Greater Grassmarket to host a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in March

Putting the ‘Markets’ back into the Grassmarket – Mad Hatters’ Tea Party on 1 March

Edinburgh’s Greater Grassmarket has been granted a new licence enabling the area to host a market every Saturday. And to celebrate, the market will hold a MAD HATTER’S TEA PARTY on Saturday 1 March.

Greater Grassmarket stalwart, Fabhatrix will be kitting out stallholders with a spectacular selection of headgear on the day. What’s more, the first 50 market visitors wearing an exceptionally quirky hat will be greeted with a speciality tea, courtesy of artisanal blenders Miss Integritea and Leith Tea, and a tasty homemade treat.

The new licence rekindles the Grassmarket’s 700-year old origins as a market and trading post, and the weekly markets, held in the heart of the Old Town World Heritage site, will enhance the Greater Grassmarket’s tradition as a major draw for Edinburgh citizens and tourists, increasing footfall to the area, its independent shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and hotels.

Recent Hogmanay and one-off winter markets have been held in the Grassmarket with great success and, under the new arrangement, a market will be held every Saturday from 10am-5pm.

In addition to the already burgeoning list of high quality stall-holders, local traders and businesses are invited to take up a stall and Greater Grassmarket is working with community groups and other organisations to ensure there is a varied and jam-packed calendar every year.

The market will be coordinated by Beth Berry who has established an excellent reputation with the very successful Stockbridge market and will complement Edinburgh’s thriving weekly market scene, giving shoppers greater choice, established stall-holders another opportunity to trade and new stall-holders the chance to sell their wares in one of Scotland’s most famous market squares.

Regular Grassmarket traders include Au Gourmand Bakery, Blue Bananas, Considerit Chocolates, Edinburgh Natural Skincare, Knights Kitchen, Leith Tea, Mademoiselle Macaron, The Marshmallow Lady, Ma Roberts Chilli Sauces, The Olive Stall, RGB Fruits and Ridleys Fish and Game plus many more.

Greater Grassmarket BID project manager Georgia Artus said: “Historically, the Grassmarket has always been an important place for traders to exchange their wares. Now, the new licence will enable the Grassmarket to put on a weekly feast for all the senses.

“Each week, more than 20 stall-holders will tempt market-goers with highest quality, fresh Scottish food; you can buy delicious ingredients to cook at home or scrumptious dishes prepared in front of you to eat on the spot. In addition, we have stands selling luxurious body products, crafts and gifts.

“By the start of March, spring will be in the air, but the weather could still be a little chilly. Sensible shoppers who wear a stylish or silly hat will be rewarded with a cosy head, a warming cup of tea and a heart-warming tasty treat.”

Market organiser Beth Berry said: “News that there is to be another weekly market in Edinburgh is wonderful for Greater Grassmarket, Edinburgh and for the growing numbers of high quality artisan producers.

“What could be better than buying all your dinner ingredients in this beautiful location, browsing through the scores of independent shops and stopping for something to eat and drink in one of the area’s many cafes, bars and restaurants?”

For more information please visit www.greatergrassmarket.co.uk.