This post may contain affiliate links for which I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more info, check out my Disclosure Policy. Thank you for your support!
I love shopping locally where I can – there is something about meeting the people who are passionate about the products they’re creating that makes the food just taste so much more enjoyable. Which is why, when the Barnstaple Real Food Market launched last month, I was one of the first people through the door! Held in the pannier market once a month, it was a chance to meet a selection of traders from those supplying grass-fed meat, organic produce, posh kebabs, pies, sausages, cheese, chocolate and cakes – as well as some less coeliac-friendly goods like freshly baked bread.
This month was my second time of going along, and not only did I pick up some delicious gluten free goodies and learn about some suppliers in the area which can cater for my diet, I also had a chance to chat to the traders. It was clear to see they all had a clear passion for their products, and many were interested to hear my thoughts on what was available on the gluten free market.
My first stop was Glampig – a local sausage company – as I had seen on their Facebook page they were launching a brand new hot dog and I wanted to see if I could eat it. To my delight, this gourmet sausage was 90% pork and completely gluten free – a healthy and safe option. I think the stallholder was a little surprised when I snapped up a pack so quickly! These sausages look so delightful in their paper packages tied in string, it made me feel I was purchasing something really authentic.
Steve and I had these hot dogs for dinner and they were possibly they best sausages I have ever tasted! At £3.50 for a pack of four, they’re probably a little pricey for regular buying, but they were so worth every penny as a treat. They reminded us a little of chorizo, with that hint of smokey, spiciness in every bite. I can’t recommend them enough – I think I’ll be stocking up at the next market!
Another stall which really impressed me was Johns of Instow and Appledore. This is a local deli company which I hadn’t yet had a chance to explore, and I was instantly lured in by the most incredible looking giant meringues! Sue, on the stall, recognised me from my blog and guided me around their delicious display. It was packed full of gluten free goodies all with tasters – from lemon polenta cake and a summer tray bake to a brand new product – gluten free pork pies. I couldn’t even remember the last time I had one of these – definitely pre-coeliac – and as soon as I tasted some it all came flooding back to me. In the end I opted to buy one (how could I resist?) and also purchased a slice of the tray bake.
Now, this deserves a whole paragraph of it’s own, because it was absolutely incredible. I have never had a gluten free cake which is so moist – Sue tells me this is because they use their own home made apple sauce in it – and it didn’t have that usual gluten free ‘gritty’ feeling. Oh my, it was so amazing, I am actually pining over it right now! I could easily have gone back and guzzled the lot but as I’m on a strict eating plan at the moment I had to settle for sharing a bit with Steve and our friend Darren. They both concurred this cake was truly awesome – as soon as I have managed to get down to my target body fat percentage Johns is my first stop!!
Our final stop was the Seadog stand. There were such delicious smells wafting from all of the street food stalls in the market but I had been wanting to try some of Seadog’s goodies for a while. The choice was simple – I saw squid skewers on the menu and when they confirmed they were gluten free, I had to have one. I absolutely love seafood and it’s great to see companies making the most of the catch landed on our coasts. These skewers were delicious, with a tangy Asian sauce, I could have easily gone back for more!
I was so impressed with how each trader took their time to talk through their products with me. The market had a really friendly vibe and I have a feeling it is going to get bigger and better as time goes on. Although I can’t afford to always buy local produce, I hope I can use this opportunity to support the amazing standard of suppliers we have down here and stock up to get me through the rest of the month!
The next Barnstaple Real Food market is on Sunday, August 10. For more details visit their Facebook page – see you there!
Hey mate thanks for pointing out the places I missed. My friends also there run Calaca Loca [http://calacaloca.co.uk/], its specialises in South American food a lot of which is naturally gluten free as its made with corn based products. Harry who runs it, is a first clash chef, having just won an award the day before at the Ilfracombe food fare for his meat dishes. I can’t recommend them highly enough, and for me who is also milk intolerant its great to still find some food that I can get on with at an event like this.
That looks a great market and love the sound of the lemon cake and the squid you found. So nice to find new and exciting gf treats.
Those meringues look amazing! I’ve been thinking lately how I wish there were more gluten free market / handmade produce available for people with a gluten intolerence that doesn’t mean numberous trips to different super markets to get the things you need that costs an arm and a leg to make the things you like.
My boyfriend found out he was gluten and dairy intolerent about 3-4 months ago which madepreviously him really ill so I’m pretty passionate about finding foods that are amazingly good to eat that also wont make him ill at the same time, because there’s nothing more depressing than gazing into a cake shop knowing you can’t eat much of anything in it. Look forward to reading more of your posts x kate
Loving your blog. Have you tried Jakes Bakes? They are in the same Barnstaple Real Food Market and also South Molton Market Thursdays and Saturdays . They sell a lot of gluten Free Products from slices of Quiche to delicious cakes and tray bakes.
Ok, I confess it is my wife’s stall! Do pop in and have a chat!
Hope to see you then.
Fred.
Did you not see our stall, ‘Chocolats de Caprine’, with our award winning gluten,nut & egg free chocolates, which being made with goats cream & butter are also suitable for people with lactose intolerance to cows milk.
Hi Rosie, thanks for your comment, I have seen you guys there 🙂 I even reviewed your chocolates back in 2012! x https://www.theglutenfreeblogger.com/2012/02/26/gluten-free-and-lactose-free-chocolates-for-mothers-day/