THE new Chester market has been recognised in the annual Marketing Cheshire awards which celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement in the region’s visitor economy.

In selecting Chester Market, the judges praised how the new market represents a fresh and dynamic Taste of Cheshire, which celebrates the ethnic diversity of our community, within a unique ‘modern traditional’ market.

The market’s 15 award-winning and passionate food and beverage traders include authentic Thai, Bangladeshi, Mexican and vegan street-food, a seafood shack, French patisserie, fresh pasta kitchen, Polish inspired café, Neapolitan pizzas, Cheshire Farm Ice Cream and an innovative combination of a traditional English café by day and a Mediterranean bistro in the evening.

Joe Earnshaw co-owner of Big Lola’s Mexican street food stall said: “Winning this award is a brilliant achievement, it's been an incredible journey since opening in Chester Market and we're hugely grateful to be part of this thriving and award-winning market; a huge well done to the whole community of talented food and beverage operators who work together to offer an innovative and fantastic service to our customers every day.”

Already a big hit with residents, the market is now becoming recognised as a key part of the region’s growing visitor economy worth almost £4 billion a year, as visitors seek out unique venues and experiences for informal dining and fresh produce in an award-winning social space.

The judges also praised how the market traders have created a community of inter-trading and peer support to nurture one another and source from local Cheshire producers such as Peckforton Dairy, Weetwood Ales, Forest Gin and local grocery wholesalers.