Every year, in the heart of Wimbledon, is a brilliant Christmas market, hosting a range of food, jewellery and gift stores. Held across 5 weekends from the 19th of November to the 18th of December, the Wimbledon Piazza is full of over 30 small business stalls, all heartily welcomed by Wimbledon’s shoppers.
The market displays many gifts, decor, candles, and gourmet foods, such as by Anna Luxury sweet treats, as well as hot food to go, enticing all ages, with coffee for the adults, and crepes for the children! Markets such as these are hugely beneficial for small businesses in terms of public outreach and marketing, as well as being a terrific way for the public to be exposed to the latest brands, items, and cuisines from all over the world, in the case of Wimbledon Market. One of my personal favourites was Olive Corner, a delicious Turkish food store with reams of olives and Turkish delight.
The Wimbledon Christmas market is a traditional take on a much larger, classic Christmas market, that one could possibly find in Germany or elsewhere, for example. However, it still brings aspects of Wimbledon life that I find to be even more comforting and festive!
After speaking to Maria, who works for the by Anna cakes stall, I gathered that the markets, not even just at Christmas time, are a huge asset for the company, as the bakery is only a 2019 start-up. Similarly, to many businesses during Covid, having the ability to now, out of lockdown, be right in the public eye of a very bustling town like Wimbledon, is brilliant.
The options are endless at the by Anna stall, with a range of desserts and treats like fudgy brownies, blondies, cupcakes, and even vegan and gluten free options so that everyone can have a try!
The accessibility of the market is also a great factor in its success, with wheelchair access all around, being step-free and having very wide walkways between the stalls. In addition to the vast pull factors to the Wimbledon market, it is dog friendly! This attracts many, after coming from a Sunday morning walk on Wimbledon Common.
Joe Parker, from Wimbledon, said, “The market is a lively and fun place to be on the weekend, and I always leave with a new dessert or present every single time I visit.”
