Britain’s favourite market?

Fleetwood Market Entrance

With Christmas fast approaching I took the opportunity to visit historic Fleetwood Market. With around 200 stalls I knew that I’d be able to complete all my Christmas shopping in one go, and when I don’t have a lot of time, this is exactly what I needed!

The traders were so friendly and helpful and the Christmas music made the atmosphere really special and Christmassy. With well placed car parks dotted around the market and plenty of free on street parking I knew that I would be able to crack on and spend, spend, spend! Not only was I able to buy lots of gifts for loved ones but I managed to get some household essentials to complete my shopping basket. With customer service second to none I’m really glad I chose Fleetwood Market to do my Christmas shopping this year and the wonderfully heated halls made it a pleasure to spend a couple of hours there in this freezing weather.

 Laden with shopping I took the opportunity to have a cup of tea and a homemade cake at the Market Cafe situated in the Centre of the Main Hall and do a little bit of people watching too!

Have you ever visited Fleetwood Market? I think it’s a great candidate for Britain’s Favourite Market. If you think so too then visit www.nabma.com and cast your vote (just click on the apple). Closing date is 13 January. It would be great to get Fleetwood Market recognised for being such a true gem.

Alex

Getting in the festive spirit

Feeling festive yet?

Friday (3 Dec) was Poulton-le-Fylde’s Annual Christmas Festival and Lights Switch On. As our offices are just down the road I decided to go and take a look at the special Christmas market while on my lunch break (I made sure I left some extra room after my dinner for a Friday Christmas treat!).

It was a really chilly afternoon and, as I made my way to the square, I thought about all those brave stall holders standing out in the cold! I was pleasantly surprised to see a variety of stalls selling Christmas gift ideas and tasty treats. From nuts and Belgium chocolate to smoked fish and local meats, there was a lovely buzz about the place. After having a good nosey around (and delving into the free samples on offer), I opted to treat myself to a delicious home-made mince pie (a great afternoon treat back at the office), as well as a few stocking fillers from the Belgium chocolate stand – think I might need to hide them from myself so they actually make it into the stockings!

Unfortunately I missed Santa arriving on his sleigh and the Christmas lights switch-on ceremony. Think I might have to ask around my colleagues to see if anybody else was lucky enough to see them.

Kate

Farmer festive fun

Meeting the stars!

Despite the cold weather we joined hundreds of other families last week at Farmer Parrs Christmas Launch. The whole place had been turned into a winter wonderland! The kids were all ridiculously excited to see Santa and Rudolph (they’ve got real reindeer there all December), but for my daugher, special guests for the evening Upsy Daisy and Iggle Piggle from the children’s TV fave ‘In the Night Garden’ stole the show.

Emma

Tales of a local shopaholic

The magical Christmas shop

A Christmas Wonderland at Barton Grange Garden Centre

Last week my friends and I visited Barton Grange Garden Centre.  What a fantastic display of Christmas decorations – from tree ornaments to table decorations – you name it they had it.   It gave you ideas of how you could change your own Christmas arrangements just by looking around and buying the odd addition.

We had a look at the lovely primulars, cyclamens and bulbs on sale and also the winter arrangements which we thought would make great presents. Then we had lunch in the restaurant – broccoli soup and a sandwich, which was delicious and re-fueled us for more shopping!  We noticed they also did Christmas lunches which would be great at this time of year. 

After our lunch we went into the clothes and gifts section, some great gift ideas…and then on to the food department.   If you have not been there it is a must, you can buy everything and more that you’ll need for a totally scrumptious Christmas.

Twelve’s Corner Shop – a tasty discovery

On Wednesday 17 November my friends and I visited Marsh Mill in Thornton Cleveleys especially to visit the new “Twelve Corner Shop”.   As regular visitors to the Twelve Restaurant we were interested in this itriguing new shop. 

Although it had only been open just over a week, there was a fantastic display of goods for sale – lovely stainless steel bowls and kitchen utensils, attractive modern glassware for sweet dishes etc (and they were not over priced).    They had chutneys, purées etc made in the restaurant.   We bought some balsamic sauces (and were even told by the chef which dishes to serve them with).

On Farmers’ Market day at the Marsh Mill they will be selling their own bread and also plan to have a selection of Lancashire cheeses in the future.  They have plans for all sorts of other things as the weeks lead up to Christmas  -  I do recommend a visit.

Elizabeth Stowe, Wyre Borough Resident

For loads more ways to get into the festive spirit, check out our Christmas events page