Stories Behind The Stalls – Love Wimbledon’s Local Market

 

From our very first market in 2013 with just 11 stalls, we have become such a popular market in south west London for both stallholders and visitors, and we now host 27 stalls each month.  Over those years, we have developed a wonderful sense of community with local residents becoming regulars for many of our stallholders and market.

– Tracy Francis, Piazza Manager

 

In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of Love Wimbledon’s Local Market on The Piazza, we interviewed a few of our long-standing stallholders, to hear about their experiences when trading at our market. We have a weekend of celebrations planned 1-2 April, 11am-6pm, from live music to giveaways, themed treats and more. Click here to see a full list of the fantastic stalls.

LusoBrazil

LusoBrazil has been trading at the Love Wimbledon Local Market since 2013. Rute and Segundo wanted to bring authentic products to markets from their Portuguese and Brazilian cultures. LusoBrazil were finalists in the 2023 Time & Leisure Food & Culture Awards for the third time, nominated this year for The Wimbledon Town Centre People’s Choice Award and won highly commended in 2017.

 

What do you like about the atmosphere of our market?

It has a brilliant and friendly atmosphere with fantastic products and amazing traders, we see the market as an essential event for the local community. People who visit the market, including our regular amazing customers, tell us the market is a local monthly meetup.

 

How has the market helped your business?

From day one Love Wimbledon trusted our products and our service and that made us believe in ourselves even more! With our regular variety of Portuguese and Brazilian bakes and the increase in footfall to the market, our stall has seen a steady growth in customers.

 

Me Me Jewellery

Michelle, otherwise known as Me Me, is a coffee-loving fitness fanatic, foodie and devoted mummy that loves to create and design. Me Me discovered her passion for jewellery while travelling in Asia and being surrounded by stunning gemstones. Me Me Jewellery’s speciality is occasion, gift and bridal jewellery, but her pieces can be worn by anyone who appreciates elegant and feminine design.

 

What has the market done for your business?

The market has really helped my business progress. I have met many wonderful customers, that come back time and time again. The repeat business is great and a lovely boost that people remember and come back.

 

What makes the Love Wimbledon market special?

What makes it so special are the other traders, everyone is so supportive and lovely. It feels like family and I can’t wait to see them each month. The atmosphere is fantastic, everyone is happy and helpful, especially Tracy. There’s always a lovely buzz. 

 

Little Greece

Another award-winning business, Little Greece launched their food business at our market. They have been serving delicious Greek souvlaki, salad, tzatziki and feta cheese, haloumi since 2018 which are fan-favourites at our market.

 

Tell us how the market has made a difference to your business.

Exposure at the Love Wimbledon market led to recognition of our food stall. In 2018 we were highly commended as the ‘Best Eating Experience in Wimbledon Town Centre’ by Time & Leisure magazine readers.

 

What special words do you have for us?

The market has a special place in my heart as it was where we first established Little Greece. I enjoy being a part of Love Wimbledon’s market and I will definitely continue supporting this amazing initiative which brings small businesses to the heart of Wimbledon.

 

Maggie Mosley Art

Maggie Mosley Art specialises in creating Eco Art. Inspired by our no single-use plastic policy to go totally plastic-free and eco-friendly, her wooden items are reclaimed and she makes made-to-measure gift bags from vintage material for them to go in.  Customers receive an original piece in a reusable bag and the reassurance that they are helping the planet. On April 1-2, enjoy a 10% discount on Maggie’s hand painted upcycled vintage items, as well as a handmade gift bag.

 

Why do you choose the Love Wimbledon Local Market?

Love Wimbledon is my local market so it’s really good to engage with the local people. Over the years I’ve seen the number of returning customers grow and grow, as well as the requests for bespoke pieces. So the market is an opportunity for me to engage in marketing as well as sales, which makes business sense.

 

Why do you think customers visit the Love Wimbledon market?

