Kendal Farmers Market – Retailer of the Year Award 2025
Since moving to Cumbria in 2021, I’ve been raving about Kendal Farmers Market, a vibrant part of Cumbria’s vibrant culinary community. In short, it’s the best Farmers Market I’ve ever attended in the UK, of which there are now 500-600 examples. And, as Farmers Markets and Farm Shops have long been our preferred way to buy food, there have been plenty of visits.
Kendal Farmers Market Award ©Tim Farron
Now you don’t have to take my word for it because Kendal Farmers Market has just won a prestigious award from Cumbria Farmers – Food Retailer of the Year 2025. These are the “Oscars” of the Cumbrian Farming Community, so a massive well done to everyone involved! Well, that’s prompted me to write this small tribute article.
The first Farmers Market in the UK was held in Bath in Somerset, and that one is still going strong. Meanwhile, Kendal was an early adopter, as their Farmers Market was founded in 1999. Mind you, Kendal has had a Market Charter since 1189, granted by King Richard I to the Baron of Kendal, Baron Fitz-Renfried.
Kendal Farmers Market
This is an outdoor market, held in the picturesque market square in the middle of Kendal. The opening times are twice per month, every month, on the Second Friday and Last Friday of the Month, 08.00 to 15.30. There are also special events, e.g. in the Christmas season.
Some of my personal favourite traders at Kendal Farmers Market are listed below, along with links. These regulars are by no means the only traders, but each of these is special to me. There are some two dozen more besides – at this market, there’s something for everyone, and every stall is all killer, no filler. There’s always a friendly atmosphere too, come rain or shine.
Some Personal Favourites
Askerton Castle
Chris and Jane’s livestock farm isn’t just organic, it’s Regenerative – pioneering the rebuilding of ecosystems to allow a flourishing environment – and you can taste this provenance in their exceptional meat.
Eden Yard
This family farm produces a range of rapeseed oils that compete in versatility and flavour with the best Extra Virgin Olive Oil. They are the only farm to grow cooking oils in Cumbria.
Ginger Bakers
Lisa sells cakes of every description and style, including gluten-free and vegan. Westmorland Pepper Cake is my current favourite. But that might change by next week.
Lovingly Artisan
Imho, Catherine and Aidan make the best sourdough breads and baked goods in the UK, and have the awards to prove it!
My Gourmet Mushrooms
Steve makes jars of unusual, delicious and nutritious mushroom pickles and antipasti for cheeses, meats, salads and curries. Fresh Oyster and Shiitake mushrooms, too.
Penningtons Spirits
Mike doesn’t just have a great range of Gins from the Kendal distillery; there are liqueurs such as Kendal Mint Cake Liqueur, and the new Summit Aperitif makes a brilliant Spritz.
Piper Hall Goat Farm
Frank has a wonderful range of artisanal goat cheeses, and the new goat butter is a revelation!
Provino Wines
Alberto sells his family’s authentic wines from their vineyards near Pavia, in Lombardy, Italy. There are more than a dozen white, red, rosé, sparkling and sweet examples – and every one is a gem.
Witherslack Orchards
Sam sells sustainably made apple and damson juice sourced from ancient orchards. Then there are syrups, cordials and traditional Gin (with Damson, Sloes, and Bramble) for sipping or for cocktails.
And that’s not to mention pies, beer, smokeries, chocolates, more cheeses, vegetables, meat and fish. Plus, there are educational presentations and nature stalls, demonstrating recipes or showing where your food comes from. Many of the stallholders have Great Taste awards from the Guild of Fine Food and supply Michelin-starred restaurants.
And Finally
Farmers Markets are an excellent, sustainable way to get local, seasonal, fresh and ethically produced produce that tastes better. But it’s more than that. A market makes an authentic connection to the land with meaningful producer relationships. They are also a compelling reason to visit the local High Street, and support local initiatives, businesses, jobs and the economy, with low food miles.
Such places are a vital antithesis to impersonal shopping malls and out-of-town hypermarkets. When was the last time you had a real conversation in those? I always leave a market enriched by the experience.
After a successful pilot scheme in 2024, Kendal Farmers Market is now held twice per month throughout the year. Hence, its appeal is as much to locals as to tourists. I count the days down to the next one.
If you haven’t tried a Farmers Market yet, there’s bound to be one near you. Maybe see you there?
Location
Kendal Farmers Market
Market Place
Kendal
Cumbria
LA9 4TN
What3words
Notes
- Pedantry Corner: before anyone writes to me to correct my grammar, you can write it as Farmers Market (AP Style Guide), Farmer’s Market (Cambridge Dictionary) or Farmers’ Market. I choose to use Farmers Market because it’s a place where the stallholders gather together, rather than having ownership of it.