Kentish Town finally gets a Farmers’ Market

For an area bristling with fresh artisan whatnots and organic heritage doodahs, it’s funny this hasn’t happened sooner. Starting this Sunday and running each Sunday thereafter, a fully-fledged farmers’ market – that most quintessential of urban foodie pit stops – pitches up in the heart of K-Town.

The marquees and barbeque smoke will rise weekly at Kentish Town CoE School in Islip Street. The venture is run by City & Country Farmers’ Markets, a box-tickingly small, family-run business who already put on a raft of established events across London, from Stepney to Hammersmith and Alexandra Palace.

“Our aim is for people to realise the importance of purchasing local produce direct from the producer,” says founder Chris Elder. “Everyday items such as bread, milk, cheese, vegetables, fish and meat, as well as more luxury items such as homemade cakes and pies. Knowing where your food comes from ensures quality and peace of mind.”

It also makes for a diverting weekend assignment, one that’s sure to see locals who pop out for the Sunday papers end up returning with two jars of artisan piccalilli – and having devoured an unscheduled mid-morning hotdog.

Previously, Kentishtowners in search of a bit of farm-to-plate action have hiked to join the crowds at Parliament Hill Farmers’ Market or made their way midweek to Swiss Cottage.

And it certainly feels like there’s room for everyone, as our hunger for produce that is locally sourced, environmentally friendly, and often cheaper on account of cutting out the grasping supermarket middle man, continues apace.