A Wander Through December’s Frome Independent Market
- Daisy Steel
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
There is something about the Frome Independent Market at Christmas-time that never fails to deliver - it’s a lovely mix of bustle, sparkle and slight chaos. Today it brought all of that plus a generous helping of rain. We arrived first thing and the entire family was instantly damp around the edges. Shoppers huddled under awnings, traders wiped down their counters and everyone carried on with that determined Somerset spirit that refuses to be put off by weather. Fortunately, I’d remembered my umbrella.
Catherine Hill looked beautiful even in the drizzle. I dragged my husband Johnny to the very top and we started at Deadly is the Female so I could point out exactly what I’d like for Christmas. A burgundy coat with a fur collar which I fell in love with the moment I walked in. He nodded with the patient look of a man who knows the conversation is not yet over.
We caught a few carols from the Frome Town Band which gave us a lovely festive lift. Nearby were a group of runners dressed up as tinsel fairies for charity, collecting for Fair Frome. They were soaked through but smiling.
But the real joy of the market was the stalls. We stopped at Utter Nutter and met Temi and Katie. Temi travels to West Africa to source the cashew nuts they turn into the most gorgeous cashew butter. We tried a spoonful and immediately bought a jar. It’s worth it for the smell alone.
Further into the market was Paula’s Get Pickled stall. We tried a little of her sauerkraut and some of her kimchi which was absolutely delicious with some cheddar cheese.
There was an incredible sheepskin stall run by a couple who’d travelled all the way from Chagford in Devon. The wool was so soft it should probably come with a warning. I bought a pair of sheepskin booties for my baby granddaughter for Christmas. She’s going to look irresistible.
Everywhere you turned there were Christmas treats. Velvet ribbon paper chains, hand made decorations. People drifting along with cake boxes and cups of mulled wine. Even the busking stage had its own sparkle. A brilliant trio who introduced themselves as Frome’s answer to Riot Women had the crowd cheering and dancing, despite the puddles.
I introduced my friend Rachel to one of my favourite stalls, where I found a perfect Christmas present for Johnny. A plate with a brilliant drawing and quote from Withnail and I. The stall is filled with movie themed designs and each one is beautifully made. If you have a film lover in your life, you’ll be spoilt for choice. They even had Star Wars and Pulp Fiction pieces – and a beautiful vase emblazoned with the slogan “Fresh as a Daisy” which I had my eye on.
On the way home we stopped at Timmy’s Chillis where the team told me they’d had a fantastic afternoon of selling – their best market of the year, they told me. I picked up a couple of jars because they never disappoint. Then we ended the day with pastries from the Barley Sugar Bakehouse which is basically compulsory on independent market day. Finally, we swung by Mûer Liqueurs and picked up a bottle of their marmalade whisky for my father-in-law. It tastes like Christmas in a glass, and I know it will go down very well.
We left soaked but happy. Bags full. Stomachs full. Spirits very full. The December Frome Independent Market may have come with puddles and drips this year, but it always has that unmistakable magic that makes you glad you ventured out.
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