New Spitalfields Market has been named Best Wholesale Market in the National Association of British Market Authority Awards in Birmingham last week.
The awards were presented by Don Foster MP, communities and local government minister.
Described by judges as one of the most hotly contested categories the judges said they “would have been delighted to make an award to each of the entries”. However, New Spitalfields won as “one of our iconic wholesale markets which is the largest in the UK and continues to offer local employment, a vibrant culture and has seen great improvements in waste management performance”. Judges also credited New Spitalfields with having “coped wonderfully well with the impact of the Olympics and continues to serve London and the rest of the country”.
David Smith, director of markets and consumer protection at the City of London Corporation, which owns the market said: “The City Corporation is absolutely delighted that New Spitalfields has won this prestigious award. It is a true reflection of the excellent working relationship between the City Corporation and its tenants which enables New Spitalfields to be able to call itself the best wholesale market in the UK and we are delighted it has been recognised as that.”
The Best Private Market award was won by Brixton Village and Market Row, also in the capital while Best Speciality Market is Walsall Night Market and Best Small Speciality Market is Mr. Big – Market Rasen.
The accolade of Best Outdoor Market went to Portobello and Golborne Road Market in west London and the Best Small Outdoor Market was won by Swadlincotes Market and Farmers Market, Derbyshire.
Best Indoor Market was won by Queensgate Market in Huddersfield while the Lancashire coastal resort of Southport carried off the title of Best Small Indoor Market.
The winner of Local Council Market of the Year is Oswestry and the Best Market Attraction was claimed by Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market & Craft Fair.
And in a category decided entirely online, Britain’s Favourite Market was won by Darlington.
