A North East farmers’ market which recently won “Farm Retail Association's Farmers' Market of the Year 2024” has been officially declared one of the UK’s best by HelloFresh.

It comes as the food experts have analysed 30 farmers’ markets, looking at factors including how often they occur each month, how long the markets last, number of trade stalls and online ratings to find the top 20 markets that are ideal to visit this summer.

Hello Fresh has revealed that Winchester Farmers Market in the south of England is the best in the UK, followed by Taunton Farmers Market in Somerset, and Edinburgh Farmers Market in Scotland.

But among them is County Durham’s very own Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market.

All the reasons Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market is one of UK's best

There is plenty of local produce on sale at this local monthly event including meat, vegetables and cheeses.

Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market is introduced as “one of the North East’s most popular markets featuring a wide range of artisan food and crafts from the region - and the Farm Retail Association's Farmers' Market of the Year 2024,” on its website.

If you’re wondering what you can expect to find at the farmers’ market, it continues: “Our meat and vegetable produce is naturally or organically grown, with meats raised humanely on pastures. Our cheese stalls offer a wide range of delicious handmade cheese.

“You’ll also find free range eggs and poultry, homemade award-winning jellies and jams, not to mention, our famous fudge, game and fish, spicy sauces, scotch eggs and lots more. We even have delicious hot breakfasts.”

You can find Barnard Castle’s Farmers’ Market outdoors on the cobbles in Barnard Castle the first Saturday each month.

On Google reviews, a recent visitor commented: “Absolutely brilliant fantastic market”.

Explaining why farmers’ markets are so popular these days, especially as we head towards summer, HelloFresh said: “Not only can you find the best produce at farmers markets, but you can also make a day of it by trying delicious foods and even visiting the local village or town.”

Mimi Morley, senior chef at HelloFresh has given her recommendations on what to cook with your local produce bought from Barnard Castle’s Farmers’ Market.

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She added: “What can you buy at a farmers market? Typically, farmers markets sell a huge variety of meats, fruit and vegetables. This is because it’s fresh produce grown and nurtured in the UK and picked by the highest quality producers before heading to the market.

“If you’re a vegetarian, looking for high quality, fresh produce from the farmers markets, then I highly recommend making a vegetable tagine. This dish can be jam packed full of flavour and tastes even better knowing its ingredients were grown by UK farmers.

“Some of the finest meat cuts can be found amongst the trade stands. So, why not make a succulent sirloin steak with your favourite sauce and chips. Or make a classic chicken roast dinner when you head back home from the market.”