Question: What if these walls could talk about the Nag’s Head Market? The Nag’s Head Market is a long-established indoor shopping haven. It has been serving locals since 1975. This market sits at the Holloway end of Seven Sisters Road.
Step inside the Nag’s Head Market. You will uncover all kinds of second-hand items. Find electronics and homeware, to antique gems and clothing. Access staples like fresh fishmongers and butchers. Enjoy fruit and vegetables from around the world.
There is a diverse range of fresh hot food stalls. You can find food from Colombia, Japan and Jamaica. Also, Korea, Nigeria and more, with vegan and vegetarian options. Do not forget to check out the very popular keto bakery in the market. Shoppers can bring their own bags and food containers. This helps keep the market sustainable. It also helps reduce waste locally.
The Nag’s Head Market has been serving Holloway for decades. It is 25 years since it went indoors. The old stalls in what was the Marks and Spencer car park had been closed. They were closed for almost a year while a roof was built. On May 2, EastEnders star Wendy Richard cut the ribbon on the new indoor market. This was hours before Arsenal waved goodbye to the old First Division. The revamp intended to breathe new life into Holloway. It restored it to its former glory. It aimed to be one of the top shopping destinations in the region.
Brian Sedley developed the market. He had taken over the land vacated by Sainsbury’s back in 1974. He wanted permanent pitches. Nowadays, the market looks more or less as it did then. A 10000 sq ft second floor workspace will soon be unveiled. Also, food stalls have been brought in to boost business.
Harry Cummines runs Harry’s Cards. He says he used to work in car parks. He got fed up with that. Then he opened a greeting cards shop. He has always done greetings cards. He says they used to have proper stalls. Different traders came on different days. They used to make more money.
The Card Factory opened around the corner. This has not done him any favours. The area has really changed. This is especially true in the last 10 years. But this is a nice part of the community. People have come here every single day for 35 years.
Most traders are local. Sheila Way has run her second-hand clothes shop for decades. Mr and Mrs Ali have been repairing watches since 1974. The flea market is still going on Wednesdays and Sundays. The market is now open seven days a week.
The market collaborates with the London Meridian College and City and Islington College. This gives youngsters the chance to carve out business careers. Suemina has been coming to the Nag’s Head since she was in a pram. She and her sister launched their own business there. They are selling candles and doing body art. Suemina also looks after the market’s social media.
When Mr Sedley died, the Singh family took over the Nag’s Head Market. They had been stallholders themselves. Manager Mr Singh says the introduction of street food stalls and pop-ups has revitalised the market. There are even plans on the table for a new-look design. It will nod to its history.
The Nag’s Head Market has seen many changes. From its outdoor beginnings to its current indoor form. It remains a vital part of the Holloway community. The Nag’s Head Market continues to evolve. It is ready for the next 25 years of trading.