Spring pop-up market in Grantchester
The spring pop-up market in Grantchester is one of the highlights of my preloved year. It's the brainchild of my good friend Caroline Biggs but I love being involved in the organisation, marketing and having the opportunity to sell my collection of second hand clothes.
This year the event takes place on Saturday 5 April from 10.30 am to 3.30pm. We'll be showcasing 20 small independent local traders hand-picked for making, creating and curating beautiful food, drink, and home décor.
We're delighted to welcome some new faces this year so here's the line up which we are very excited about.
Usually found in the rural grounds of Burwash Manor selling a range of amazing local produce, but for the Pop Up they are concentrating on their impressive range of artisan cheeses.
Jane says: The Larder is just a 5 minute drive from my home and a great place to pick up fresh local produce.
Here is local pure honey – simple as that. Lovingly harvested from local hives on nature reserves and organic farms. You really can ‘taste the difference.’
Jane says: My father used to keep bees and my brothers and I were tasked with helping to extract the honey from the combs using an extractor, and then pouring it into jars.
Bottles of delicious, lightly fizzy, small batch kombucha, made from a carefully curated blend of fermented teas and lush whole fruits.
Jane says: Never liked kombucha until I discovered this delicious drink at a local festival, had a taster and ended up buying 3 bottles. Need I say more?
Handmade silver jewellery by Justine Jarman from her workshop in south Cambridgeshire.
Jane says: Justine and my paths have crossed many times over the years and I really admire her work, so it's just wonderful to have her beautiful jewellery at the pop-up.
Handmade chocolate treats from just outside Cambridge made by Isabelle Chappell, using luxury ingredients. A favourite local chocolatier for 15 years their caramel and sea salt has become an addictive pleasure for chocolate lovers far and wide.
Jane says: Pretty pretty tasty!
The name comes from the Welsh word ‘cleiog’ meaning ‘an abundance of clay’. Based in rural Cambridgeshire. Cleiog make small batches of ceramics inspired by vintage French pottery and fabrics. All made to be enjoyed, used regularly and be a part of everyday living.
Jane says: I am very much looking forward to meeting fellow Welsh person, Menna. I am sure I'll be spending my takings on some of her wares.
The Coffee Officina – Pop Up Café serving from the Kitchen Hatch
A local roastery committed to working with high quality ethically sourced coffee to create exciting coffee for everyday enjoyment. Also bringing sweet treats, bags of coffee and coffee mugs.
Jane says: Ah, I don't drink coffee so must be honest and say I haven't tasted their offerings. However, that doesn't mean that the smell of those beans doesn't make me crave a sip.
With a passion for gentle living Fauna Green handcraft eco-friendly products for your home - plastic free, refillable and reusable, using only non-toxic products.
Jane says: Like many people I try to use less plastic and opt for greener solutions. I highly recommend the beeswax wraps.
Exceptional quality. Locally sourced. Expertly curated. Grape Britannia has the widest range of fine English wines anywhere, from artisanal winemakers to the largest producers of the English wine scene. Pop the corks of some of the best sparkling wines in the world, explore our crisp, refreshing whites and savour our delicate, fruity reds – all domestically produced and hand-picked for you.
Jane says: Now this I am looking forward to. I've checked out the website and tempted by the Ravens Hill which is ruby coloured, bursting with cherry and raspberry aromas and flavours with a hint of vanilla and toast.
Local producer of craft sparkling cider using apples from nearby gardens and orchards. Everything is picked, pressed, fermented, bottled and sold from their workshop in Guilden Morden.
Jane says: The last time I drank cider was in the early 90s at The George Inn in Croscombe when I was staying at Croscombe Old Hall with some friends. I sat at the bar and had half a cider, it was so delicious I ordered another half. This was 'proper cider' not the orange fizzy stuff that my schoolmates used to drink behind the bike sheds and boy was it strong. A wobbly walk back. I am definitely looking forward o the finer stuff.
A new trend in healthy eating – less oil, less salt, less sugar – BIG taste.
Jane says: Less is more as far as I am concerned and these wraps are darn tasty.
Rather delicious Asian condiments made to be enjoyed at home. All hand-made in the heart of Cambridge.
Jane says: I tried some of Peichin's sauces and pickles at the last pop-up and was completely won over. I think I ate the first jar within a few days, simply spread on bread. I've been shouting out about it ever since. I don't know how she does it!
Qhere are passionate about reusing and recycling materials, so they don’t end up in landfill. In Cambridge there are lots of punctured bicycle inner tubes and outdated festival and exhibition banners. All these items are transformed into lovely new bags and other items.
Jane says: I've known Ruth, maker and creator, for about 18 years. I designed her first website and have bought many of her bags and accessories for myself and as gifts. Because she is working with recycled materials each item is unique and that, to me, is the joy.
Sustainability is a top priority for this Coton based business. Using British seasonal flowers, the Natural Florist uses nature for her inspiration. Her style, not unsurprisingly, has a vintage slant.
Jane says: Another wonderful person I met doing my pop-ups. Linda loves my preloved clothes and I love her floral arrangements. So pleased she'll be joining us at Grantchester.
A freelance illustrator creating images of Cambridge and bespoke illustrations for any event needing that special touch.
Jane says: Caroline has introduced me to Roxana so I've been browsing her website in readiness. There is such a warm and cosiness to her work. Love the fact that some prints are in little copper frames ... so gorgeous.
Award winning sourdough bread, pastries and cakes born out of a passion for creating the perfect bread to share with neighbours during lockdown.
Jane says: The best bread on the block. It's dangerous. My husband just motors his way through the loaf before I can get there.
Built around the idea that Sunday is the day of rest, family, friends and food. Whatever Sunday looks like to our customers, rolling in from the night before, long hazy bbq’s or cosy mornings, our homes and the things we surround ourselves with are an important part. They have curated items that can be used, loved, and add personality to a home.
Jane says: Hard to resist these very affordable homewares and what wonderful gifts they make.
Sweetpea Market Garden is a small-scale vegetable farm producing salads, microgreen and edible flowers. The business aims to provide local people with access to fresh, organic produce while improving biodiversity and the environment.
Jane says: I was blown away by the display at the last pop-up. The colours and textures were magnificient, but more importantly the produce was delicious. So I will be filling my tote bag.
Independent, artisan loose leaf tea brand and store based in Cambridge. Wide variety of high-quality teas, including hard-to-find varieties and exciting blends.
Jane says: Met these wonderful people at Ely Christmas Market. Bought some Vanilla and Pear tea and now I am addicted. In the shop I was introduced to Aztec Vanilla (yum) - yes, there is a theme here. These are my tea people going forward and so pleased they are coming to Grantchester.
Trash Chic
Trash Chic is all about exploring your own style in an affordable way. It’s not label driven which means you can find high street and designer brands on the rails at affordable prices.
Further details: grantchesterPopUp@gmail.com
Instagram: Grantchesterpopup
