In the late 20th century, the rise of new supermarket chains in the UK began to push out small producers and traditional food markets. It was then that the Islington Farmers’ Market, one of London’s oldest and most successful farmers’ markets, made its first impact. It offered a return to genuine food, grown with care and without middlemen. Read more on londoname.
The Founding and Development of Islington Farmers’ Market
The Islington Farmers’ Market began its operations in London in 1999. Founded by culinary journalist Nina Planck, it pioneered the work of the London Farmers’ Markets organisation. This initiative provided local producers with a new opportunity: to connect directly with customers, test new products, and receive instant feedback.
Since then, every Sunday, the Islington Farmers’ Market has transformed into a real celebration for lovers of quality food. Shoppers gained access to a wide selection of seasonal produce and locally sourced goods from farms within a 100-mile radius of London. This included fresh fruit and vegetables, organic meat and seasonal fish, and homemade bread and cakes. Actively promoting environmental awareness, the market also encouraged visitors to bring their own bags and containers to reduce waste.
In 2010, the Islington Farmers’ Market was recognised as the best farmers’ market in London by Time Out magazine. This was a pivotal moment, marking the market’s relocation to Chapel Market. In the late 19th century, this very spot was the hub of Islington’s commercial life. Moving to this historic location allowed the market not only to retain its character but also to continue attracting new customers and supporting small producers.
In 2019, the Islington Farmers’ Market celebrated its 20th anniversary with a lively event that attracted numerous visitors. The festive atmosphere was accompanied by live music, cake, and pleasant surprises. In keeping with the symbolic “20” theme, the first 20 guests received complimentary cups of coffee and tea from KOFI. A special moment was the cutting of the celebratory cake from Baker on Board, joined by some of the market’s earliest customers — Nigel Dyer, Martin Fermor, and David Deme.
In 2024, the Islington Farmers’ Market celebrated its 25th anniversary. This time, the organisers arranged a culinary demonstration, a choir performance, and a giveaway of produce hampers. The first 25 customers traditionally received free cups of coffee and tea. Having moved to New York, founder Nina Planck shared that she fondly remembers her beloved London farmers’ markets and local produce. She finds particular joy in observing how the children of her farmer acquaintances have grown up and are now running the farms themselves. What’s more, most of them already have their own children, continuing the family legacy.
Recognition and Significance of Islington Farmers’ Market’s Work
Over the years, the Islington Farmers’ Market has evolved from a local initiative into part of a broader movement. In its modern context, London Farmers’ Markets now encompasses approximately 20 weekly markets across the capital, where around 200 farmers sell their produce. Customers there have the opportunity to learn about the farm’s history, chat with the producer, and sample new products. This environment is ideal for testing various types of fresh or prepared goods. Among the particularly popular offerings remain vegetables and fruits from Perry Court Farm, salads, herbs, and plants from Nigel’s Lettuce and Lovage, as well as apple juices and seasonal fruits from Chegworth Valley.
