Historic North Devon market crowned Britain’s favourite after public vote

South Molton Pannier Market has been named Britain’s Favourite Market 2026 at the Great British Market Awards, held on 5 February in Birmingham.

Voted for by the public, South Molton Pannier Market was recognised for its outstanding traders, 100 per cent occupancy and deep community pride. 

Twice-weekly market days continue to drive footfall, support local charities and strengthen the town’s local economy.

The North Devon market has now won national awards for four consecutive years, including accolades for Community Market and Best Market Attraction. 

ABOVE: South Molton Pannier Market receives its Britain’s Favourite Market 2026 award at the Great British Market Awards. Credit: South Molton Pannier Market

This is the first time it has been crowned the overall national winner.

The award followed a nationwide public vote, with customers, residents and visitors backing the historic market in large numbers. 

Judges also highlighted the market’s community engagement, including support for local causes such as Skate Molton CIC and other grassroots initiatives.

Market Manager Adam Nichols attended the ceremony alongside Town Clerk Andrew Coates and Mayor Paul Henderson. 

Traders inside the market cheered as the news filtered through, with spontaneous applause, cake shared among stallholders, and confetti cannons marking the moment. 

A larger public celebration is now being planned for later in the year.

Speaking to the Gazette, Mr Nichols, a former trader himself, said: “this award means a huge amount to me personally. I know first hand the work, commitment and resilience it takes to run a stall, so I have always worked closely with our traders and built strong, honest relationships with them. To know that the public voted for us in such numbers makes this even more special.

“Winning awards four years running shows the strength that has been here for a long time, but being named the overall winner this year feels like a real milestone. There has been a renewed energy around the market, with higher standards, stronger promotion and a growing events programme that continues to bring more people into the town.

“We have big plans for 2026 and beyond. We want to keep building on this momentum, creating more opportunities for independent businesses and strengthening the market’s role at the heart of the community.”

Town Clerk Andrew Coates described the achievement as significant for the town. 

“To see South Molton Pannier Market recognised as Britain’s Favourite Market through a public vote is a tremendous achievement. It reflects the strength of community support and the dedication of our traders, staff and volunteers. Securing the overall national title this year is a landmark moment and something the whole town can be proud of.”

Long-standing trader Mark Day of Quirky Cards & Gifts, who has traded at the market for 20 years, said the win reflected a growing momentum. 

Presentation has improved, marketing is more visible and consistent, and the events programme has grown in scale and ambition. There is a stronger sense of direction and confidence about where the market is heading.”

What the awards are

The Great British Market Awards are organised annually by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) and are widely regarded as the national awards for UK markets, recognising excellence across a range of market types; from indoor and outdoor markets to community and speciality markets.

The awards celebrate innovation, resilience, community impact and economic contribution within the UK markets sector, highlighting the role markets play in supporting local traders, tourism and town centre vitality.

A public vote determines the Britain’s Favourite Market category, making it especially prestigious because it reflects widespread support from customers and visitors as well as industry recognition.

Almost 1,500 markets currently operate in Great Britain and the competition saw approximately 40,000 votes cast as members of the public were invited to vote for their favourite market. 

The Pannier Market was opened in February 1864 by the Mayor of South Molton.

Regular markets run every Thursday and Saturday, 8.30am–1pm, with additional special events held throughout the year, hosting about 70 local businesses selling a wide range of locally produced, reared and grown foods including fruit and veg, bread, fresh fish and meat, eggs and pasties. 

Other goods available include flowers, clothing, jewellery, plants, antiques and hand crafts.

The accolade places South Molton firmly on the national map as one of the UK’s leading markets, recognised not only for trading excellence but for its contribution to the wider community.

All the pictures from the South Molton Pannier Market celebrations will appear in next week’s Gazette, out Wednesday 18 February