2010 is a year to celebrate inWest Malling. Not only has the historic market town got a tradition of holding markets since the 1100s, but the current West Malling Farmers' Market will be marking its 10th anniversary this November
Farmers’ Market of the month: West Malling
2010 is undoubtedly a year to celebrate at West Malling’s Farmers’ Market. Not only has the historic market town got a tradition of holding markets since the 1100s, the current West Malling Farmers’ Market will be marking its 10th anniversary this November.
Recently relaunched, it now boasts more than 40 stalls, making it one of our largest Farmers’ Markets. Its size and variety makes it very popular with locals, while the joint appeal of the market and the historic town packed with fantastic pubs and award-winning restaurants draws in visitors from all over Kent and the south east.
Two of its outstanding Kentish producers are Winterdale Cheesemakers, from Wrotham near Sevenoaks, and Court Farm at Upper Halling.
Winterdale produces delicious hand-ladled Kentish Camembert and a wonderful award-winning, hand-made, Cheddar-style cheese. This Cheddar is unpasteurised, cloth-bound and carefully cellared in a natural stone cellar, set high in the chalky North Downs, to create this full-flavoured cheese with a unique character.
Owner Robin Betts says of the Farmers’ Market: “It’s literally just down the hill from our dairy and it’s the busiest market we attend.”
Court Farm, meanwhile, specialises in producing high-quality meats from its 900-acre farm. The farm rears its own beef herd with 80 suckling cows and buy-in lamb and venison which they bring on to their prime.
Andrew Lingham, owner of Court Farm, says: “We have a great range of meat and as a result we have a super following at West Malling. It’s good to have a local market where consumers can buy ethically raised and traceable meat locally.”
Find us
West Malling Farmers Market takes place on the fourth Sunday of every month from 9.30am to 1.30pm.
West Malling is clearly signposted from both Tonbridge and from the M20. The market is in the town centre. All parking is free in West Malling. If you’re coming from Tonbridge, park in the main car park on your right. If you’re coming from the M20, park in the free car park at the top of Town Hill, on your right immediately after passing over the railway bridge. There is also free parking at the railway station, a pleasant 10-minute walk away.
To contact the Kent Farmers’ Market Association:
T: 01892 870666 E: info@kfma.org.uk
NEXT MONTH: Wye
Pick of the month’s produce
Wood pigeon
Sea trout
Cauliflower
Radishes
Rhubarb
Purple sprouting broccoli
Swede
Turnips
Turnips
