Bristol farmers' market wins national award

Traders at Bristol's Farmer's market were celebrating yesterday after being presented with a national award.

Chef Thomasina Miers, a former Masterchef winner, presented market manager Steve Morris with an award for Best Speciality Market 2009 for the weekly farmers market and the Slow Food market.

It is the first year the market has won the award, beating off competition from 150 other applicants.

The award, promoted by the National Association of British Market Authorities and sponsored by software company KPR Midlink, is part of national initiative to raise the profile of markets.

Dennis Wardle, training and development officer for the association, said: "It is the quality of Bristol's farmers market and the slow food market, as soon as you get here the smells and the quality of the produce catches you. The historic surroundings make it unique and it is extremely well run. You could compare it with London's Borough market, it's in the same league."

Ms Miers said: "There is a great cross section of produce, honeys, fish, jams. You could live from these stalls, its all fresh stuff straight from the farmer.

"You can chat to the traders about the produce, ask them questions about how to cook the food. Markets are cheaper, healthier and fun – they really unite the community."

Mr Morris said he was "absolutely chuffed to pieces" to win the award on behalf of the market. "Its the fact this is industry experts acknowledging us that makes it so special, they know what they are talking about", he said.

"The farmer's market has been going for 10 years and its thanks to the quality of the produce and the traders. Its a real achievement and a real privilege."

The farmers market takes place on Wednesdays on the Town Green.