‘A phoenix rising from the ashes’ – Norwich Market scoops national award

Norwich Market has been named the best large outdoor market in the country.

The title was bestowed by The Great British Market Awards 2019 – beating out hundreds of entries nationwide.

A spokesman for the National Association of British Market Authorities (NAMBA), which organises the awards, described the city market as 'a phoenix rising from the ashes', adding: '(Norwich) Market has demonstrated the power of social media for the market; its work with partners and the local BID; the outreach to young traders and the marked increase in footfall and business expansion.'

The site on Gentleman's Walk in the city centre has been home to stalls for more than 900 years, making it the oldest permanent market in the UK.

Nick Brewer at the Spanish Churros & Chorizo stall, one of the many different nations food stalls at Norwich Market. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Following a drive in 2016 by Norwich City Council, various charities and backed by a campaign by this newspaper, the market has gone from strength to strength in recent years.

Norwich City Council laid out plans to encourage new independent business to take up stalls on the market and to make it more appealing to younger visitors.

A particular focus was put on offering a greater variety of food and the more than 200 brightly coloured roofs now house 25 fresh food stalls with unique cuisines including Indian, Spanish, Chilean, Malaysian and Moroccan.

In a post of it's official Facebook, a spokesperson for Norwich Market said: 'We are beyond excited to announce that about 15 minutes ago we won the title of Best Large Outdoor Market in the Great British Markets Awards 2019.'

Lucy Dodds at Falafel and Friends, Moroccan and Korean foods, one of the many different nations food stalls at Norwich Market. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Churros & Chorizo, which offers 'a taste of the sun' took up their place on stall 25 last year and took to social media to celebrate the market's success, posting the award was 'fantastic news'.

As well as food, stalls selling crafts, flowers, fabric and clothes populate the increasingly visited market place, with some traders keeping centuries old family businesses in operation.

Norwich City councillor Matthew Packer said: 'We are absolutely delighted that Norwich Market has been crowned Britain's Best Large Outdoor Market.

'The council has been committed to rejuvenating the market, working closely with the fantastic traders whose creativity and business skills make it the unique, award-winning place it is today.'

The colourful Norwich Market adding some life on a dull, cloudy day in the city. (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)