If you're looking to while away a couple of hours in a local market, browsing the goods on offer and chatting to traders, there's no better place than Cardiff. From permanent fixtures to weekly stalls, the city has something running nearly every day of the week.
Last year, we published our definitive guide to Cardiff's best markets, which you can read here. Now, a new contender has just joined the bustling ranks and has already had a flying start. Set inside the majestic grounds of Insole Court in Llandaff, the aptly named Insole Court Farmers' Market launched on Sunday, March 27.
There were 21 vendors at the inaugural market, who treated visitors to local hand-made food and drink from South Wales, including organic veg, baked goods, and sweet treats. If any of that takes your fancy, read on to find out everything you need to know before you pay a visit next time.
READ MORE: A new indoor market is opening in a Cardiff suburb to support independent traders
Where is it?
The new market is located on the grounds of Insole Court, a Grade-II listed Victorian Gothic mansion house in Llandaff. Stalls are set up just in front of the house itself. The address is Insole Court, Fairwater Road, Cardiff, CF5 2LN.
When is it?
Traders set up shop on the last Sunday of every month, from 9am until 1pm. This means the market will next run on April 24.
Is it free to visit?
Yes, it's free to visit the market - but we can't guarantee you won't be tempted by the goods on offer!
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. Insole Court said on its Facebook page that "well-behaved dogs are more than welcome to visit the market, but we do ask owners to respect fellow visitors when bringing pups along".
Is there parking?
Insole Court has a car park on-site, but it said this operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The venue is easily accessible on foot, bike and public transport, and you can visit the Insole Court website for more information on this, or get in touch with them directly.
How many traders are there, and what's being sold?
There are a total of 26 stalls in total, and there will be the same traders every month. The advert for the market promises "the finest handmade Welsh food and drink" that is "locally grown, reared and created in south Wales". The first market saw a host of independent traders selling fresh fruit and veg, microgreens, chocolates, marmalade, breads, gin, beer, cider, rum, doughnuts, chilli sauces, meats, herbs, spices, cheesecake, marshmallows and much more. Businesses include Langtons Farm, Windy Wick Bakery, Field Bar Gin, Veggie Confetti, and Bossa Nova Chocolate.
How can I contact the market?
For general inquiries, you can get in touch with the organisers via the market's Facebook group.
Lauren Mallin, marketing coordinator at Insole Court, said: "We really couldn't have asked for a better turnout for the first Insole Court Farmers' Market of the year! Supporting local businesses in our community is something the Insole Court Trust is extremely passionate about, so this has been a great way to continue to extend that support. We can't wait to build on this first venture and make it a monthly staple!"
Alex Simmens of Llanblethian Orchards Cider, Shane Harrison of Harrisons Teas and Neil Randle of Bang-On Brewery are the organisers behind the market. Alex Simmens said: "The three of us have been trading at farmers' markets and festivals for a number of years and we knew that Insole Court would be the perfect setting to showcase all of the wonderful food and drinks that are produced in South Wales. As soon as we met with the trustees of Insole Court we knew we had the chance to set up a regular and sustainable farmers market for the residents of Llandaff and the surrounding suburbs”.
He added: "A proportion of the money generated by the market is donated to Insole Court so we are really looking forward to next month's farmers' market at Insole Court where we can continue to put on a lovely local event while contributing to the update of this beautiful venue".
Shane said: "It was great to see how well the Insole Court Farmers Market was supported by local residents and it was lovely to hear positive feedback from the customers” Neil said: “Alex and Shane have made sure that there is a great variety of unique producers from a baker, a chocolatier to a pasta producer and locally grown fruit and veg through to Chilli Sauces produced by Chilli of the Valley that are actually based in Llandaff.”
