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Market

Market staple: John’s fresh produce and 30 years of friendly service at Edenbridge Market

For nearly three decades, John has been the man behind the vibrant fruit and veg stall at Edenbridge Thursday Market. John’s stall (JB Fruits) is stocked, prepped, and delivered after some seriously long shifts – often 20-hour days spent sourcing the freshest produce and bringing it straight to market.

“I’ve been here so long I’ve almost lost count, but it’s coming up to 30 years,” says John, who left a decade-long career as a bricklayer to take on a new challenge. “I thought I’d be doing fewer hours in this job – but that’s not the case!” he laughs, as he unloads crates of produce from his van.

His workday often starts at midnight, heading to Western International Market near Heathrow to source the freshest stock. Local berries come from farms near Maidstone, and cherries are dropped off directly from Kent growers. The result? A stall packed with variety and quality, tailored to what Edenbridge customers love.

“I’ve got almost a box of every type of product you could imagine. People here like to try everything – more so than at my other markets.”

John does three markets a week plus some shows, but Edenbridge stands out.

“I’m not just saying it – it really is my favourite market. The people are just so lovely, friendly and genuine. Every year it gets busier, and I think the Council’s done a great job bringing more people in.”

And it shows. John sets himself a sales target every year – and he’s already smashed this year’s goal, he tells us.

Popular picks change with the seasons. Asparagus is a current hit, while strawberries are a year-round best seller. Customers can also place orders in advance and swing by after work – John often stays until 5 or 6pm to accommodate busy schedules.

Local resident Selina says, “It’s really lovely to have the market as part of our community. Whenever I have a day off on a Thursday, I like to pop down with my young daughter. She loves it – and it’s a great introduction to fruits, vegetables, and colours!”

At 53, John admits it’s a physical job, but he has no plans to slow down just yet.

“I’ve still got another 10-15 years in me,” he says with a grin.

So if it’s fresh, local produce you’re after – and a friendly chat with someone who knows his apples from his avocados – John’s your man!

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Market

Meet Alan – the friendly face behind the flowers at Edenbridge Market

Every Thursday in Edenbridge, you’ll find a warm welcome, colourful displays of seasonal plants, and a familiar figure setting up shop – Alan, one of the market’s best-loved traders.

Market trader man with Union Jack bunting
Alan taking part in Edenbridge’s VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations

At almost 75, Alan brings decades of experience and passion to his plant stall. Though he lives in Lingfield and has a nursery in Reigate, it’s Edenbridge where he’s been trading for the past six years – just before the pandemic – and he keeps coming back for the people.

“I enjoy the friendliness of the people at Edenbridge and all the regular faces. It’s nice to have a chat each week,” Alan says with a smile.

And it’s not just about plants – it’s the personal service that keeps locals coming back. Regular customer Linda sums it up: “I ask Alan for his advice all the time. What would I do without you, hey Alan?” Recently, she popped by to ask about deadheading geraniums and to pick up some trailing begonias he’d sourced for her the week before. She also stocks up on winter pansies – all at prices that are often better than the big stores. “Last week, Alan had six pots of lavender for £20. I saw the same ones at the supermarket – two for £20!”

Alan’s knowledge runs deep. He left school at 15 to work in a nursery for over 12 years before spending 37 years with Royal Mail. Ten years ago, in retirement, he returned to his horticultural roots and turned his weekend hobby into a business.

“I’m 75 this year and I don’t want to stop!” he says – and with the support of loyal customers and his sidekick Sharka, a chilled-out Bulgarian rescue dog who enjoys sunbathing at the stall, there’s no sign of him slowing down.

Alan also supplies plants to a local pub in town, adding even more greenery and charm to Edenbridge.

With Love Your Local Market running from 16 to 31 May, there’s no better time to stop by Edenbridge Market, say hello to Alan, and enjoy expert advice, great value, and a friendly chat – you’ll leave with more than just plants, you’ll leave with a smile!

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Market

Sweet success – Katie brings homemade joy to Edenbridge Market

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Thursday is your day – because that’s when Katie from K-Treatz brings her irresistible bakes to Edenbridge Market.

Katie started K-Treatz just five and a half years ago. Since then, she’s grown the business from a solo venture in her home kitchen near Bluewater to a popular market stall that’s even earned her a finalist spot in the Kent Women in Business Awards. And it all started with a tray of Rocky Roads during lockdown.

