Digbeth was historically an important manufacturing district in Birmingham and the architecture is still very industrial. But whilst manufacturing has declined craft and arts spaces have sprung up. Think Camden Market but smaller and more manageable. The Bond Company is based within a complex of renovated buildings by the Birmingham Fazeley Canal and combines historic Victorian industrial architecture around a cobbled courtyard with modern facilities. They offer spaces for small business, artists and also facilities for conferences and events. So four times a year they open the courtyard to street food vendors and the large hall to craft traders, entrance fee £2.
- Wildside Preserves, Jams, Chutneys, Vinegars and Cordials using foraged ingredients http://www.wildsidepreserves.co.uk/
- Jane Anderson Artist - Prints, greeting cards, Mugs all with her unique designs. She was responsible for 2 of the Big Hoot Owls and was so popular she was asked to create the special Big Hoot Christmas Owl currently in the Great Western Arcade.
- Peel and Stone, the famous Jewellery Quarter bakers http://www.peelandstone.co.uk/ Almond Croissants to die for.
- Beki's Brownies, amazing Brownies with various fillings, I tried Salted Caramel and Cherry Curd. Both incredible.
- The Cocktail Caravan
- The Bournville Waffle Company
- Wood Fired Sourdough Pizzas
- The Cake Doctor (with their own Ambulance)
- Becky's Bhajis
- The Jabberwocky - Gourmet Toasties
- The Beer Bus
- Habaneros Burritos
- Baked in Brick - BBQ in the engine of a Mini Cooper Yes Really!!!!
- Low N Slow - Smoked BBQ
- Buddha Belly
- The Little Gin Company
- Open Sesame - Persian wraps
I partook of a little G&T, the Prince of Persian wrap from Open Sesame and a Duffin from the Cake Doctor, that's a cross between a Doughnut and a Muffin, in case you were wondering.
Don't worry if you missed these and your mouth is currently watering most of them pop up regularly at the Digbeth Dining Club. Next dates for this are the 11th and 18th December, so you don't have to wait 3 months for the next Seasonal Market.
On the way back I decided to swing by The Custard Factory and see what was happening there (there is always something), which turned out to be Digmas complete with Reindeer. The Custard Factory is so called because it really was the site of the Birds Custard Factory which produced the eggless custard powder invented by Alfred Bird right up until 1964. It is now home to over 500 independent business, shops, cafes and event spaces.
To my delight there was also a Vintage and Etsy Fair in one of the halls with pop up tea room and retro band Vintage Class warbling away with classics like "We'll Meet Again". Sadly loaded down with bread and jam from the market I didn't buy anything more although I was very tempted by a crocheted cafetiere cover. Never mind there is always another craft fair or vintage event going on in this great city to keep me out of trouble.
Other Markets in Brum:
Moseley Art Market http://www.moseleycdt.com/arts_market - Last Saturday of the Month
MAC (Midlands Art Centre) Food Fair http://macbirmingham.co.uk/event/food-market/ - Usually last Sunday of the Month
MAC Craft market http://macbirmingham.co.uk/event/christmas-craft-markets/ - Check website for next years dates
Farmers Markets - these travel around the city and suburbs so there is always a market going on somewhere, or so it seems http://www.skettsfarmersmarkets.co.uk/
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