Market Drayton – the Home of Gingerbread
The annual Ginger and Spice Festival takes place in Market Drayton – a medieval market town in North Shropshire located on the county borders of North Staffordshire and Cheshire.
Originally set up by the monks of nearby Combermere Abbey, in order to sell their home grown produce & wares, the market became the centre for trade in the area and is still a thriving weekly market taking place each Wednesday and Saturday.
Taste of the Town
The town, which is also known for being the ‘home of gingerbread’ with links to the spice trade routes, still produces food recognised all over the world.
Market Drayton is currently home to Billington’s Gingerbread which has been made in the town for over 200 years, as well as the Original Biscuit Bakers who manufacture over 150 tonnes of gingerbread a year. There is yoghurt producer Müller as well as bakers, Palethorpes, plus real ale producers, Joule’s, who have been brewing since the 12th century, also originally by monks!
We also have an independent chocolate shop that make delicious Market Drayton Truffles called Adelaide’s Choclaterie.
The country’s first community owned organic community farm, Fordhall, is also located just outside of the town and we also have the wonderful Field’s Kitchen, a farm shop on the high street which is located in the old Billington’s Gingerbread building on Church Street.
One of Market Drayton’s greatest assets is Festival Drayton, an outstanding state of the art facility which hosts many live events and screenings which has been owned and run by the community since 1984.
SHOP IN MARKET DRAYTON
Market Drayton has a wonderful selection of independent food and drink shops located in the centre of town. Pop in to the town on market day, or discover some of the best below.