Customers look forward to the monthly markets and come to find unique handmade products. This makes for a buzzy, friendly vibe. I love chatting to the regular visitors and catching up with their news.

Wimbledon Winners at Food & Culture Awards 2023

Huge congratulations to so many Wimbledon Town Centre businesses. We had 16 finalists, ten runners up and four overall winners at this year’s prestigious Time & Leisure Food & Culture Awards. The ceremony was hosted in the heart of the town at the New Wimbledon Theatre with hundreds of cultural and hospitality businesses attending from across South West London and Surrey.

This year’s awards champion the talented, creative and passionate people who comprise our thriving hospitality and arts industries.

 

See the full list of winning businesses from Wimbledon Town Centre below.

The Wimbledon Town Centre People’s Choice (Sponsored by Love Wimbledon)

Winner: New Wimbledon Theatre

Highly Commended: Aya Lebanese

Commended: Bombay Delight, Diba, i-Thai

New Wimbledon Theatre

 

Best Family Friendly Restaurant

Winner: Diba

Diba

 

Most Innovative Arts/ Community Project

Winner: Polka Theatre

Commended: Merton Arts Space and Wimbledon Bookfest

The Polka Theatre

Best Sunday Roast 

Winner: The Alexandra

 

The Alexandra

 

View the full list of winners and commended here.

We are delighted to see so many of our local businesses in Wimbledon recognised for their excellence by the community. To explore the best of our neighbourhood, try out local favourites across the town and high street here.

Elys X Wimbledon Park Primary Collective Pop Up

In the spirit of Community, Elys has opened its doors to 12 local brands who form part of the Wimbledon Park Primary School Small Business Hub.  This collective of brands spanning Ladies Fashion, Home & Childrenswear will showcase their products from March – May.

Elys has been the premier independent department store in Wimbledon for over 140 years and is an institution in SW19. As an independent company themselves, Elys are keen to support other local independents. The collective of Owner / Maker run businesses are most grateful for this opportunity and look forward to seeing you in store.

 

Find the brands in store:

Le Print, MaximaLuxe, Studio Qualia: Sat 25th – Tue 28th March

Sweet Pamplemousse, Cotton Tales, Big Ten Prints: Sat 22nd  – Tue 25th April

Our Little Wardrobe, JuniperBerry Kids, All Things Dylan: Thurs 11th  – Sun 14th May

Single Swan, Design by Drake, Story Cashmere: Sat 20th – Tues 23rd May

Visit Elys

Celebrate Mother’s Day in Wimbledon

This Mother’s Day show your appreciation with a lifestyle experience or a special gift and bring the family together for a delicious Sunday meal.

Pamper Time

Every Mother’s Day is an opportunity to pamper your mum. Book Better Leisure for the ultimate spa experience where mum can destress with a range of thermal spa therapies such as the hydrotherapy pool or the hot Turkish baths. Why not go all out and treat your them to a new look at Gina Conway or add a bit of sparkle to your mum’s life with a new set of nails from Princess Nails or Lagoon Spa?

Mother’s Day Gifting

Trying to find the perfect gift to show your appreciation? Add a decorative touch to your mother’s home with the new Spring/Summer collection at Neptune Wimbledon. Mums are like buttons; they hold everything together, why not spoil her with stylish gift from Oliver Bonas or collect a luxury cosmetic from Elys. Pick up mum’s favourite fragrance from The Fragrance Shop or gift them with a piece of bespoke jewellery from Sinclair Jewellers.

On Mother’s Day, We Brunch

Treat your mother on Sunday by bringing the family together for a scrumptious local meal. Dine on flavoursome spices from the east with a set menu and complimentary hamper at Bombay Delight. Head down to Al Forno for an authentic taste of Italy and complimentary fizz. Explore Asian cuisine with delicious Thai food and a complimentary Thai iced tea at imm Thai Fusion. Settle down for a Sunday roast at local pubs The Alexandra, The Old Frizzle and The Prince of Wales.