The 25 stallholders at the launch last week were hand-picked to give shoppers a wide range of local produce including: meat, fish, vegetables, local wines and charcuterie.
Jo Jeffery, one of the organisers of the new market said: “It was brilliant, I was really pleased with the turn out and the stallholders were happy – they sold out”.
Although there were initial concerns over the new location, shoppers were more than happy with the site in the Market Square at Royal Victoria Place.
Ms Jeffery added: “The new location is nice and sheltered and will be much better in the long run. There was a much nicer atmosphere and more of a continental feel”.
Nicky Blanchard, centre manager of Royal Victoria Place shopping centre, said: “It is great to be supporting independent local traders by providing them with a location to showcase their produce”.
Ms Blanchard added: “Local farmers’ markets will only continue to flourish with the support of local residents and the community. So, I would urge all Tunbridge Wellians to come out and support their new independent farmers’ market.”
The market was set to close after 19 years because of development work at its old site outside the Town Hall. It was saved after talks involving stall holder, a cross-party group of borough councillors and British Land, owners of Royal Victoria Place where the market has its new home.
The market will take place on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 9am until 4pm at Royal Victoria Place.
