Yesterday along with my pal Gillian I went to visit the Sunday market at St George's Market. I was nosey to see if all the hype about the place was true and also was curious to meet some of the people/businesses people talk about on my twitter feed.
Bare in mind my previous experince of SGM was as a 17 yr old student back in the day. Me and friends from school used to visit there on Friday mornings during the school holidays to "pick up a bargain". There was a different sort of vibe about the place then - I'm not being snobby but the vendors were a bit rougher, definately "more Belfast" and less up for the craic.
Indeed when I told my mum yesterday I was at the market she shuddered with the memory of some of the purchases I used to bring back.
I think her personal favourite was a long black trench coat which had to be hung out on the line for at least 2 weeks to get rid of the staunch. Me - it was a long patterned dress which I cut into a rather fetching (or so iIthought at the time) top.
So back to SGM in 2010, yes I think the 2nd hand clothes market (similar to Smithfield vibe) still is very popular on a Friday but the addition of the saturday/sunday markets which are prominately to appeal to tourist, students, people who enjoy the culinary experiences which are promoted through the Contenential markets.
As soon as we went in there was the sound of the Jazz band vibrating about the places - people were buzzing around carrying different things to eat, drink or just to brighten up their homes. One of the first stalls we came across was a fabulous jewellery stall similiar in style to the lovely (but kinda pricey ) Miglio jewellery. I had been eying up a fabulous ring and necklace expecting them to be £70 + and nearly "shit a log" when the lady said the ring was £8 and necklace was £20. Similiar Miglio bracelet is retailing for £220. So first purchase made (Gillian also bought 2 bracelets for her up incoming wedding for bridesmaids!)
As we browsed around the different stalls "would you care to sample?" was a common question. And people were happy to talk rather than that "pressure" to only sample if you intend to buy. Personal favs included the German marcoon/truffles guy who was new , slightly hap hazard but v funny, the chutney people (spicy chutney and crackers were delish), chocolate coulture, aunt sandras fudge and the delish cupcakes at Cakes by James. Did I mention I like food? lol
Next we went to look for the photgraphy stall of someone whom I follow on twitter - the v talented Edward Wilson. And even though I wasnt in the market to buy some prints at the moment thought his images of different parts of belfast were stunning, vibrant and would definately be a fab memory of Our wee land.
For lunch I decided to have a savory pancake which was nice though too full as we listened to the band again.
All in all a fabulous way to spend a few hours in a sunday afternoon. In conclusion this belfast chick will be back again VVV soon!
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