Stroud Farmers’ Market has just been named one of the top ten farmers markets in the UK by The Times, which doesn’t surprise anyone local (or has ever visited!)
If you’ve ever been to Stroud on a Saturday morning you’ll know exactly why people travel here for it. The town is busy before most people have had breakfast, there are queues outside the bread stalls, people carrying giant bunches of flowers, often live music somewhere in the background and dogs absolutely everywhere.
But it's not a commercial market designed for tourists. It's a proper local market that people visit weekly to stock up on food essentials.
One of the things that makes Stroud Farmers’ Market different is that everything sold has to have been grown or produced within 30 miles of Stroud. You’re buying directly from the people who made, baked, grew or designed it (and in the case of Jessie's Ladies - milked the cows!) Most of us are small and micro businesses doing everything ourselves, usually with far too little sleep and far too many cardboard boxes taking over the house.
You can read more about what makes the market special here.
I’ve had a stall at Stroud Farmers’ Market for several years now with College Green. What started with small batches of handmade soap has gradually grown into essential oil pillow sprays, reed diffusers, candles and bath soaks inspired by life here in the Cotswolds.
A few years ago The Telegraph also included College Green in their guide to what to bring home after 48 hours in the Cotswolds
The products people probably know me best for now are the Sleep Easy pillow and room sprays. They’re blended with lavender, chamomile, neroli and patchouli essential oils and are designed to help create a calm bedtime routine. Lots of customers first discover them at the market while wandering around on a Saturday morning.
The Night Garden room sprays and reed diffusers have also become really popular, especially with visitors looking for gifts or something to remind them of the slower pace of life in the Cotswolds.
Stroud Farmers’ Market has been recognised nationally many times over the years, including awards from BBC Radio 4’s Food & Farming Awards and FARMA. But I think the real reason people love it is much simpler: it feels independent, local and connected to the community.
There’s also a huge range of things to discover beyond food. Alongside bread, cheese and vegetables you’ll find flowers, pottery, natural skincare, handmade home fragrance products, textiles, artwork and small independent makers you simply wouldn’t find on the high street.
If you’re visiting the Cotswolds and wondering whether Stroud Farmers’ Market is worth visiting, it absolutely is. Come hungry, bring a sturdy shopping bag and get there early if you want the best pastries.