“I lost my job during Covid and baked some Rocky Roads one day. My husband Luc tried them and said, ‘These are seriously good – you should sell them.’ He’s been my official taste-tester ever since!”

Since then, she’s been baking full-time – and selling out. On her very first visit to Edenbridge Market, Katie brought 150 of her signature “bronuts” (a brownie-doughnut mash-up) and sold out within an hour. She’s been a weekly regular ever since.

Katie’s stall is known for its ever-changing selection, keeping loyal customers curious and coming back. Cookie pies, brownies, and Rocky Road are bestsellers, and she also creates seasonal treats throughout the year – think half-filled Easter eggs and festive Christmas Krispie puddings.

As demand has grown, so has the team. Her mum now lends a hand, and Luc still jumps in when needed.

Katie juggles four to five markets a week, but Edenbridge holds a special place for her. “Compared to the other markets I go to, when I think about Edenbridge Market, it’s like coming home,” she says. “The other traders are like family, and I’ve got to know so many local residents.”

Look out for her special red, white, and blue cheesecake and themed cupcakes for VE Day on Thursday 8 May – it’s sure to be a treat.

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Market

Bottles, art and history: Andrew’s treasures at Edenbridge Market

Every Thursday at Edenbridge Market, nestled among the stalls of fresh produce, homeware and plants, you’ll find something a little different. Andrew, a local garden manager by trade, brings not just his artwork to the market – but also a growing collection of vintage bottles with stories to tell.

“I started finding them while digging trenches in people’s gardens,” Andrew explains. “Some were so unusual, I just couldn’t throw them away.”

What began as a curious sideline now sparks conversation and curiosity at the market. Andrew showcases dozens of bottles at his stall – some illuminated to show off their colour and age, others sold as is. With prices starting from £5, they’re popular with collectors and anyone looking for a unique piece of local history.

There’s a striking 1910 R. White’s bottle, six Victorian milk bottles, and even vibrant poison bottles – valued both for their rarity and the coloured glass. “The oldest one I’ve got is 124 years old,” Andrew says, holding it up with care. “It’s almost as old as Edenbridge Town Council!”

This year marks the Council’s 130th anniversary, and Andrew’s collection is a reminder of the town’s rich industrial past. He often talks about the Lewis and Towers bottle factory that once operated in Fircroft Way, Edenbridge before it closed in 2005. “If I ever find any marked Edenbridge bottles, I’ll give them straight to the museum,” he says.

Self-taught in bottle history, Andrew has developed a keen eye for identifying age, purpose, and even the stories behind certain shapes. “Just think – this ketchup bottle could have been sitting on the table when Churchill was on the radio,” he says, laughing.

His favourite discovery? “It was a proper barn find. I paid the barn owner a bit of money and came away with an old dairy bottle. That’s the one I’d never part with.”

Andrew’s mix of art, history and good conversation has made his stall a highlight at Edenbridge’s Thursday Market. He’s proof that even the most ordinary objects – found beneath the ground – can bring colour, curiosity and connection to our community.

You’ll find Andrew and his bottles every Thursday at Market Yard car park, off Edenbridge High Street. Stop by, have a chat, and maybe take home a little piece of our area’s past.

Find Andrew’s work on Facebook: search ‘Photo Impressions and Other Art’

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Market

Join Edenbridge Market as a trader

Are you a local business looking to expand your reach and attract new customers? Edenbridge Market is the perfect place to showcase your products and services to a vibrant community of shoppers! Our historic market dates back to 1227and some traders have been joining us for the last 25 years. Every Thursday from 8:00am to approx 2:30pm

Why trade at Edenbridge Market?
  • Footfall – Connect with a steady stream of locals and visitors
  • Affordable pitch fees – Competitive rates. Flexible payment options and discounts for regular traders
  • Variety of stalls – Food, crafts, clothing, gifts, and morewelcome!
  • Location – Pedestrian access from High Street. Free car parking and electric charge points
  • Promotion – Marketing activity and support to promote the market and traders

For more information about costs, and to book a pitch: call the Town Council on 01732 865368 or email market@edenbridgetowncouncil.gov.uk

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Market

Get in the festive spirit at Edenbridge Market this Christmas!

