Pannier Market
Click here to visit the Pannier Market website for more information about Tavistock Pannier Market.
Tavistock Pannier Market
Bustling and filled with variety
A century and a half ago the seventh Duke of Bedford moved the River Tavy sideways and built a magnificent Market Hall – surrounded by delightful small shops.
It is not difficult to imagine similar protestations then to those we now hear about a proposed new supermarket and, indeed, that is exactly what this beautiful Pannier Market was all those years ago.
However, instead of supermarket trolleys inside and 4x4 vehicles parked in the perimeter road, there would have been big asses and ponies with panniers (big baskets) tethered to the many rings still to be seen in the building.
The surrounding villagers and townsfolk would come every Friday to purchase their weekly shopping – the wealthy by horse-drawn transport but probably mostly on foot.
Around 150 years later many markets have fallen by the wayside as shopping habits have changed, but Tavistock Pannier Market has faced the challenge head-on and adapted out of all recognition – as some long-standing traders will confirm – and now when you visit us you will be met with a vibrant, colourful and varied choice of goods covering an amazing spectrum.
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The market opens every day from Tuesday until Saturday and while the stalls against the wall are static – mini shops in essence – the centre stalls see different traders and products day by day with a fascinating display of antiques, hand-crafted goods, clothes, jewellery, books and food of all kinds.
As the market has steadily progressed into a brighter and more attractive centre, so the many shops in the perimeter have widened their appeal to a far greater audience.
Among the shops surrounding the market are to be found two very good and yet very different cafés, quality butchers, an exciting Italian delicatessen, specialist soap, cheese and material shops and quality clothing and footwear.
Add a highly-regarded optician, a very busy barbers shop and the Tourist Information Centre and there is a wonderful blend contrasting goods and services available.
As has been emphasised, the Pannier Market itself provides a mind-boggling miscellany of goods and it would be as well to check before visiting to see if your particular favourites are trading on the day in question.
Every day there is a wide selection of food on offer with specialist wholefood, olive and fudge stalls, cakes and pastries, jams and chutneys among tempting delicacies.
On Fridays – Charter Market Day – Tavistock Country Market brings a wide range of home-cooked delights to market, and locally-grown fruit and vegetables, including organic.
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday we have a new high-quality wet fish stall facing the market garden.
On many days a profusion of craft stalls abound with major card-craft, pottery and patchwork fabric and quilting supplies are available.
Artists of all kinds are at the market every day, and the monthly craft fair has every conceivable kind of local speciality. It takes place on the second Saturday of every month. This magical market encompasses a wealth of talent and knowledge.
Photographers (including one brilliant poet), potters, artists, upholsterers, quilters, card makers, wood turners, and metal workers mingle with plant sellers, clothiers, milliners and antique experts and furniture-makers, coming together to offer visitors a truly memorable day out.
In addition to the daily markets, special events take place from time to time in the Pannier Market.
On July 18th (Tavistock Carnival Day) traders were attired in fancy dress and many of them were involved in a ‘walking float’ in the evening procession through the town.
A food and craft fair with celebrity chef Peter Gorton displaying his skills and Halloween treats for children is planned for October 31st, which is just three weeks after Goose Fair for which Tavistock is nationally known.
With many special pre-Christmas markets and lovely decorations and free wine and mince pies on two days, special charity markets, a forthcoming Pannier Market Recipe Book and an exciting medley of fairs and displays in the adjoining Town Hall, combined with an award-winning farmers’ market twice a month, there is always something to make your visit worthwhile – you will be given a warm welcome.
Loo of the Year 2009
For the second year running Tavistock's Pannier Market has won two loo of the year awards, all thanks to the continual hard work of Tavistock Town Council's very own Alison Ewings -pictured below with Town Mayor Mandy Govier
Since 1987 the Loo of the Year Awards has sought to give recognition to the best 'away from home' toilets in the UK.
With over 1500 entries to compete against the Pannier Market loos achieved not only a 5-star rating but also the 'National Category Winner' in the retail and markets category.
The Mayor, Cllr Mandy Govier, on behalf of the Town Council and all users of Alison's immaculate super loos, gives heartfelt congratulations and thanks to Alison for her ongoing contribution to making the Pannier Market one of the best markets in the West.
To contact the Pannier Market
Tel: 01822 611003 or email:panniermarket@tiscali.co.uk