Queen's Park School Yard Market Crowned UK's Best Farmers' Market
A vibrant farmers' market that has operated from a North West London primary school yard for over twenty years has been officially named the best in the United Kingdom. The Queen's Park Farmer's Market, held every Sunday in the yard of Salusbury Primary School, received the prestigious 'Farmers' Market of the Year' title at this year's Farm Retail Awards.
Two Decades of Community and Quality
Since its establishment in September 2005 by London Farmer's Market, this weekly gathering has grown into a cornerstone of the local community. Operating from 10am to 2pm each Sunday at Salusbury Road in Queen's Park, the market features more than fifty artisan stall holders offering an impressive array of fine produce.
The market's offerings include rare-breed meats, heritage tomato varieties, freshly caught fish, raw milk cheeses, and seasonal specialties such as asparagus, wild game, cherries, plants, and flowers. This diverse selection has made it a beloved destination for food enthusiasts and local residents alike.
Recognition for Excellence
The Farm Retail Awards, organized by the Farm Retail Association with approximately three hundred members nationwide, celebrate excellence across the agricultural retail sector. These annual awards highlight hard-working and innovative farm retailers who champion quality British produce through exceptional dedication.
Mark Handley, director of London Farmers' Market, expressed his delight at the recognition, stating: "The real winners here are the farmers and food producers — the stalls — for producing such fabulous food." He extended gratitude to Salusbury Primary School for two decades of hosting support and to the Queen's Park residents whose consistent patronage has sustained the market through weekly shopping routines.
Community Impact and Mission
The market organizers emphasized their commitment to the core principle of "we grow it, we sell it," ensuring genuine food producers receive direct support and opportunities to thrive. With over fifty stalls, the market has evolved into an essential service for the area, providing crucial support during the pandemic and beyond.
Handley also acknowledged Cheryl Cohen and Helen Durnford, key members of the original Farmers' Market team who recognized the location's potential two decades ago. Their vision helped launch what has become a nationally recognized community asset.
Industry Recognition
Ben Loughrey, Chair of the Farm Retail Association, commented on the awards' significance: "The Farm Retail Awards celebrate the passion, innovation and sheer hard work that define our sector." He praised winners like Queen's Park Farmer's Market for building strong community connections and creating memorable customer experiences that reflect the industry's strength and resilience.
The Farm Retail Awards honor the best farm shops, cafés, restaurants, butcheries, farmers' markets, pick-your-own operators, and trade suppliers across Britain. This recognition places Queen's Park Farmer's Market among the elite establishments in British farm retail, celebrating both its quality offerings and its profound community impact.