Discover local foods, seasonal gifts, and holiday treats, perfect for your Christmas list! Little ones can post their letters to Santa and even see Santa’s Elves on 19 December. Last year lots of our customers told us they were very impressed by their singing!

Plus, each week you make a purchase, you can enter our prize draw for a chance to win a Christmas Hamper filled with goodies from our weekly traders. So come along, support local, and make your holiday shopping a breeze at Edenbridge Market!

  • Last Thursday Market before the New Year: 19 December
  • Extra Market date: Monday 23 December
  • First 2025 Market date: Thursday 9 January

Market Yard Car Park, Edenbridge TN8 5BB

From 8 am to 2.30 pm (some traders such as fruit ‘n’ veg stall stay longer)

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Market

Vote for Edenbridge Market as Britain’s favourite market 2025!

We know we don’t have one of the biggest or best-known markets, but Edenbridge is proof of how local markets can bring life and community spirit to smaller towns. Help us show the country how powerful local support can be by voting for Edenbridge Market in the Great British Market Awards!

Please help Edenbridge shine nationwide by casting your vote today! Just visit the NABMA website and select Edenbridge outdoor market – that’s it –  easy peasy!

Voting will be open until midnight on 13 December 2024. You can vote ONCE per DAY.

Edenbridge Market is held every Thursday 8 am to 2.30 pm at Market Yard Car Park. Some stallholders such as fruit & veg stay longer. You can check which stallholders are attending each week by visiting the Edenbridge Market website or Facebook page.

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Market

Win a Christmas market hamper!

Every time you visit Edenbridge Thursday Market in November and December, you can enter our prize draw to win a hamper full of goodies from our local stallholders.

How to enter

When you make a purchase, ask one of our stallholders for a voucher, complete and hand back to the Market Officer who will enter you into the draw. You can enter once on every week that you attend.

You’ll also find an entry voucher in your copy of the November/December edition of The Edenbridge Magazine, delivered free to households.

Prize draw

The draw will take place at 12.30 pm on Thursday 19 December and the winner will be contacted.

Good luck!

Edenbridge market
Christmas market with snowflakes and North Pole postbox

With a selection of unique stalls, you will be surprised at just how much there is to discover at our vibrant market!

Support your local High Street and independent businesses as you shop for fruit and veg, artisan bread and cakes, cheese, stylish clothes, beautiful flowers and plants, delicious honey and honey products, handcrafted jewellery, thoughtful gifts and more!

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Community News

Streetlight upgrade at Market Yard Car Park

We have recently installed two new streetlights at Market Yard Car Park as part of our ongoing streetlight replacement programme. The light at the High Street entrance will also be upgraded soon.

The upgraded LED lights and new columns are more energy-efficient and cost-effective, replacing older metal and concrete columns. This year’s budget of £45,000 is helping us modernise and brighten our community streets for everyone’s safety.

Edenbridge Town Council streetlights can be identified by a number 0-247 on the column. Streetlights that are managed by Kent Council have letters and numbers.

Report a fault with a streetlight

For Edenbridge Town Council streetlights (1-251) call 01732 865368

For Kent County Council streetlights report online or call 03000 418181

Edenbridge Market

Market Yard Car Park is home to our weekly Thursday Market! Come along and support local traders as well as our many High Street shops and businesses.

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Community News Market Tourism

Vote for Edenbridge in national market awards!

The National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) has launch its industry awards for 2024. The awards promote what is best in the industry and communities are being asked to nominate a:

•             Market Manager of the Year

•             Market Team of the Year

•             Market Achievement of the Year

•             Young Market Champion of the Year

The awards are sponsored by Blachere Illumination.

There are some wonderful stories from the industry that are deserving of nominations, and we hope you’ll agree that the success of Edenbridge Market over the past few years in terms of growing from a few stalls to around 15 regulars each week, is something to be celebrated!

In 2024, with the difficult times that the high street and many markets are facing, linked to the challenges of local government finance, it is important to shout out loud about markets and market people, and the immense contribution that they make to local communities like Edenbridge.

NOMINATE NOW!

Nominations can be sent to info@nabma.com
Closing date is 31 August

In terms of Market Manager and Team, all that is required at this stage is a nomination. For Market Achievement and Young Market Champion, provide some brief details and NABMA will follow up with enquiries.

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