Here’s the low-down on the new farmers market in Glasgow West End.
By Tracy Mukherjee
A wander along the Kelvin of late, you will undoubtedly have noted a welcome addition to the landscape. An unused, unloved spot is now a vibrant, welcoming hub of conversation, local produce and sustainability. Welcome to the Railyard.
On the Right Tracks
Having lived in the West End for the last 25 years, I have always loved the convenience of the place. By that I mean five minutes in any direction from my home I can access sustainable coffee shops, organic greengrocers and more restaurant choices than I could ever hope for. We are indeed, spoiled.
One reason why most of us who have studied, put down roots, had families and stayed here, is because as Westenders, we appreciate having ethical choices. We value being able to spend what we earn in a conscientious way. And we respect those businesses that put their money where their mouth is to provide this for us.
Welcome to The Railyard.
The Timetable
Andrew Clarke is part of entrepreneurial trio behind the West End’s newest food hall and regular farmers market, The Railyard. Located beside the Kelvin at the former rail works, it is literally, the perfect spot. Sustainability, environment and supporting local producers is central to their mission.
But how did this disused, unloved space become a continental market and base for al- fresco dining? Andrew explains.
‘We are actually a group of friends – Bronwen Nixon, Stuart Collins and myself. Stuart has been based in Edinburgh with Upland Roast coffee. He’s always been quite keen to have something in the West End in and around Kelvingrove Park. We came up with the whole proposal last Summer, earmarking the site when writing the proposal to the council. The council were really open to it. They’ve been really strong partners all the way along.’
There were a few ideas in terms of branding, design of The Railyard. Andrew says, ‘Knowing how important the area is in Kelvingrove to the people who live around here, we wanted something that was rooted to the history of the area. Landscaping was a massive part of the proposal, living walls, roof plants, getting a few statement pieces and the containers.’
If you haven’t visited yet, the containers Andrew describes are now statement rail carriages, beautifully clad in wood. It’s a lovely nod to those carriages of old that would have called the yard their home.
Departing the Station
The Railyard team launched their venture in April. Their concept composes the permanent food outlets, and a Saturday farmers market – whose traders all align with the company’s commitment to ethical commerce. Ambitious to say the least.
Andrew explains, ‘I think it was important that the first day was a farmers’ market for people to come down and get an impression of what we really want to provide for the area which is not only the containers, the permanent outlets that are there, but access to premium and fresh Scottish produce from different rural areas. We are passionate about people having the ability to bring their shopping bags down and do as much of the weekly shop as possible.’
In talking to Andrew, his commitment to ethical commerce is admirable. It runs through the arteries of the Rail Yard: from the milk used in the coffees at Upland Roast right through to each individually selected vendor at the markets. It’s a community of like-minded people.
‘The local point is really important. Sustainability, reducing carbon emissions, authenticity – people can reach out and touch the supply chain. Stuart works with producers sourcing the milk for Upland Roast through farming community. At the farmers’ market e.g. Peelham’s Farm run the stall and have a leaflet which tells their ethos. People value that access to information. We really want to be able to give people the avenue to information about their food.’
On Board Refreshments
The team have three permanent food carriages at present. At Lupo, the joint project of Alessandro and Pietro, is an Italian outlet passionate about using the best local ingredients, including Scottish mozzarella, in their inspired Panuozzo and panzerotto creations. Next door, at the Garden Shed, sample a nutritious take on a baked potato using sweet potatoes and seasonally diverse salads. Add a sumptuous smoothie to get those five a day.
And, of course, there’s always room for a cup of Joe. Upland Roast have some of the finest ethically sourced beans around. Both Andrew and Stuart lived in Vietnam for a time. Whilst there, Stuart sourced premium beans directly from the farmers, which are independently exported to Scotland. No middleman ensures the farmer is fairly paid, without exorbitant overheads to a distributor. Or if hot chocolate is more your forte, Upland Roast may just have the best in Glasgow. Which should set the outlet in good stead come the Winter months.
The Journey Ahead
Autumn and Winter months? The Railyard will continue as both permanent outlets AND with the new Saturday farmers market in the West End all year round. Perfect for an Autumn browse of a Saturday…and, of course, hot chocolate with toasted marshmallows.
Andrew and the team have been pleased with The Railyard journey so far. And with plans for more permanent food vendors and an expanding market, they are keen to ensure the surrounding community are happy. He says ‘If you live locally and have questions or concerns, we have an information tent on a Saturday. Please come and speak to us. Any ideas? We want dialogue – if people have questions, we probably have answers.’
It looks like The Railyard has an exciting journey ahead. All aboard!
For more information on the newest farmers market in Glasgow West visit –
