Christmas one-stop shop at Middlesbrough’s “Super” market
Middlesbrough’s very own “Super” Market is providing a one-stop shop for Christmas bargain hunters.
As the festive season kicked off in the town yesterday (Sunday), the Dundas Shopping Centre and Indoor Market launched the first of its special December Sundays.
To mark the occasion there was a visit from a very special person who met children, parents and traders in the market’s Christmas display area.
Santa with Louise Matthews, manager of Jean’s Kitchen at Middlesbrough’s Dundas Indoor Market (photograph by Inspired Photography Services)
“We’ve all had a tough time for nearly two years now, but it’s been particularly difficult for our local independent traders,” said market manager David Harris. “But, despite everything, they’ve bounced back and are excited about the next month.
“This really is a ‘Super’ Market where you can find everything you need for a great Christmas all under one roof. We’re determined to help you make it a time to remember – without breaking the bank.”
In the market there is a butchers, a toy shop, shops selling gifts you cannot get on the High Street and even a shop where you can buy presents for the family pet. While you browse your children can be kept entertained and busy with a special Christmas activity book and competition. There is even a special Santa post box to send letters to the North Pole.
As a break from shopping, a mouth-watering Christmas turkey dinner is back on the menu at the ever-popular Jean’s Kitchen. Also, for the next four weeks, a new food outlet called Different Gravy is dishing up a delicious choice of slow roasted turkey, pork, beef or gammon in baguettes or as part of a dinner tray with roasties, Yorkshire puddings, homemade horseradish and apple sauces, pigs in blankets and – of course – gravy.
Twenty-four-year-old chef Brandon Graham, who will be running Different Gravy, will be back in the New Year with a totally different food offer. Thai Me Up will serve up delicious street food inspired by Brandon’s experience of working in Thailand.
Brandon is one of a number of new traders at the market. Earlier this month Ray Hill opened his unit selling records, CDs, Blue Rays and DVDs. Other new businesses include
PM Toys and Collectables, Simply Babywear and Inspire Photography Services where you can have portraits taken of your children or family for an ideal present.
As well as the new faces, engraver Michelle Jones has returned for her 25th Christmas season. At her stall in the Dundas Centre mall she sells and engraves chains, pens, bracelets, lockets and memorials.
“Christmas is a time for enjoying yourself and also for remembering loved ones,” she said. “Michelle sells and engraves chains, pens, bracelets, lockets and memorials. I love coming here.” So far business has been good. “It’s my second week and I’m not disappointed,” she added.
One of the highlights of Christmas season at Dundas is a special festive market which takes place over three days – 17-19 December – on the last shopping weekend before the big day.
Before then the market is open every Sunday with discounted parking in the Dundas Shopping Centre underground car park and free parking from 3pm.