TV programmes like River Cottage that are re-introducing people to the idea of getting back to a way of shopping that looked like it was on it’s way out up until a few years ago.

In Calderdale we’re lucky enough to have three permanent markets and a number of regular outdoor ones as well, so we’ve stolen a march on some other places really. From the massive Victorian splendour of The Halifax Borough Market, winner of UK Market of the Year 2008, to the tiny Elland Market which appears every Friday morning with its regular queues for fresh veg & fish.

Unfortunately the buildings have suffered from a lack of investment over the last few years, probably because the thinking that maybe markets weren’t as important as they once were. But the tide is turning and Calderdale has the opportunity to really get behind it’s unique offering, not least because many traders live locally and also support local communities along with employment of local people.

And here’s a thing: Calderdale Markets make a profit for the local taxpayers (yes you!) of over £1/2 million per year, which goes back into the rates fund to add to our community.

WINNER OF BEST MARKET IN THE UK 2008.  A HUGE BUSTLING, FRIENDLY MARKET IN AN EXQUISITE VICTORIAN GRADE 2 LISTED BUILDING.

As a first time visitor to the award-winning Borough market, you could be forgiven for thinking that you had stumbled on to the set of a period TV drama. Décor and atmosphere combine to create a shopping experience that just can’t be matched by the soul less out-of-town supermarkets.

The first thing that hits you is the Victorian splendour of the vast, building. With its ornate clock tower, glass roof and intricate carvings, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported back in time – in fact it was first opened in 1896.

But whilst the market’s roots might be planted solidly in the past, many of the stallholders have got their eyes firmly fixed on the future. Alongside the outstanding traditional family butchers and fruit and vegetable stalls which have been passed down through generations, are the new stall holders tempting our taste-buds with a bounty of exotic produce from the continent.

But when the weather’s more Manchester than Marrakech, and your appetite demands something substantial, try the local specialty of prize-winning pies, local venison and beef by one of the butchers/farmer himself. And if your passions lie more with fruits-de-mere than fruit and vegetables, none of the fishmongers will disappoint. From the exotic to the native, extravagant to inexpensive, the quality of produce on offer remains unsurpassed.

But there’s more to The Borough Market than food.

Fashionistas will delight in delving into the treasure troves that are the haberdashers and there are vibrant flower shops, a perfumers,  exotic underwear sellers and one of the best-stocked hardware shops this side of Arkwights!

All of this makes The Halifax Borough Market a unique shopping experience.

Monday – Saturday