That’s more like it: New stallholders joined Albert Rees’s Carmarthen Deli in Pembroke Dock’s Friday market as traders enjoyed a soft launch this morning ahead of a full relaunch next Friday.

“Today, there’s a buzz," enthused Chris Rees. “We haven’t had that for some time.”

Chris Rees at Pembroke Dock Market
A smile from Chris as the market hall comes alive once more. (Observer pic)

Old-timers will remember the market hall bigger than it is now, and full of stalls. But in more recent times the market still featured a handful of traders, including a fishmonger and a fruit and veg stall, until retirement and bereavement picked off the stallholders, leaving long-established Carmarthen-based Albert Rees Butchers and Deli the last stall standing.

Today, shoppers could find homemade cakes, handmade sewn items, jewellery, crystals, bags, clothing and more, alongside secondhand books and the usual fresh, cooked and cured meat, eggs, cheese and honey from the market’s most enduring trader.

Pembroke Dock Market - abuzz
Pembroke Dock Market - abuzz (Observer pic)

It’s so good to see the market hall filling up, and it’s worth knowing that there is free parking available on-site and at the Heritage Centre opposite.

Irene (Handmade with Love), who lives in Pembroke, remembers travel to the market regularly on a double decker bus. She said she learned about the opportunity to run a stall from a friend, who had seen it mentioned on Facebook, and thought it perfect for her as she offers sewing alterations as well as hand-sewn items and knitted garments.

Jamie Street and Claire Francis-Boswell, County Councillor and Town Councillor for the town’s Market Ward, have been actively campaigning for a market revival.

Councillor Claire Francis-Boswell said: “Fridays were always so different ‘back in the day’ but nostalgia doesn’t help businesses grow - people taking the time to support them does. New stalls and traders are popping up ,so pop along yourself to see what’s new.

New traders are taking the opportunity of Pembroke Dock Market’s attractive rates and helping to bring the space back to life.
New traders are taking the opportunity of Pembroke Dock Market’s attractive rates and helping to bring the space back to life. (Observer pic)

The Market Hall can be found at Melville Street, Pembroke Dock alongside Futureworks and opposite Randalls Restaurant

Councillor Jamie Street said: “This is all about rebuilding the market into a busy, vibrant place for local traders, small businesses and the community – and the best way to make it a success is to get behind those taking part.”

Stallholders at Pembroke Dock Market
Stallholders at Pembroke Dock Market (Observer pic)

Jamie added that there are art-related plans in the pipeline for the hall next door - formerly Y Gegin Food Hall and latterly the Pembrokeshire Gin Co. venue.

He also said: “A huge thank you must go to Albert Rees Butchers for their support and help in getting things moving. Albert Rees’s Carmarthen Deli has been a fixture at the market for many years, and owners Anne and Chris have been incredibly supportive of our efforts to bring more traders back to the site.”

“We’ve already had another glimpse of the potential here, with Natty G’s Patisserie completing their first day of trading at the market and coming close to a complete sell-out. That shows there is real demand — and anyone who saw what was on offer will know the quality was fantastic!”

If you're a trader, producer, maker or local business interested in being part of it, get in touch with Jamie via Messenger or email [email protected] . Stalls cost just £8 a week, so it’s the perfect opportunity for small businesses and traders to try their hand at selling without a large financial commitment.

And if you’re a customer and like what you saw today, bring a friend next Friday!