#6 Fresh food at Leeds Market
Taking on Leeds
biggest market was no easy task – but we headed there last week to see what
was on offer and what makes this place so special to the people of Leeds and
the rest of Yorkshire.
Taking a Leeds insiders view on the best in local, we
decided a visit to the market would be a great start to showcase the best in
Leeds food and regionally sourced produce. Arriving at Leeds Train Station we
took the short walk across to Leeds Kirkgate Market to sample what might be on
offer. The first experience with a market like this one is the immediate
arousal of the senses; noises, sights and smells are in delightful abundance.
We made our way through the rows of flowers, independent
traders and busy stall holders to the butchers and fishmongers. The neat and
precise arrangement of mackerel to monkfish and king prawns to mussels made a
for an impressive sight and head turner for anyone coming into the market. We
spoke with the incredibly dedicated and friendly S.Myers who explained to us that a lot of their wet fish, like the
deliciously looking sea bass and golden smoked haddock, are hugely popular with
local customers. It was clear that a real dedication was at the heart of the
traders here. In this case, the harboured Flamborough crab remained a strong support
for everything local. Even as far as sourcing from Scotland, we felt that the
fish at S.Myers and those like it
provide customers with a constant quality and reassurance; two things which are
arguably at the heart of a good market.
A market makes an excellent platform to celebrate local
food. Like the rows of fishmongers, butchers, greengrocers and other stalls
before them, we arrived at the food hall were a dozen or more street food
traders were showcasing the very best in regional food. Whilst we were taken
aback with selection and impressed with what was on offer, we eventually and
after some thought settled with Manjits
Kitchen. Following a busy night at Leeds first night market the evening
before, the Indian style street food did not disappoint. A reasonably priced
meal deal will set you back eating true Punjabi style vegetarian cuisine
including delicious roti, onion bhaji, two separate curries, rice and drink.
British street food finalists back in 2012, it was clear that Manjits Kitchen attention to quality and
detail remained unaltered.
As we left now comfortably full, we thought long and hard
about the success of markets in towns and cities these days. Despite the
changes in transport, new ways to shop and improved technology in recent years,
it is hard to imagine a town and city without a market. It still seems and
rightfully so that people want a bargain whilst getting the best and freshest
produce sourced as close to home as they possibly can. The market has not given
up on the people just yet, and neither has the people given up shopping at
them.
We made our visit on
behalf of the super guys at Northern. Using a smartphone for ease in buying
tickets and with over 2,500 regional train services a day – it was a pleasure
to be part of their campaign for taking a closer look at the very best in
everything local #wearenorthern
To find out more check out https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/destinations/93-leeds/1629-award-winning-markets
To find out more check out https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/destinations/93-leeds/1629-award-winning-markets