With the days getting longer and warmer weather (hopefully) on the cards, we take a look at some of the best food and drink markets to enjoy in Scotland this spring.
Picture: Bowhouse Market Facebook
Bowhouse Market Weekends return in March with the first of 2019 taking place on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th.
Part of the Balcaskie Estate, the picturesque barn conversion aims to provide the Kingdom of Fife with an all-season destination for food lovers to explore the natural larder of Fife and beyond.
The first market of the year will be a celebration of spring, with a new beginnings theme to usher in the warmer weather.
Charity partner Marie Curie will be inspiring budding gardeners with a host of spring-themed activities, including daffodil planting, that the whole family can get involved with. The Bowhouse team will also be on hand running seed and planting workshops. And in case there’s still a touch of frost, Marie Curie will be raising funds by selling delicious homemade soup.
The main hall of Bowhouse will be lined with fresh, seasonal food and drink from across Scotland, as well as stalls from some of Bowhouse’s resident producers.
Visitors in March can expect micro greens and edible flowers from The Wright Root, Woodmill Game, Arbroath Quality Fish, and wood-fired sourdough from the Wild Hearth bakery, made using grains grown at Bowhouse by Scotland the Bread.
The covered market will also host a number of street food vendors, with hot and cold treats from Mezzaluna, The Cheesy Toast Shack, Scottish game from Screaming Peacock, and wild crafted beverages from Out-there Artisan. To accompany those visitors tucking in, there will be a line-up of musical talent of local artists.
Picture: Platform at Argyle St Arches Facebook
This month sees the return of the popular bi-monthly food and makers market in this licensed city centre venue. Taking place throughout the whole building, the markets will run alongside the usual independent street food market - Platform.
New to markets for this year, sees the introduction of the food quarter. Here visitors can pick up produce from the specialist farmers and food market traders and producers who offer quality products for customers to enjoy at home.
Foodies can look forward to stalls that will include breads, cheeses and dairy, charcuterie, local rare breed sausages and smoked meats, salads, and handmade pies and puddings.
As well as this there will be a range of choice including freshly marinated olives, pickles and preserves, seasonal fruit and veg, seafood, cold pressed fruit juices, chocolate, honey.
Entrance is free and access is through the main building of Argyle St Arches, 253 Argyle St. The kid and dog friendly markets will run from 10am-5pm.
Visitors can also celebrate the weekend at the fully licensed bar, which offers craft beers, cocktails, spirits and soft drinks.
Picture: Balgove Night Markets
Visitors to the popular Balgove Larder night markets are in for a treat as it makes its return in April with an extended calendar.
The 2019 Night Markets at the St Andrews farm shop will start with a new April market and continue on a monthly basis into September. December will see the popular Christmas Night Market take place across two nights for the first time.
The Night Markets are free to attend and take place on the first Tuesday of the month between April and September with the two Christmas markets on the first Tuesday and Wednesday of December. All will run from 5-9pm with the December markets running from 4-8pm.
The markets are held in Balgove Larder’s famous Steak Barn, where visitors will be able to choose from a menu of dishes straight off the grill or select snacks from the changing roster of the latest street food outlets.
Shoppers will be able to stock up on fresh produce from Balgove Larder’s master butchers and vegetable growers as well as a range of delicacies from other local food and drink producers: from chocolates to cakes, craft beers to wines, as well as a carefully edited selection of craft makers.
While those looking for some entertainment will be able to enjoy live music as they take in the atmosphere and sample the produce.
Picture: Loch Lomond Shores Facebook
This food and drink market is held every first and third Sunday of the month , and located on the beautiful banks of Loch Lomond.
With food and drink stalls, crafts and hot food from Scotland, it's an ideal place to try something new and stock up on local produce.
The market is both child and dog-friendly (with free parking) making it a great day out for all the family.
Picture: The Pitt Facebook
Established in 2015, the Pitt Market is Edinburgh’s pioneering street food venue with a stunning array of the best street food around Scotland, craft beer, cocktails, wine and live music on offer.
Based at 125 Pitt Street between Leith and Newhaven, the Pitt runs most Saturdays' from 12pm-10pm and showcases vendors like Crema Caravan, Barnacles & bones, Ròst Eats and Pitt Steak alongside drinks from Barney’s Beer, Smith & Gertrude and Solid Liquids.
Dog, child and wallet/purse friendly - costing just £2 to enter – it’s the place to go in the capital for some lovely street food.
Picture: The Glasgow Markets Facebook
One of Glasgow's most popular markets in 2018, the Super Market now has a new home in Maryhill's Engine Works.
The light, open-plan space will play host to this craft, fashion and homeware market which will also be joined by on site coffee and street food trucks.
Visitors can expect men's, women's and children's fashion, beauty, accessories, plants, vinyl records, jewellery, homeware, vintage, design, prints, arts, gifts for pets and much more from the stalls.
The first market was on 26 February with the next market here on the 2 June. More Super Markets will be at The Art School on 20 April and Hillhead Book Club on 28 April.
