I might be a little late to the party here, since I’ve been hearing about the awesome-ness that is Plant 4 Bowden for a while now, but I recently got the chance to check it out and I just can’t help myself — I have to talk about it!
Plant 4 Bowden is so much more than just a market. It’s a meeting ground, an event space. It’s an exploration of local food and culture. It’s a celebration of handcrafted jewellery and beauty products.
I love it so much it’s making me poetic! Let’s break it down…
VIBE
I’m starting with the vibe because honestly I think that’s where the true magic comes from. Basically, Plant 4 is a huge space that is full of vendors (some permanent, some that pop out for the markets) that genuinely have fun together and support each other! Everyone is so proud of their craft, which is 100% reflected in their product.
The space itself is lit with fairy lights and fresh greenery hanging from just about anything possible — the roof, the stalls, everywhere! In the middle of winter, the space is cosy and comforting with the smells of homemade cooking, and in the middle of summer the space opens onto the lawns outside for the perfect balmy picnic.
Image Credit :: Plant 4 Bowden
MARKET STALLS
On market nights, there is a little bit of everything here. Some examples that I found / drooled over…
:: Jewellery
:: Bags
:: Clothes
:: Organic skin care
:: Cushions
:: Homewares
:: Spices
:: Fresh fruit and veg
… and so much more! Definitely save up some of your pennies ready to spend, because I guarantee that you won’t be able to help yourself!
FOOD + DRINK
OK, so here is where I need to admit something. I actually arrived at Plant 4 at 1pm for a meeting (AKA lunch), stayed all afternoon for the coffee and cake, accidentally stumbled into a bowl of fresh dumplings, then refused to leave as night fell and ended up having dinner, a fresh juice AND dessert there as well. What can I say — I love good food.
As the stalls are being set up, the space is filled with the most incredible mix of smells. As I mentioned above, there are so many different cultures represented and there are options for everyone, from GF to vego to vegan. There are also plenty of options that are none of these things.
Here are just SOME of the dishes that I sampled throughout the day…
EVENTS
The space is truly magical. So magical, in fact, that we are hosting our very own event at Plant 4 Bowden in a couple of months. No, it’s not a surprise Hayley + Lauren wedding to make their work-wives status official, it’s a LONGEST TABLE DINNER! (But if it was a wedding, that would be fine too since Plant 4 do some of the most stunning weddings I’ve ever seen).
Whether its a small stand up function or a large sit down dinner, the crew at Plant 4 Bowden will help make it happen. There are incredible caterers available on site, a fully licensed bar, and the decor needs very little work since it already looks amazing. Make sure to check it out the next time you’re wondering where to stage a soiree!
So there you go — welcome to my latest crush, Plant 4 Bowden xx
Image Credit :: Plant 4 Bowden
:: Weekly Markets every Wednesday 4pm-9pm, Friday’s from 5pm + Saturday 9am-3pm ::
:: In-house Eateries opening hours available on the Plant 4 Bowden Website ::
:: Come along to our Longest Table Dinner – tickets available here ::
