We've been to the famous Stroud Farmers Market this weekend. A cold, crisp autumnal morning somehow feels like the perfect backdrop for a British market. I came away wondering why there aren't more places like this to buy food - somewhere to hang out, to bump into friends, to listen to music (our lovely neighbour John was there playing his fiddle).
Anything that makes the shopping experience more fun is a winner in my book. I don't know about you but since I have become a parent I have found that shopping and thinking about what to buy and cook is a relentless task, one that I often dread.
The smells, the colour, the noise - you don't get that in a supermarket, and I can't remember the last time Tescos was handing out free organic carrots for children to chomp on. We had a (second) breakfast of bacon baps - stuffed with a lot of delicious bacon, not just the odd measly grey strip. The children were a bit chilly to start, but once I had bought some hats (what an unprepared mother!) they started to enjoy themselves, and were soon loving the sights and sounds of the market and running around chasing their little friend Rufus.
We bought some quinces for Grandma to make some Quince jam, then it was back to Matt and Sarahs' house for a lovely lunch, entirely sourced from the market. The market is now being held every Saturday morning from 9am, get there early for the best produce, and DO try one of the bacon baps.
Let me know if you buy your food somwhere unique. Also, do your children enjoy the supermarket experience, or do you dread every trip? I'd love to have your comments.
