St Nicolas Market is a lively market place found in the heart of the old part of the city. It was established in 1743 and is the oldest and most popular market in Bristol. Located at the top of Corn Street in “The Exchange Building”. It has been named one of the ten best markets in the UK and Britain’s Best Large indoor Market in 2016. It is quintessential of what a market should be and home to the largest collection of independent retailers in Bristol, making it one of Bristol top attractions.
Its historical architecture, quirky ambience and fantastic stalls bursting with a wide variety of goods, crafts and street food combine to make the perfect place to shop, wander, eat, relax and enjoy. With over 60 independent stalls, with things you just wouldn’t find in regular shops this market is a must see for any visitor to the city. St Nicholas Market is also home to several outdoor markets which take place in the pedestrian street which is alongside The Exchange Building.
It has a varied mix of stalls selling original fashion, vintage, hand-crafted accessories, records, unique gifts and everything in between and an underground treasure trove of Indian goods just at the entrance to the Exchange Hall where you can pick up Mandala tapestries, rugs, textiles and designer made stained glass, tiaras, jewellery and more. This shop is called Lunartique and is a colourful treat and owned by a very talented lady named Helen Christini.
The indoor market has three sections and is open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm:
EXCHANGE HALL – a large open plan trading area with a broad collection of permanent stalls selling funky knitwear, individual bags and hats, shirts, scarves, handmade jewellery and gifts, novelty gifts, celebration cards, travel bags, gadgets, Organic Natural Olive Oils, flaming hot sauces, Handmade wooden crafts, wind charms and chimes, dream catchers, second hand records and books, pictures, candles, toys and much more. The majority of which are handmade by local traders.
In between the Exchange Hall and the Glass arcade is a café called Royce Rolls selling a huge range of rolls and sandwiches with interesting homemade fillings, Organic Soup, Salad boxes, Oven baked jacket potatoes and a delicious selection of gluten free and vegan cakes.
GLASS ARCADE – home to a unique offering of world foods. This brightly coloured selection, includes award winning pies handmade pies from Pieminster, Handmade falafel, hummus and pitta from Eat a Pitta, homemade cakes and buns from Ahh Toots, authentic Szechuan street food from Chilli Daddy, Japanese cuisine, Gyoza and delicious filled dumplings from Eatchu, traditional Portuguese food from Portuguese Taste, Pure Pasta sell pasta, sandwiches, lasagne and other Italian meals from Pure Pasta, Soup and Sandwiches, authentic flavoursome Moroccan food from the Moroccan Café, healthy nutritional fresh juices and smoothies from Big Juice Bar to name just a few and not forgetting Lucy Anna Flowers, supplying the best quality flowers sourced locally.
COVERED MARKET – a series of unique shops in alleyways – One of the oldest bookshops in the South West called Beware of the Leopard Books, boutique Danish Costume Jewellery, second hand fine jeweller from A&P Jewellery, Zimbabwean and South African Food and drinks from Kalahari Moon, Phone accessories and repairs from Phone Junkies, delicious chocolates, sweets and handmade truffles from A Bar of Chocolate, Haberdashery, beads, ribbon and craft supplies from Sew n Sew, records from blues to reggae in Wanted Records, Handmade one off glass, concrete planters, ceramics, books and homeware from Gravel Pit.
During the week there are Markets on the street in front of The Exchange Building.
Tuesdays and Fridays – 11am – 2.30pm – Street Food Market, 15 stalls offering the best of Bristol street food from Thai to British, Indian to Japanese. Regulars are Caribbean Mutton Creole/Cajun Cuisine from Blue Fire Smoke and Grill, Indian curries and accompanying side from Indian Masala, homemade exquisite sausages from The Italian Sausage, Indonesian Street Food from Enggi’s Kitchen, Japanese Street Food from Momo Bar, Thai food from Niang’s Thai Snacks, Gourmet doughnuts filled with homemade delicious jams and custards from Pippin Doughnuts.
Wednesdays – 9.30am – 2.30pm – Bristol Farmers’ and Producers Market an award-winning weekly market offering fresh produce direct from independent producers across the city. Traders include – Apple Juice from English Apple Juice, Smoked Fish from Felce Foods, Meat, Pies and Quiches from Frocester Fayre Farm, Handmade Hummus from Moist, a superb range of bread from family owned Pullins Bakers, a great Venison range from Robert Hawker Venison, traditional Italian and Spanish cured meats combined from Somerset Charcuterie, Quality homemade cakes and sponges from Taynton Farm. Elm Tree Farm a 47-acre Farm based in Bristol offering support for leaning disabilities and selling the products produced. Products range from apple, eggs, cucumbers, marrows, lettuces, Aubergines, sweet corn, apple juice, herbs, cut flowers and anything else you can think of. The list for the Farmers Market goes on and on.
Fridays and Saturdays – 9am – 5pm – The Nails Market – 30 local independent traders selling a fantastic range of handcrafted jewellery, vintage clothes, original artwork and an array of gifts – Traders include – Bespoke handmade pottery by Liz Isaacs, fused glass window hangings and jewellery from Mivart Colour, Bristol Landscape Photography from Roger James Hinchliffe Photography, Art, Books and collectables from Simon Ellis, Art and fashion from Tobias Illustrate, Vintage Clothing from Urban Fox, the naughtiest, tastiest homemade chocolate brownies from Naughty Brownies. Plus, a range of unique and creative seasonal guest stalls.
Mondays – 10am – 3pm – The New Bristol Vegan and Wellbeing Market – Bristol’s only dedicated Vegan Market with an array of plant powered goodness guaranteed. Delicious Street food options, sweet treats, fresh produce and vegan essentials.
St Nicholas Market – The Exchange Building, Corn Street, Bristol BS1 2DP – Parking – The Galleries, just a 2 minutes’ walk. Newgate, Bristol BS1 2DP – Travel 25 minutes by car. https://www.bristol.gov.uk/web/st-nicholas-markets/home
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