On trend: The good food revolution

Led by London's farmers' markets, a good food revolution is happening in the capital's prime areas.

Led by London's farmers' markets, a good food revolution is happening in the capital's prime areas. London's first farmers' market opened in Islington just over ten years ago. Since then, the trend has spread through the capital and become a sign of an area's affluent status. As caring about carbon footprints and food miles, fair trade and organic, has become desirable, local has become the new prime.

Arthur Betts from London Farmers' Markets explains, "We started in 1999 in Islington. The rule is that we only allow food that has come from within 100 miles of the M25, and it's open to producers only."

The London Farmers' Market team visits all the farms and producers who sell at their markets and ensures that the food, which includes cheeses, free-range meat, veg, farm-pressed juices, cakes and bread, comes from as close as possible to London.

"People like the fact that they know where the food is produced," says Arthur. "For children it helps them to understand where their dinner comes from, and they can even speak to the person that grew it."

But what do local businesses think? Although the Devonshire Square market was closed down because of complaints from other food outlets within the square, Arthur says that, in fact, local businesses have often experienced a surge in trade.

"It produces a cluster effect. In Islington the existing market has benefited from increased footfall.

"And when the Marylebone market first started up not many local businesses used to trade on a Sunday. Now more have opened and even Waitrose has increased its hours."

We've looked at three of the city's farmers' markets to see what local estate agents think the impact has been on the area:

Clapham

When: Every Sunday 10am-2pm
Where: Bonneville Primary School, Bonneville Gardens, off Abbeville Road, Clapham, London, SW4 9LB

Tucked away off Abbeville Road in a school playground, this is a real family market popular with parents who want their kids to know that carrots come with soil on them.

"The farmers' market is an overall plus for the area, and a sign of gentrification," says Fenella Russell-Smith from Hamptons.

But Clapham has also been part of a larger gastronomic revolution. Fenella says: "Clapham has become incredibly foodie recently. As well as the farmers' market, we've now got the best ice cream shop in London here in the Old Town. Moen the butcher is fabulous. It has such artistic window displays. And we have a wonderful French patisserie, and a French market twice a year in Venn Street.

"I suppose the Northcote area did well initially because of schools. Then the shops followed.

"Overall the markets and the shops may add value to properties. I've certainly noticed that people are out a lot more. It has made Clapham into more of a destination."

Notting Hill

When: Every Saturday 9am-1pm
Where: Car park behind Waterstones, Kensington Church Street, Kensington, London W11 3PB.

Notting Hill Farmers' Market, tucked away behind the tube, has been running since September 1999. It is one of the area's best-kept secrets, and locals would prefer to keep it that way.

Tom Tangney from Knight Frank in Kensington says, "People like the idea of buying their fresh break and cheese and ham and taking it home, getting out he picnic blanket and a bottle of wine and having a bit of al fresco.

"Local people do use the market, certainly some of our clients have mentioned it. They think it's nice to be doing the shopping locally. I suppose there's a bit of a novelty factor, but people are aware of reducing food miles too.

"From a saleability point of view it's definitely a positive factor. People want a sense of community, and having a wander around the market you are much more likely to get to know your neighbours than by going to the supermarket."

Islington

When: Every Sunday 10am - 2pm
Where: Chapel Market, Between Penton Street and Baron Street. Western End. N1 9PZ

London's first ever and most established farmers market takes place on Chapel Market between Baron Street and Penton Street, with loads of space to shop and at least 30 stalls each week.

Hamish Allen from Winkworth's Islington office is used to fresh meat and veg, having been brought up on a farm in Scotland, but he is surprised by the variety of produce on offer.

"It's very impressive. The whole thing is very vibrant. The market attracts a mixed group of people, though generally this area has a young atmosphere.

"The average second-time buyers here are in their early to mid thirties, and they're buying properties of around £500,000. The gastronomy, with all the bars and restaurants, are what they expect for their money."

Find your local farmers' market