Elspeth Dilley of the Red Squirrel Store
Hammersmith resident and dessert entrepreneur Sadiya Yasmin will celebrate the first-year anniversary of her business at the second traffic-free Hammersmith Market on Saturday 26 May.
After enjoying a bumper day of trading at the inaugural Hammersmith market in December, which was a real hit with residents, Sadiya is baking up a storm with an Asian twist for the Spring market in a pedestrianised King Street and on Lyric Square from 11am to 7pm.
It forms part of H&F Council’s seasonal street markets which includes the North End Road Market events, which regularly attract 15,000 visitors.
There will be more than 100 stalls, a packed line-up of stage performances, street entertainment and a chance to eat your way around the world at the food quarter.
And there you will find local trader Sadiya, the founder of Afa’s Desserts who started out baking in her mother’s kitchen at the age of 14.
Local entrepreneur
Sadiya began experimenting with spices usually found in Bangladeshi dishes in traditional British and American puddings while studying for her GCSE’s.
Her popular culinary inventions include a mango chutney cheesecake, turmeric carrot cake and vegan chocolate shortbread, which contains cardamom, but to name a few.
“There’s a great friendly vibe in Hammersmith which is hard to find elsewhere in London,” said Sadiya. “The Hammersmith market is an amazing opportunity for the community to get together and have a catch up. I’m looking forward to chatting with local residents and old colleagues while serving up my desserts. It’s going to be a fun day.”
Sadiya, who is one of seven siblings, is called Afa by her younger brothers and sisters (according to Bengali tradition) as she is the eldest in the family, and is the inspiration for her business’ name.
She took part in her first traffic-free market in September of last year at the North End Road Autumn market before participating in the inaugural Hammersmith market.
Sadiya has also taken part in the Hammersmith Grove Street Sale event which is run by local residents.
Traffic-free market
The Hammersmith Spring market will give you the chance to feast on the best of Caribbean, Argentinian, Indian, Italian, Polish, Middle Eastern, British and Thai cuisines, which includes an outdoor seating area, at the global food quarter.
Once you are full and satisfied, you can shop till you drop from new exciting designers in the world of art, jewellery, home accessories and boutique fashion.
While there is a packed line-up of entertainment on stage on Lyric Square and in the pedestrianised King Street with live music, dance, street theatre, children’s workshops (run by Albert Circus) and much more.
Bridie the 8ft Irish Tea Lady and her 7ft tea trolley is also back alongside the mischievous Granny Turismo who made their debut in the borough at the last North End Road Spring Market in March.
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