Super Markets
Blog readers will know that wherever I travel in the world I just LOVE to visit local markets. So full of colour, taste and local traditions - well Leeds City Market is no exception. I went up to Yorkshire yesterday for a quick visit, Leeds market is unmissable.
There is a stall or a shop for absolutely everything under the sun!
And Leeds market was the venue for one very special stall. Back in 1884 Mr Marks and Mr Spencer set up their first 'Penny Bazaar' This green clock in the centre of the old part of the market was erected to celebrate their centenary.
And I wonder if it is a coincidence that in this old part of the market, this shop sells pants! Everyone needs them, they come in all sizes, what a brilliant shop!
The elderly among you may well remember the Leeds City Varieties theatre. This was the home of the long running BBC TV Series 'The Good Old Days'
Meanwhile back to the market. Still a great Northern tradition here in the UK, tripe used to be a delicacy years ago. Now it is rarely seen. I pride myself in being open minded about food, and I know that tastes change, but each time I try a piece... it squeaks between my teeth and I gag! No thanks.
One of the highlights of this market is the famous Butchers Hall. One long, indoor cobbled street inside the market houses rows of Butchers' shops. Family businesses that have been handed down through the generations. For me this is the difference between a supermarket and a Super Market. This is the latter. Properly hung and butchered meat in traditional cuts.
You just can't get better!
posted by Matron @ 6:20 PM
9 Comments:
When I was a student I had a Saturday job in Leeds market. I don't know about tripe being a Northern tradition though as I've never met anyone that eats it and I've lived in Yorkshire for ever!
A beautiful collection of fine goods and foods! Too often here in the US we see only mass franchised strip malls anchored by big box stores owned by global giant corporations. I with you, I'd much rather shop in a place full of history and great looking goods!
I once had tripe when I was a kid, and I've never forgotten how nasty it was. Apparently they couldn't sell it even with all the rationing in WW2. More recently, I've come across it again, cooked the West African way with masses of spices. It couldn't be more different!
I always love it when you go to market Matron...and the Leeds City Markets is exceptionally stupendous! If we have anything like this here in the states would someone please let me know...Farmer's Markets yes...but a city market that carries just about everything one could want or need...I don't know. I have eaten fried chitterlings...ONCE and souse, when my Mom made me...since I rarely if ever eat meat anymore, just the thought of an animals inner parts makes my stomach start to heave. I'll pass on the tripe counter...but think it's lovely that they're available for those who enjoy tripe!
Markets are great aren't they? You can still buy Tripe and Elder on Barnsley market and penny duck.
Saturday evening in our house when I was little was Tripe and Elder or Cow heel and Stew meat on alternate weeks. Yeeeuch. But I still buy penny duck, I love the stuff and it's also very filling.
Hi matron, I have never been to Leeds but that Market will be on my agenda if I do!
Tripe is a traditional Cork 'delicacy'!boiled in milk and onions with lashings of pepper, left simmering for hours and often eaten for Sunday breakfast to line the stomach after the Sat night on the beer!
Like you, I love visiting local markets-and just posted on one in Mauritius!
Nice blog Matron, especially the photos. I visited Leeds Market a couple of years ago when I went to Yorkshire for my nephews wedding.We used to eat tripe when I lived in Yorkshire as a child, boiled for hours in milk with onions. The kitchen windows were still steamed up a week later?? I've just started my allotment blog from Somerset. If you have no objections I will add a link to your blog from mine. If you've got time could you add a link to mine please.
Rooko - welcome to blogland! I have put a link in, always a pleasure to have fellow allotment bloggers join in.
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