IT’S summertime in Malton and while things are still returning to a new kind of normal, there is at least good news around if you know where to look. Lockdown might have changed a few things in Malton, but not the ability of local traders and producers to keep making wonderful food and offering amazing service.

There is still nothing like popping into Groovy Moo to hear what new gelato Michelle’s got that day, or into Brass Castle Brewery to see what the guys there are rustling up. By the way is there anything better than their canning machine – hypnotic and very satisfying.

Florian Poirot, Master Pâtissier and UK Pastry champion is busy producing his amazing creations in Talbot Yard and I noticed his Rum Babas were going down a storm last week.

Roost Coffee’s Espresso Bar in Talbot Yard has just reopened for the first time since lockdown meaning all businesses in Talbot Yard are now back open.

David and Ruth of Roost have also made some excellent additions to the yard with new benches and lavender planters making the pedestrianised space outside their excellent café even more inviting and appropriate for delicious-distanced drinking.

Elsewhere, The New Malton reopened last week, offering the most fantastic gastro pub grub, as always. I still have not had a better sticky toffee pudding anywhere in the world than theirs and their fish finger sandwich is a gem too. I urge people to support all the restaurants and cafés that haven’t been able to open over the past few weeks, no doubt they will have lots of new treats and old favourites in store.

What has struck me most since returning to work in Malton is how businesses have adapted and in some cases are doing a roaring trade. I’ve never seen the counter at Derek Fox butcher so full of such beautiful cuts of meat.

While I am partial to a trip to Malton’s excellent Vegan café, The Purple Carrot, I am an undeniable meat eater and recently bought some sensational beef short ribs which I cooked low and slow over my new American smoker. Yorkshire beef cooked over wood smoke, there’s nothing better - although the lentil sambar at The Purple Carrot is up there.

It was great to have the Malton Monthly Food Market back in July with a one-way system and proper social distancing measures. It was wonderful to see about 2,000 visitors safely enjoying the open-air market over the course of the day.

Thanks must go to all those traders who attended and to those who visited. We have always tried to make the market a special occasion, but it felt even better after the enforced break to have Malton’s specialist food and drink market back in the heart of town, in my view the market is key to Malton’s place as a foodie destination.

Melanie of Derek Fox’s was kind enough to share some feedback from one of her customers remarking on the market’s return, “Malton has its heart back” – Melanie, I couldn’t agree more.

The Monthly Market returns this Saturday (August 8), so make sure you don’t miss out. It runs from 9am to 3pm. Enjoy!

For more details about Malton’s programme of markets, go to see visitmalton.com