Market manager Kardien Gerbrands talks about Swindon farmers' markets

WE had a funny day at the market last week. Six of our stall holders were away, so we were joined by a small market of artisan food producers from Wales.

It was a really nice day and great to share the space with a group of like-minded producers from our neighbours. Customers loved it too, and a busy and thriving day was had by all.

This week we are back up to nearly full strength. Somerset Cheddar, local honey, pickles, paella and fresh fish and the garden ornament stall all return.

This week’s manager’s choice, partly inspired by the really hot weather we’ve been having, is a very cold bottle of Apple Smuggler from new stall, the Beard and Sabre Cider Company, hailing from Cirencester.

Apple Smuggler is a 5.5% dry cider, with a slight natural bubble that cuts through thirst on a hot afternoon, whilst soothing those aching limbs and placing a cheery smile on the face of the drinker. Beard and Sabre have a range of four bottled ciders and also do cider in a bag in larger quantities.

The two young lads who have started the business are passionate about the “cider revolution” which has lifted cider out of the mediocrity of years of fizzy muck dominating the market and do all their own picking and pressing.

“Our entire cider range is based on 100 per cent self-pressed fresh apples, we never rehydrate apple concentrate, we never water down. It’s cider at its best,” they say. They will be at the Designer Outlet farmers’ market every Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

Markets

  • Bradford on Avon, third Thursday, 9am to 1pm at Westbury Gardens, BA15 1DE.
  •  Bradford on Avon, last Sunday, 10.30am to 2.30pm at Lamb Yard, BA15 1FG.
  •  Calne, second Saturday, 9am to 1pm, near the library, SN11 0JU.
  •  Corsham, third Saturday, 9am to 1pm, High Street SN13 0HB.
  •  Devizes, first Saturday, 9am to 1pm, Market Place l Malmesbury, second and fourth Saturdays, 9am to 1pm, Market Cross 
  •  Royal Wootton Bassett, fourth Saturday, 9am to 1pm, High Street.
  •  Salisbury, weekly on Wednesdays, 9am to 2pm, Poultry Cross.
  •  Swindon Farmers’ Market, every Sunday, 10am to 4pm, Swindon Designer Outlet, Kemble Drive, SN2 2DY.
  •  Havelock Square Farmers’ Market, Swindon, every Thursday, 9am to 2.30pm.
  •  Trowbridge, second and fourth Friday, 9am to 1pm, Fore Street, BA14 8HX.
  •  Wanborough, third Saturday, 9am to midday, Wanborough Village Hall.
  •  Warminster, first and third Fridays, 9am to 1pm, central car park, BA 12 9BT