Brighton plays host to a range of tempting food festivals and events throughout the year, as well as offering a permanent market and some of the best farmers’ market shops around. Eating sustainably produced, seasonal food from local sources is a great step towards being more environmentally friendly. It also helps you to be sure that you are eating healthy, fresh produce of the highest quality. Taking a trip to a farmers’ market in Brighton makes it easy to stock up on deliciously tempting treats and seasonal fruit and veg, direct from your local farmers.
Top tips from Brighton’s Farmers’ Markets for buying fruit and vegetables encourage shoppers to eat seasonally and buy locally produced wherever possible. Buying loose fruit and veg can help to reduce unnecessary plastic waste and gives you the chance to select each and every one of your own items, ensuring the juiciest apples and plumpest pears.
Shoppers are also encouraged to buy wonky fruit and veg. This wonky produce may be on the quirky side, but it still tastes just as good. Farmers in the UK can have up to 10 tonnes of produce rejected on a weekly basis, solely due to it not meeting aesthetic requirements. This pushes farmers to over produce in order to meet targets and the unwanted produce often ends up wasted in landfill. Buying wonky fruit and veg helps farmers to sell more of their food and reduce waste.
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Top Food and Farmers' Markets:
Brighton Open Market
The Brighton Open Market is Britain’s only covered market destination. It has been trading for over 50 years and is situated at a historic site, nestled in the heart of the London road community in Brighton. This is renowned as being one of the most vibrant and eclectic areas in Brighton. With over 45 permanent independent retail units, 12 artists’ studios and a mix of plaza traders, Brighton Open Market is a must-visit attraction and is open 7 days a week. The mixture of traditional and contemporary market stalls offer fresh local produce, cafes, clothing, toys, art, and even outreach events for the local community.
Marshalls Row, Brighton and Hove BN1 4JU
Florence Road Market
Florence Road Market is a year round neighbourhood farmer’s market. It is held every Saturday morning, between 9:30am and 1:30pm, in the courtyard of One Church at Florence Road in Brighton. Florence Road Market offers local and organic fruit and vegetables, freshly baked sourdough bread, fresh farm dairy, a local butcher, street food, fresh fish, and a coffee bar, amongst much more. This market is a project of One Church Brighton, which is an organisation focused on building strong and supportive relationships within the community.
Upper Gardner Street Market
Upper Gardner Street Market in the North Laine area is a traditional market which takes place every Saturday from 8am to 5pm. Pick up fresh produce such as organic veg, specialist cheeses, homemade cakes, pickles and chutneys, as well as browsing stalls selling antiques, books, jewellery and retro goods.
Upper Gardner St, Brighton BN1 4AN
Infinity Foods and Bakery
Nearby in the North Laine area is Infinity Foods and Bakery. This fabulous store is well-loved as a Brighton institution. The store’s ethos promotes freshness and fairness. It is 100% vegetarian, with an extensive range of organic produce and vegan foods. They also have the largest tea collection in town.
Grocer and Grain
In the middle of Brighton, Grocer and Grain is a charming farm shop. It is popular with commuters as it is just beyond Brighton Station. There is a delightful outdoor space, which is ideal for enjoying a warm drink and delicious vegan cake on a sunny day.
Taj the Grocer
Taj the Grocer on Western Road in Brighton is described as offering ‘a cavern of worldwide foodie treasures’. This farm shop is a pleasure to visit, with fresh vibrant produce and a wide selection of marinated olives.
98-99 Western Rd, Brighton BN1 2LB
hiSbe
Take a break from the bustling business of London Road and pop into hiSbe. Offering seasonal, local and sustainably sourced produce and meats, as well as freshly baked bread and even planet-friendly cleaning supplies, hiSbe is an enjoyable shopping experience. The acronym hiSbe stands for ‘how it Should be’ and the goal of this superb social enterprise is to put the needs of consumers, suppliers and employees first.
20-21 York Pl, Brighton BN1 4GU
Brighton food festivals and tours
Combine your visit to Brighton with a foodie festival. There are food themed events held throughout the year, offering visitors the opportunity to try international cuisine as well as local Sussex produce. Why not try the Fiery Foods Festival, held in September? Attempt the chilli eating contest, if you dare!
If you fancy finding out more about the delicious foodie treats available in Brighton, you could consider booking a food tour. This mouth-watering experience will give you the chance to try a different flavour of the quirky city as you take a guided foodie walking tour of Brighton, discovering more than just the pier and pebble beach. There is even a dedicated chocolate tour. Perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth!