Chester Market marks three years and seven million visits
Chester Market has marked its third anniversary, welcoming more than seven million visitors since opening at Chester Northgate in November 2022.
The new market has transformed the city centre and is now considered a model for other councils developing modern market halls across the UK. It has also collected a string of awards and is currently shortlisted for the title of Britain’s Favourite Market 2026.
Public voting is open until 12 December at nabma.com/MyFavouriteMarket2026
Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said:
“I am incredibly proud of the Council’s achievements in planning and delivering the new Chester Market. It has become an unbelievable success story and exceeded our expectations; huge congratulations to all the traders, staff and customers for helping us create such a magnificent reinvention of a city centre market.”
Since opening, the market’s thirty traders have achieved some remarkable milestones:
The Sandbar Seafood Shack has shucked 19,000 fresh oysters
Digby & Champ have sold over 100,000 packs of dog treats
Cheezy Bandits have grated 10 tonnes of mature cheddar cheese
Chester Phone Repair have fixed more than 2,000 smartphones
Lockwood & Co. bar have poured nearly 400,000 pints of draught beer and lager
Pop Specs have dispensed over 10,000 pairs of glasses
The Crystal Hut recorded the market’s biggest single sale – a £1,500 amethyst geode
The market has also supported new small businesses. Nicky Groves and Andy Selwood, founders of Cheezy Bandits and Sandwich’d, were among the first to open in 2022.
Nicky said: “We went from working in hospitality, meeting, getting married and applying during the Covid lockdown with an idea for our own food stall. We started our own business with Cheezy Bandits and then a year ago opened our second stall with Sandwich’d. The market’s success has enabled us to grow and expand our business and take on more staff, we are so grateful for the support and opportunity, and we like to think we repaid the faith the Council showed in us.”
The market has recently welcomed new trader Sam Joseph Chocolates, founded by husband-and-wife team Sam and Claire Pugh.
Sam said: “We are delighted to open our stall at Chester Market and join the wonderful community of traders. Using the finest ingredients, our handmade chocolates are a truly indulgent experience, perfect for spoiling yourself or gifting a taste of luxury to someone special.”
More information about the market can be found at www.chester.market
.
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