Bongs, buttons and bull strength at Cardiff’s Central Market – in photos

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Cardiff Central Market has been around since Victorian times, and I always make a point of taking a look around whenever I’m back in my home town.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

It doesn’t seem to have changed much since I was a child, with the market offering a rich and unpretentious variety of stalls, with cheap cafes and food bars inside.

Designed by the Borough Surveyor, William Harpur, the two floor market opened in May 1891, while a farmers’ market is known to have existed at the site since the 18th century.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

The hand drawn artwork of Celtic Corner, by the ground floor cafe.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Lovely fresh Welsh cakes! I always try to pick up some to scoff on the train journey back to Brixton.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Business was booming at the butchers. In case you’re wondering about the seasonal red Santa hat, I took these photos over last Christmas.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Many of the stalls have extremely colourful displays, including this one showing off a large variety of stock including bongs, lighters, rolling mats and, curiously, socks.

One box of poppers bears the slogan, “STRONG LIKE BULL!”

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

This esoteric stall should be able to cater for just about all of your lighter/skins requirements.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Gary Anthony Butchers supplies a customer.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

So far, the market hasn’t turned into a hipster hell like Brixton Village, even though a handful of vintage stores have turned up. Let’s hope the market can maintain its wonderful mix of new and traditional shops.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

A very well stocked haberdashery.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Cauliflowers from the Gower at £1.80 a pop.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

“LED Board: promote anything, I will increase your profits” claims the sign.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Kelly’s records on the first floor.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Hard at work creating Welsh cakes at Cardiff Bakestones.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Some more haberdashery views.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Market clock on St Mary’s Street.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Despite being restored in 2011 at a cost of £25,000, the H. Samuel Everite Time clock remains without the hands that disappeared some time after 2007 – and it’s been a long time since the neon letters were illuminated.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Getting stuck into the chocolate mix.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Last minute Christmas card buying.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Relaxing in the downstairs cafe. The price list behind the counter advertises a beefburger for £1.80 and a plate of Faggots, Peas, Gravy and Mash for £1.90.

A chip butty can be yours for £1, with the traditional Cardiff plate of chips and curry being an affordable £1.80.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Looking across the ground floor from the stairs.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Enjoying a snack on the first floor.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Another stall with plentiful supplies of smoking paraphernalia.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

General view from the first floor balcony.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Empty seats.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Another colourful shop unit.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

DIY stall.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Large plastic panda.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Faggots & Peas, a Cardiff staple (but not for veggies like me!)

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Lunch in the market.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Pets and ketchup.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

This bird has flown.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Crowded stalls on the first floor.

Photos of Cardiff Central Market, central Cardiff, south Wales

Heading out of the market.

Here’s a lovely little video shot in 2010 (below):

Read more:
Photos of Cardiff Central Market, a Victorian indoor market in the Castle Quarter
A celebration of Kellys Records in Cardiff Central Market, south Wales
Cardiff Market photos, 2007

Central Market, Cardiff CF10 2AU
Phone: 029 2037 7355
Open 9am – 5pm Mon – Sat.
[See on map]

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