LOVE YOUR LOCAL MARKET
TRICKS OF THE TRADE
the Market IN HONOUR OF THIS MONTH’S LOVE YOUR LOCAL MARKET INITIATIVE, MIRIAM BALANESCU TAKES A TOUR OF OUR REGION’S FINEST Cornering
tretching possibly as far back as Roman Britain, Cambridge’s market is unquestionably crucial to the
city’s identity. Firstly on a waterfront – before the Fens were drained – it has long been at the epicentre of trade, turning the cogs of Cambridge’s economy, while also operating as a social focal point. Kitted out with 100 stalls – among them ‘The Bull Ring’, a ‘Butter Row’ and a ‘Peasmarket’ – the market enticed those from across East Anglia, becoming a hotspot for exchange. Now, the market still bustles, although its stalls are a little more up to date: from Arepa’s Station, serving Venezuelan culinary classics, to the body- positive casts of Naomi Elstow Ceramics, there is an abundance of curiosities and fresh discoveries to be enjoyed. TRADE SECRETS Many of the market’s traders have stood firm for generations, such as Peter Graves Florist – founded in 1958 – which is now run by his son, Phil. “My grandparents before that were market gardeners,” he says. “They were growing vegetables, fruit and flowers, especially during the war.” Streamlining to just flowers, “an easier way of life”, Phil jokes, the stall has seen much change. “There’s no footfall any more,” he notes. “On a Saturday, if you weren’t set up and ready to go by 8am, you’d never get set up properly. We’d come down at 5pm.”
BE A PART OF HISTORY Markets have formed a fundamental part of our society for centuries. Continuing to use themmakes you part of that lineage – and supports local business
Phil recalls his tips, as a 16-year-old, being much higher. “It’s not got any easier, that’s for sure. But we’ve been here a long time – reputation keeps us going. “It’s in your blood,” he continues. “I’ve been in it all my life and struggled to give it up. I’m almost at retirement age and have no succession plan. My boys are not interested in it. They’ve seen the long hours that you have to put in. You’re heroes – you never expect to make a fortune and never will. Fortunes could have been made back in the day, but not any more.” HANDS ON While gruelling, open-air trading brings many benefits that a shop never could.
ELY DOES IT DISCOVER A STUNNING MARKET A STONE’S THROW FROM CAMBRIDGE
Ely is an unmissable shopping spot. Its Charter Market on Thursdays is its core community market, where you’ll find locally grown groceries, household goods and homemade bakes. Head to the Saturday Craft, Food and Vintage Market for a taste of refinement, the Sunday Market to browse the best of Ely’s trade, while the Farmers’ Market – on the second and fourth Saturday of the month – provides a foodie feast, complete with a Vegan Alley. Foodie Fridays launched in April as an extra treat for visitors!
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK MAY 2022 55
Powered by FlippingBook