Carlisle hosts International Food Fair

(Date of issue: Wednesday, 24 March 2010)

Shoppers in Carlisle wanting to taste some international cuisine will be able to sample a shopping experience not to be missed this Easter bank holiday weekend.

An International market, arranged by Carlisle City Council in partnership with Market Place Europe Ltd, will include a variety of world-wide stall and will be open to the public, for an extended period, between this Thursday (1 April) and Easter Monday (5 April), in the city centre pedestrianised shopping area.

Traders from as far afield as the USA, Thailand, China, India, Egypt, Russia, South Africa and even Peru will be joining European counterparts from France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Italy, Spain, Poland, Greece and Finland.

Highlights will include spicy flavours from Indian Chef Bansil who will be cooking up some of his spicy curries along with some of the best samosas you will ever taste. There will also be an opportunity to sample and buy some great Egyptian Foods and to finish off the World tour you can try some of the rare and exotic meats and burgers from South Africa including Crocodile, Impala, Wild Boar and Ostrich. From the Middle East there will be Baklava and Mid Eastern sweet cakes plus a great selection of dried fruits and nuts.

Other goods will include sausage and salamis from Germany, in addition to olives, cheeses and sun dried tomatoes from France. George the Greek - George from Pila in Thessaloniki will bring his unique Greek Deli where you can find some of the best Greek breads, taramasalata, humous, olives and stuffed vine leaves (dolmades).

Jimmy Beans will be back with a large selection of flavoured coffee beans, which he will grind to your liking and his large selection of different and exotic teas. There will also be an authentic Polish street café selling some great Polish beers and a German Bar.

For those with a sweet tooth there will be a traditional French Creperie and not to be out done Henri from Holland with their delicious Dutch waffles loaded with cream and all sorts of toppings. The ever popular Gingerbread House will also be attending with wonderful Belgian Chocolates, traditional sweets and designer Easter Cakes.

Green-fingered shoppers will not be disappointed, as the market will include the ‘Flying Dutchman’, Dick van de Wardt, one of the largest plant, flower and bulb specialists from Holland.

The Continental Market is not just about food there will also be stalls selling jewellery, crafts, clothing, handbags, purses and some very unusual gifts from around the World. Entertainment will also be provided on the bandstand.

Allan Hartwell, Director of Market Place, said:

"We are absolutely delighted to be invited back to Carlisle, it’s a great city which just keeps getting better and better and the warm welcome we receive from the people of Carlisle really does take some beating.

"The International Market promises to be even bigger and better and will include some exciting traders. Shoppers will also be delighted to hear that some of their old favourites such as Dutch Plant seller Dirk van de Wardt will also be attending again. The International Market is a regular feature in the city centre and is a popular attraction for residents and tourists alike. Shoppers will be spoilt for choice, with a collection of market stalls with a wide range of products."