Ilkley Real Food Market

We often pass through Ilkley on our way to the Yorkshire Dales but it's a while since we've stopped there for a wander and a look round. We didn't want to venture too far on Sunday so we decided it would be the perfect opportunity to rectify that.

What we didn't realise at the time was that Ilkley hosts a Real Food Market on the first Sunday of each month. The Grove is closed off to traffic and the stallholders set out their wares, and what a selection there is. I was surprised at how many stalls there were and each one seemed to offer something different to the rest.

It was a real bonus to find this event taking place when we arrived. There were lots of people looking round but because it was spread along the whole street, it didn't feel crowded at all, and there was a great atmosphere.

Most of the stalls were selling food and drink, some to consume right away, others to eat or drink later if you managed to get your purchases home before tucking into them.

There were some non-food stalls too, the photo above shows Yorkshire Blankets, a family run business saving redundant yarns from landfill and weaving them in Yorkshire mills into blankets. There was a plant stall, metal garden ornaments, beautiful handcrafted wood chopping boards, amongst many other things. There was something there for everyone.

There's a branch of Bettys Tea Rooms in Ilkley and it was doing brisk business on Sunday. There was a queue outside, as there usually is at any of their shops. This bakers and confectioners is renowned for its afternoon teas and Yorkshire Tea also comes under its brand.

Most of the shops in the town were open. It's good to see a small town like this thriving, especially in today's economic climate when so many businesses are struggling. It was also good to see an independent bookshop which looks to be doing well. The Grove Bookshop has been in the town for over forty years, it hosts book launches, talks and other events. I can confirm that it's well stocked, I came away with a classic to add to my small collection.

I shall definitely visit the Real Food Market again, it was a great day out and the town itself has lots to offer too.