Discovering the delights of Jesmond Food Market in the heart of Newcastle’s Jesmond Dene.
Jesmond Food Market is a popular local market in Newcastle that brings together everything a foodie could desire: top eats, fresh produce and unique culinary creations.
It takes place on the first and third Saturday of the month between 10am and 3pm, all-year-round.
If you’re thinking about popping along, here’s everything you need to know when planning your visit.
An outdoor setting
The market takes place outdoors, with the pop up stalls and street vendors strewn along the Armstrong Bridge in Jesmond.
This 560-foot long iron bridge was built in the 1870s and it’s the gateway to Jesmond Dene, a wooded valley that follows the river Ouseburn.
It’s a beautiful backdrop whatever the season, with leafy trees towering above, and the vintage-style street lamps making it feel like you’ve stumbled into a hidden pocket of Narnia.
A variety of street food vendors
You can expect around 30-4o artisan producers, pop ups and street food vendors on a typical market day.
Doughnuts, sausages, pizza, gourmet burgers, gyros, crepes, brownies, bagels, pastries, cheese, brisket, rice boxes, kimchi, coffee, smoothies – there’s something for every tastebud!
When I visited, I had a lovely organic hot chocolate with a giant melt-in-the-mouth marshmallow cube from Cacao Brew, a local ethically driven business.
Alongside scrummy street food ready to eat, you’ll also find other independent traders selling an assortment of items – think handmade pottery, candles, textiles, prints and vintage records.
You can also buy fresh fruit and veg, chocolates, preserves, and other goodies to take home.
Tips for first-time visitors
I recommend walking the full length of the market first to soak up the amazing smells, watch the tasty dishes being prepared, and see what’s available. I can guarantee you’ll be tempted by quite a few, so that’ll give you time to mull over your choices and return to your favourite!
The market is open for five hours, and as you’d expect, it peaks around lunchtime so think about visiting before or after this busy spell so you can avoid the crowds.
Of course, we are in the north of England, so the weather can be unpredictable at the best of times, but in autumn and winter especially, be prepared for rain or a nip in the air.
Other things to note is that the nearest toilet facilities are a five-minute walk away in Jesmond Dene Visitor Centre, and the market is dog-friendly.
How to get there
It can be difficult to find a parking spot in Jesmond due to the permit-only restrictions on many of the local streets and lack of public car parks.
My top tip is to use public transport to get there. You can get the Metro to Jesmond or West Jesmond and then it’s a short 15-minute walk. Or you can take the 37, 38, 306, or 307 bus from Newcastle city centre.
A must-visit for foodies
What’s so lovely about this food market is the community vibe. The artisan producers and stall holders are all local and independent, so by popping along and buying even a cup of coffee or a little treat, you’re showing your support for our food scene here in Newcastle.
Paired with the gorgeous, leafy backdrop, it’s also a great excuse to go for a wander outdoors.
If you’re after a longer stroll afterwards, I recommend venturing into the depths of Jesmond Dene below the Armstrong Bridge. With its tree-lined paths, ruins, old mill and waterfall, it’s such a picturesque walk.
Find out more
Follow Jesmond Food Market’s Facebook page for regular updates. The organisers usually post a list of all the traders attending each market a few days before.
And for more food and drink inspiration in and around Newcastle, sign up to my free monthly newsletter.
