London's first 'slow food' market opens

By Rags Martel: ITV London reporter

A hotel in Holborn has become the venue for the first Slow Food market to set up in London.

Stepping into the courtyard of the Rosewood London is like stepping out of the city.

The taxi horns and busy footsteps of Holborn fade away. But, the hotel is now creating its own buzz.

The hustle and bustle of market life is a new attraction for anyone interested in spending their Sunday browsing food stalls.

From the clatter of butchers knives to the rustling of fresh bread being wrapped up for sale, the vendors (all London based) are keen to promote the idea of "Slow Food".

Slow Food is a movement promoting locally produced food and this first dedicated market to open in central London.

"Slow Food is a way of life", says Amandine Chaignot, Rosewood London's chef. "It's food that's sustainable, local and organic".

Behind one of the 30 stalls is Philip Wilton, a cheese maker from Tottenham. "You can do everything else in London, so why can't you make cheese?"

"Slow food is made properly with ethics and value, without the use of anything false to speed things up" he says.

Elsewhere, you'll find honey made from the rooftops of London and a Peckham brewery making Mead, the world's oldest alcoholic beverage created by fermenting honey and water.

Mark Holdsworth is bringing back gin making to London. Fifty years after the last distillery closed he has opened Half Hitch in Camden.

"This is pinch yourself time", he says of his stall. "There's no other market like this in London."

The Slow Food & Living Market takes place from 10am to 3pm every Sunday, at Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London WC1