Shrewsbury Market Hall named 'Britain's Favourite' for a record fourth time and third year in a row

The Shropshire market was named as 'Britain's Favourite' at the 2025 Great British Market Awards in Birmingham today, and has now won the coveted title four times during the past seven years - in 2018, 2023, 2024 and now 2025.

Shrewsbury Market Hall has become the only market in the UK to have won the award a record four times and a record three years in a row.

The market awards are organised annually by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) to celebrate the best of UK markets. 

The 'Britain’s Favourite Market' award is considered the most coveted of the 13 awards which are up for grabs as it involves a nationwide public vote as well as scrutiny by a panel of industry experts.

NABMA Chief Executive, David Preston revealed that more than 40,000 votes had been cast for this year's competition, and Shrewsbury beat off competition from nine other top 10 market finalists including Market Drayton market. 

Shrewsbury and Atcham MP, Julia Buckley presented the award as part of her role as the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Markets Group.

Shrewsbury Market Hall is home to more than 50 independent businesses, including retailers, cafes and bars, and is jointly managed by Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Town Council.

"To win Britain’s Favourite Market for an unprecedented third year running and a record fourth time is truly amazing, we’re delighted," said market Tenant Liaison Manager Amy Williams from Shropshire Council.

"Every year the competition for the title gets tougher. All credit goes to our incredible traders, who make Shrewsbury Market Hall such an exciting and unique place to visit, and to all our staff who work tirelessly to help make the market special and ensure it continues to evolve.

"We know Shrewsbury Market Hall has a special place in the hearts of many of our customers and we can’t thank them enough for the huge support they give us year after year.

"For our market to win this award in its 60th anniversary year, makes it all the more special. We’re going to have a year-long celebration!"

Shrewsbury Town Council's Commercial Markets and Events Manager, Ian Thorpe added: "Our fantastic traders provide an eclectic shopping experience for both residents and tourists, who voted for us to win this award.

"This is another great achievement for Shrewsbury, which has already garnered national recognition as the 'Town of Flowers' and a 'Great Town' by the Academy of Urbanism.

"Shrewsbury Market Hall is a treasured asset that will celebrate its 60th anniversary this September. Working alongside Amy Williams, Sarah Hart, Kevin Goss, Rob Miles and all our wonderful traders, we’ll ensure this milestone year is a true celebration."

Other awards included for the best large and small, indoor and outdoor markets, best community/parish market, best speciality markets, best attraction, the best food markets and others.

Unfortunately, Market Drayton Market missed out on an award at this year's awards, but boss Kate Gittens, who took over management last year, previously said that the market will be back stronger in years to come. 

During the award citation, NABMA Chief Executive Mr Preston said about Shrewsbury Market: "The public vote for Britain’s Favourite Market has chosen a market known locally as a unique food and drink and shopping destination that offers a vibrant and eclectic fusion of the handcrafted and the hard to find.

"The market is part of the proud history of its town, its present and clearly regarded by voters, residents and visitors as part of its future. The market has respected leadership, is not frightened of change and continually seeks to evolve and provide exciting business and start-up opportunities."

A full list of winners can be found here.