In 2012 property consultants GVA came up with a scheme to keep the 5,000 people who work in the Bristol offices it manages happy by introducing street food markets to the city’s business and financial quarter. But what started as a once-a-month trial has proved so popular the company has expanded the markets to regular Thursday events.
More than 30 businesses have taken space in the Temple Quay district. “Our initial idea was to liven up the area and make it more appealing for the people who work here,” explained GVA associate Vicki Williams. “Since then the markets have proved a great way of adding to the vibrancy of Temple Quay and giving it a real buzz.”
Among the stalls serving food at the Thursday markets are Agnes Spencer’s amazing Jamaican cuisine; Niang’s Thai Snacks; She Sells Sushi; American Kitchen, Jacob’s finest falafel and hummus dishes, and Sue’s Cakes.
“Bristol is quickly establishing a reputation as a centre for really interesting and innovative food,” she adds. “These markets have brought together some amazing producers who are building up a very loyal and enthusiastic following with people who work at Temple Quay. They are also helping to establish a real sense of community.”
The food fairs have earned such a following they are being featured in this year’s Bristol Food Connections festival with one event, on Thursday 8 May, taking place at the Temple Quay market. “I don’t think any of us realised how big an attraction the markets would become,” said Williams. “They have moved on from simply providing an amenity for the local business staff to attracting both tourists and local residents and, just as important, giving local traders another business opportunity.”
With interest in street-food and artisan produce growing, GVA has decided to make the markets regular weekly fixtures with specialist offerings. One Thursday of every month will be dedicated to West Country artisan producers, one as a traditional food market, and the remaining Thursdays in the month based on street food.
