FAQs
FAQ's
Why can’t I buy food before the market opens?
Shops have opening hours and so do we. Stalls like to be set up before the market opens and if customers arrive early it slows down the setting up of the market. There are also lots of vehicles moving around before market so it’s important the market is safe before we start to sell. Farmers have to get up early to get to market. If customers come earlier, farmers will have to as well and who will feed the animals?
Why are olives and exotic fruits not on offer?
We only sell foods grown in the UK and any added value goods like preserves must contain 50% or more locally sourced ingredients. The markets are designed to support local growers and local food. There are plenty of other food markets in London which sell great olives and tropical fruit if you want to buy them. Farmers' Markets should only sell local food like a butcher sells meat.
Are your hygiene standards lower than supermarkets standards?
All food businesses have to be registered with their local Council and are subject to routine inspections by their environmental health officers. No food business can sell at the markets unless they are registered. Our markets are also inspected regularly. We have to comply with the same regulations as any other food retailer.
Are your markets Organic?
No, but many organic businesses choose to sell through our markets. Only certified organic farmers and food producers can claim to be organic so they must display a valid certificate on their stall. We support all types of farming and food production and have minimum high standards, for example all poultry and egg production on our markets must be free range. See our rules for more information.
What do you have against dogs, why can’t I bring mine to market?
Many of our sites are in school playgrounds and head teachers have banned dogs from entering just as a precaution. We know that most dog owners are very responsible but most customers do not like seeing animals around food and for that reason we ask you to tie up your dogs outside.
Why isn't my local farmers' market listed on your website?
All the markets we run are listed on our site. There are lots of markets in London that call themselves farmers' markets but ours are Certified by FARMA so you know you can trust them.
Do farmers markets take trade away from local shops?
Most research has shown that farmers' markets increase footfall in an area and actually increase trade for local businesses by as much as 20 – 30 %. Farmers markets are a destination and reduce the number of people that go to supermarkets for a weekly shop.
How do you know that stalls grow their own food?
We inspect their premises and check their paperwork, no one sells at our markets unless they have been inspected and routine inspections are carried out.
Fruit
Vegetables and Salads
Eggs
Honey / Preserves
Cooked Local Foods
Drinks
Fruit
Vegetables and Salads
Eggs
Honey / Preserves
Drinks
Fruit
Vegetables and Salads
Garden Plants and Cut Flowers
Cooked Local Foods
Drinks
Fruit
Honey / Preserves
Garden Plants and Cut Flowers
Fruit
Vegetables and Salads
Eggs
Honey / Preserves
Cooked Local Foods
Drinks
Vegetables and Salads
Honey / Preserves
Garden Plants and Cut Flowers
Vegetables and Salads
Fish
Fruit
Vegetables and Salads
Eggs
Honey / Preserves
Drinks
Vegetables and Salads
Honey / Preserves
Garden Plants and Cut Flowers
Fruit
Vegetables and Salads
Garden Plants and Cut Flowers
Cooked Local Foods
Drinks
Garden Plants and Cut Flowers
