Last Friday I hopped in the car with my friend Emma and headed off to Budleigh Salterton. The sun was shining and it was blissfully warm for a late October day. We were headed for the monthly Farmers’ Market held in Rolle Mews car park on Fore Street from 9am to 1pm. I am a regular visitor of the Exeter Farmers Market as my readers will know and I love buying local produce direct from the farms and producers. It’s a joy talking to the producers so they can pass on their extensive knowledge directly to you. Something you wouldn’t get at the supermarket.

Budleigh Salterton Farmers Market was no different. The traders were friendly and happy to chat about their produce. Both Emma and I were instantly drawn to Angel Chops Cakes. Beautifully hand crafted cakes and flapjacks made locally in Sidmouth by Laura Mead. Laura is a regular at the market and had so much praise for the team that organise the monthly event. Finding it hard to resist the scrumptious delights on display I purchased a slice of the seasonal pumpkin cake. A deliciously moist, gently spiced cake topped with a buttercream frosting and pumpkin seeds. Emma being a chocoholic opted for a slice of the rocky road! I can categorically say both were delicious and got a big thumbs up from us.

I stopped to chat to Tom Garner on his stall where he sells venison that he has reared and culled a few miles away on Clinton Devon Estates. His stall is one of the most popular and had virtually sold out of his burgers, sausages and other venison products by the time we arrived just after 10am!

Tom is also the event organiser and is appealing for more stallholders to join the market, and for more visitors to come along and take the opportunity to buy the fresh locally produced or sourced products available there. There is a real community spirit at Budleigh Farmers Market which I wholey admire.

The market, which has built up a good reputation and loyal following of customers, currently has around 10 stalls, including Tom’s roe deer venison, goat meat, pork, lamb, beef, honey, eggs and cakes. The hope is that rather than draw attention away from established businesses in the town and the event will help to boost trade by attracting more people to the town centre.

As I mooched from stall to stall I took time to talk to each of the store holders making purchases on the way. I am a sucker for honey and couldn’t leave without a jar of local honey from Bee’s Knees from Lympstone. Emma purchased cheese and homemade dog biscuits for her dog Flossie! There really is plenty of choice.

I have to say that before visiting the market I had no idea how many independant food businesses had their home in Budleigh Salterton. I am eager to visit again so I can explore them further. I noticed an independant wine merchant, butchers, greengrocers and two delis to name but a few. I wouldn’t have known this without my market visit. I am so glad I made the short journey from Exeter to Budleigh.

The next market will be held on Friday 24th November so put it in your diary. It’s in mine! Perhaps I will see you there?

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