Nantwich’s historic market was beaten by Shrewsbury to the title of Britain’s favourite market.
Nantwich had been shortlisted in the top 10 in the country in the “Great British Market Awards”.
And the winners were announced at a ceremony in Birmingham earlier today (January 30).
But once again Shrewsbury scooped the top honour – for the third consecutive year and fourth time in total.
Nantwich did earn a “highly commended” honour alongside Warwick, Hebden Bridge, Longsight, Wrexham and Fleetwood.
Nantwich market, which has been in the town since 1500, is run by Nantwich Town Council with indoor stalls in the market hall and outside on Churchyardside.
A spokesperson for Nantwich Town Council: “Firstly, our congratulations go to Shrewsbury Market, who picked up the Britain’s Favourite Market Award for the third year running.
“We are very proud that Nantwich Market is bringing home a ‘Highly Commended’ Award, from the Great British Market Awards, which is recognition of an exceptional entry to the awards.
“This is the first year Nantwich Market has entered such awards and had to submit a very detailed report on their recent achievements to be considered for the Best Small Indoor Market category.
“We are extremely proud of our traditional market and the traders who make it such a draw to the town. Nantwich Town Council are working with traders to introduce more activities and events at the market, to continue its success in the future.”
Members of the public had initially voted for Nantwich for several weeks before the voting closed, ensuring it secured a place in the UK’s top 10.
Nantwich Town Council clerk Samantha Roberts said: “The town council has been working hard with traders over the last 12 months to ensure our traditional market continues to thrive in a rapidly changing retail landscape.
“As a market town with a rich history and a focus on offering a genuine, authentic market experience, we’ve become a destination for visitors from across the North West and beyond.”
Nantwich Market stocks a variety of fresh produce and household items and opens on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
On the last Saturday of every month, there is also a Farmers’ Market on the Town Square which often features more than 35 local producers and makers.
Not a good market in Shrewsbury overpriced
Shrewsbury is the best!!!!
I am glad it didn’t win as it would entirely reinforce the councils view that the markets selling point is that it hasn’t changed. It has – for the worse and it needs a major reboot.It isn;’t charmingly old-fashioned, it’s anachronistic and out of touch with the residents of 2025 Nantwich. It has costs hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayer money to subsidise the traders, most of whom would not be in the market if rent wasn’t below market rates. And the council needs to accept that it could be an asset but not with retailing amateurs running it. Do some benchmarking and make some changes. It won’t die but it will just end up costing more and more and getting worse and worse (like the Civic Hall)
You have not stipulated where we came in the top ten.
I assume it was 10th !!
The market needs a reset and reboot.
There are only a handful of food traders inside – you can count them on one hand. There’s a lot of tat on show. That isnt the sign of a great market IMO.
It needs a new strategy as for 4.5 days of the week its shut. Shrewsbury market is open 5 days a week, shut for 2. Altrincham market is only shut 1 day a week and closes at 10pm! Just think of the extra income that could be generated if the market was open all week.
But it needs some new food and retail traders – a brewery tap, hot food stalls, get some of the food retailers from outside to be inside and get rid of the tat from inside to outside.
I ask myself a question whenever I see Nantwich town council involved with a project. How much does the tax payer subsidise this by?
I have written to Samantha Roberts before and received a response that answered none of my questions.
Perhaps, Samantha can respond to the residents of Nantwich on here?
Ian
I like Shrewsbury market, all the food is packaged in hygienic containers, don’t care for Nantwich traders who have cakes, pies or other perishables open to the elements, there is only one bread and cake stall where everything is wrapped nicely, always go there, much more professional