
2. Levenshulme Artisan Market AND Night Market – NEW FOR 2025!!
Independent Street is bringing not one but TWO fantastic new events to Levy this year – Levenshulme Artisan Market and Levenshulme Night Market too.
Both taking place in the car park near Levenshulme Train Station, this easily accessible market is convenient to pick up vintage wares, handmade treats, quirky homewares or great food, with a plethora of foodie traders and even a couple of food vans!
There’s live entertainment too, so fun to be had no matter what your age.
The Night Market version is a great place to pick up some bits for the weekend too, taking place from 5 – 8pm – ideal to pop along after work!
3. Taste of East Anglia Food and Drink Festival – the place to be this summer!
Suffolk Market Events organise a range of brilliant markets which promote local produce, but the biggest event in this year’s calendar is the Taste of East Anglia Festival – definitely one not to be missed!
This event is a huge celebration of local food and drink from across the county of Suffolk, and every year, thousands of people enjoy top quality food and drink here.
You’ll find chef demonstrations at the Cookery Demo Theatre, Street Food stands and NEW for 2025 is a BBQ Demonstration Area, as well as a brand new Wine Tasting area – what’s not to love about that?!
In fact, this year’s festival features 80 food and drink stalls as well as three bars; there really is all you can eat! With free activities for kids going on all day in the Kids Tent too, you can bring the whole family and invite friends as well.
Click here to read more about the Suffolk Market Events listed on Pedddle.
4. Dine ‘N’ Devour – A real treat for food lovers
LSD promotions are another market organiser with many a city centre event worth visiting, but their range of ‘Dine ‘N’ Devour’ events are the perfect markets for food lovers.
Each Dine ‘N’ Devour event offers different food, fun and festivities, with international cuisines, street food and artisan delights on offer.
These events are great spaces to hang out with friends or meet up with family, as there’s something anyone will eat – and luckily, they’re happening in various areas on multiple dates, so you don’t have to pick just one, you could visit them all!
5. AMFF (Artists, Makers & Fine Foods) Markets – all over Nottinghamshire
The North Notts Artists, Makers and Fine Foods Markets take place at a range of venues on various dates – so we couldn’t possibly pick just one! Any why not visit them all?!
Each of these markets does exactly what they advertise – offer a range of artists, makers and foods! Think fresh bakes, locally brewed beer and hot coffee, ideal to shop local of a weekend, so of course it had to make the list.
6. Real Markets at Ripley Castle – Great food in a great venue
Real Markets advertise themselves as “Yorkshire’s Friendliest Markets”, and it’s easy to see why. Take a look at all of their events here, but today we’re picking out their Real Markets at Ripley Castle event.
A free market held in the Castle Courtyard of the historic Ripley Castle, this market has lots to offer, such as children’s craft workshops and free entrance to the castle’s Estate and Grounds on market days.
However, it’s the food that we’re concentrating on, and with a line-up of local and speciality producers, you can discover some great foodie finds here.
7. Artisan Food & Craft Markets at Liston Court – 3 month trial, don’t miss out!
Duck Pond Markets are yet another organiser with too many fantastic markets to mention, but their food markets at Liston Court are currently undergoing a 3 month trial, so let’s show them support so that they can become a more permanent fixture!
Liston Court Gardens are an oasis of calm, making this a perfect venue to shop from local eclectic businesses and pick up some lovely artisan foods, amongst other goods.
8. Street Food & Craft Market at Hylands Estate – fresh air and fresh bakes
Take a stroll in the fresh air at the Street Food & Craft Market at Hylands Estate, so you can work up an appetite!
Delicious street food and freshly baked goodies about, and with a selection of crafts, artwork and other artisan makes too, plus a backdrop of live music, this event is fun for all the family, not just the foodies.
9. Hay Saturday Market – the UK’s most famous ‘book town’ is also a hub of fresh produce
Hay Markets have been trading for over 700 years, so it’s fair to say they know a thing or two about markets! Their Thursday markets have long been a town success, but we want to shine a little light on their Saturday markets too.
Ideal to pick up fresh produce of a weekend, with a host of other fayre too, this is a great market for all kinds of food and some treats.
10. MNB Scotland
MNB Scotland were once known as Makers ‘n’ Bakers Scotland, and although they’ve undergone a full re-brand, the baked goods have certainly not gone away!
A champion of independent Scottish businesses, they celebrate makes and crafts as well as the bakes, but it’s well worth arranging to visit with friends and soak up the community atmosphere.
Check out their events for a friendly, inclusive space with some foodie treats.
Dedicated Vegan Markets
But what about Vegan Markets, we hear you say?
That’s right – we do have a lot of brilliant and specifically vegan markets listed on Pedddle, which haven’t made our top 10! That’s because we have a vegan food blog coming soon… but in the meantime, check out these organisers for some wonderful Vegan treats:
In Summary…
We hope you have found this short guide to some of the best independent food markets useful – if you do visit any of these markets, please pop them on your Instagram Stories and tag us @PedddleUK – we’d love to see!
If you love independent markets (food and otherwise), visit Pedddle to see what’s on near you this year. Pedddle is a platform that brings independent markets, stallholders and customers together, and we’d love you to be a part of our community.
Please note that all content in this blog is opinion only, for expanded and current details on each market please click through the individual organiser’s own website – links provided via their Pedddle page.