Stroud, a market town in Gloucestershire, has been named among the prettiest towns in the UK by World Atlas, with its award-winning Farmers' Market drawing visitors from as far as Japan and China. The market, managed by 64-year-old Kardien Gerbrands, known locally as Gerb, has operated since 1999 and features over 60 stalls every Saturday at Cornhill Square.
"We get coach trips of Japanese and Chinese tourists which for a town like Stroud is absolutely ridiculous," Gerbrands told the Daily Express. The market has earned the title of "Best Farmers' Market in the UK" twice from the Farm Retail Association under his leadership.
Recognition and appeal
World Atlas noted: "Nestled by the western escarpment of the Cotswold Hills, and about 108 miles west of London, the historic market town of Stroud is full of fabulous finds." The website added that the market provides "an award-winning lineup of fresh local fare, including produce, cheeses, meats, honeys, and pastries."
Gerb, operations manager for Fresh-n-Local Markets, which manages the event, said: "It's become extremely popular not just for local people but it also brings a lot of people in from all over the country and even the world." He noted that Stroud "really is a working town rather than a Cheltenham or Cirencester that is designed to attract tourists," adding: "In the 70s, it was quite a grungey place."
Community and preservation efforts
Gerb credited groups like the Stroud Civic Society for preserving the town's character. "A lot of them were threatened to be taken down and they worked against that. It helped preserve the town's history. That sort of activism created a sense of community that's so important in Stroud," he said.
The society's notable victory included saving the Hill Paul Building, a former clothing factory near Stroud railway station, from conversion into apartments. They also championed restoration of the 19th-century Station Master's House and found new uses for the Chapels of Rest at Bisley Road Cemetery.
Independent businesses and festivals
Stroud, dubbed the "Covent Garden of the Cotswolds" or "Notting Hill with wellies," features independent shops, artisan food retailers, and cafes. Woodruffs Cafe, opened in 1998, is recognised as Britain's first totally organic cafe. Owner Jamie Shaw said: "People come in and say they'd much rather come to us to support independent businesses than the chains."
Shaw noted the Farmers' Market makes the town "around three times busier" than a normal weekday. Stroud also hosts events including the Stroud Book Festival in November, featuring the Laurie Lee Prize for Writing, along with the Hidden Notes Festival, Chalfest, and the Stroud Arts Festival.
Gerb concluded: "Stroud has a bit of everything without being too big and commercial. It's kept its small town status. It's a combination of the community, all of the things going on in the town, and the beautiful landscape."
