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Following its success in 2007, Covent Garden will once again be revisiting its heritage as the original ‘larder of London’ with London’s only night market.

An array of stalls will transform the Piazza into a foodie paradise this summer with many of the UK’s finest traders including appearing including Spore Boys, The Ginger Pig and Primrose Bakery.

They haven’t revealed the names but expect the attendance of several ‘celebrity chefs’ in the ‘kitchen theatres’ (a first apparently on a public square). Each will be cooking exciting dishes prepared from fresh produce taken directly from the market stalls. A different session will be hosted each week; giving alfresco diners the opportunity to pick up some culinary tips from the professionals and take away some of the best quality fare in London.

The night markets start on Thursday 7th and Friday 8th of August and continue for every Thursday and Friday of the month with the “Kitchen Theatres” happening every Friday at 7pm. The market itself is open from 3pm until 9pm.

Photo from I Am Jae’s photostream

Spain comes to London with Taste Spain 2007 (12-19 October) with an extravaganza of Spanish food, wine, music and culture!

The week’s programme includes a Spanish food market (13 October) on Kings Road, Chelsea (Duke of York Square); two days of Spanish food, wine and entertainment at Borough Market (17-18 October), where nine of Spain’s top gourmet regions will have stands offering tastings - including some stalls from the famous Boqueria Market in Barcelona!
For more info see www.tastespain.co.uk/

Covent Garden will return to its roots as the original larder of London this August when the iconic location hosts the first ever night market in the city. Londoners can stop for an alfresco bite in the atmospheric surroundings of hops and hay bails or pick up some quality fare on their way home for the weekend.

Bringing together the best of London’s food markets - traders from Borough to Broadway, Exmouth to Islington will set their stalls out alongside premium food producers never before available in the Capital.

This is the ultimate foodie experience, visitors to the market can choose delicacies from over 35 different stalls each evening of the Night Markets; from the much loved Neal’s Yard, Spore Boys, Chocstar, Gourmet Candy Company and Simply Ice Cream to Skye Gyngell’s favourite – The Ginger Pig, Violet Cakes and Brindisa and newcomers who have never traded before in London Duchy Oysters - Covent Garden is still the only place in London where 1000 people can dine alfresco style.

The revival of London’s most famous food market has attracted the best purveyors in the UK. Bev Churchill, Brand Director of Covent Garden sums up the inspiration behind the idea “Covent Garden Market was the original home of quality and variety of produce. To bring a food market of this calibre back to Covent Garden feels natural for the environment and location. Hosting London’s first ever night market means that we get to make history at the same time”

An innovative programme of contemporary live performance will bring each evening to life. The hottest Hoe Down group this side of Texas - “Cut A Shine” promise roaring, thigh-slapping, pavement-stomping fun and high tempo, gusty performances of live music from other lively acts.

Covent Garden Night Markets run from 5.00pm to 10.00pm every Thursday night in August beginning on 2 August 2007 and all retail outlets in Covent Garden Market will be open until 10.00pm to be part of this great event.

Covent Garden Market remains one of the world’s most famous. Visitors and locals will have the opportunity to unwind in the historic surroundings and savour the flavours of freshly prepared dishes in premium picnic style. Alternatively customers can pick up quality items such as hearty Spanish hams, ‘just caught’ fish, fruit, vegetables and flowers or freshly made breads from the local bakers to enjoy at home.

Trading dates are:
2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th August 2007
Location: Covent Garden, WC2