The winners of this year’s Market Trader of the Year competition were announced at the council’s festive event at Chapel Market on Saturday 2 December.
This year the competition was split into two categories: ‘Trader of the year’ and ‘Street food trader of the year’. Members of the public were able to vote for their favourite traders.
Islington’s trader of the year is John Papworth, a greengrocer at Chapel Market who first started trading there 55 years ago.
John said: “I am really delighted to have won this award – it means a lot. To everyone that took the time to vote for me, I really appreciate it and would like to say a big thank you.
“I am now serving the grandchildren of customers I had in the 1970’s. It’s been great knowing the generations of families still here in Islington. I do love hearing stories from customers, like a laugh and a bit of banter, it’s what makes it worthwhile.”
The street food trader of the year category was won by Adrian Serrano, who runs La Real Paella in Chapel Market.
Adrian said: “I just got my licence in March so to win hot food trader of the year is super amazing. My family in Spain are very happy and proud.
“I want to say a really big thank you because I never expected people to vote for me!”
John and Adrian both receive £250 off their stall rent.
Cllr Santiago Bell-Bradford, Executive Member for Inclusive Economy and Jobs, said: “Congratulations to John and Adrian. It’s great to see our traders being recognised by the public for the excellent work that they do.
“Our street markets are treasured places for local people to meet and the fantastic independent traders are an important part of that heritage. Together, we all want to see our markets flourish and for businesses – old and new – to prosper and thrive.”
The Market Trader of the Year competition was open to traders directly licensed by Islington Council, including traders at Camden Passage, Chapel Market, Exmouth Market and Whitecross Street – as well as street traders in other locations across the borough.
