Rachel Bishop
By Rachel Bishop

Senior Staff Writer

3 February 2020

| | 2 min read

Community

Grainger Market is Britain’s favourite market

Newcastle’s very own Grainger Market has been named Britain’s favourite market, beating off tough competition from across the country.

Grainger Market - winner of Britain's Favourite Market
Grainger Market - winner of Britain's Favourite Market
 

Tens of thousands of people from across the UK took the opportunity to vote for their local market in a competition organised by NABMA (National Association of British Market Authorities) and sponsored by Blachere Illumination UK.

Britain’s Favourite Market was the most prestigious accolade on offer at the awards ceremony in Birmingham last week (30 January 2020).

As well as numbers of votes, this award was also decided by the visit of a mystery shopper who measured levels of customer service. The Grainger Market scored 100% for this element; an excellent reflection on the service the market traders provide.

 

Get a flavour of Newcastle's jewel in the crown

Grainger Market Video trailer

Cllr Ged Bell, Cabinet member for Employment and Culture said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Grainger Market has won this prestigious award.

“To be crowned Britain’s Favourite Market 2020 demonstrates to the nation what everyone in Newcastle already knows. The Grainger Market is the jewel in our city’s crown. Not only is it a fantastic place to shop for a whole variety of fresh and local produce, it is somewhere that brings people together and creates a sense of community.

“And this award also confirms we are in the right place to drive the market forward, so that it plays an integral role in the ambitious plans we have for this city.

“A big thank you to everyone who voted for the Grainger Market and everyone who shops there. And a particular mention to the traders who make the market the great place it is.”

David Preston, Chief Executive of NABMA, said: “Congratulations to the whole team at the Grainger Market.

“The title Britain’s Favourite Market is the most coveted award for markets in the UK. The market successfully balances its heritage with an ease to meet the needs and aspirations of a new generation of shoppers and traders.

“It is testament to that success that so many of the public voted for them too.”

The Grainger Market has been at the heart of Newcastle since 1835 and is a much-loved Geordie institution.

As part of Newcastle City Council’s plans to transform the city centre into the North of England’s leading retail district and a significant European destination, the market’s arcade roof is currently undergoing a £3million refurbishment. This follows the £800,000 refurbishment of all the 14 entrances in 2016.

LIVE: Britain’s Favourite Market is...

Posted by Newcastle City Council on Monday, 3 February 2020

To be crowned Britain’s Favourite Market 2020 demonstrates to the nation what everyone in Newcastle already knows. The Grainger Market is the jewel in our city’s crown. Not only is it a fantastic place to shop for a whole variety of fresh and local produce, it is somewhere that brings people together and creates a sense of community

Cllr Ged Bell

Cabinet member for Employment and Culture