Although you need to be selective on the market when buying – it really doesn’t lend itself to browsing because the hoards of people make it very, very difficult - there are plenty of quality (not cheap) goods to choose from. But first let me tell you about one of my favourite shops just outside of the market area at 87 Bailgate (telephone: 01522-537834). Lincoln has a first rate whiskey shop. It’s small and on busy days (like the Christmas market) they do try and limit the number of people in the shop at any one time and is a must if you have any whiskey aficionado in your family. They have more than 250 malt whiskeys in stock so I’ll defy you not to find one that will entice you to part with your cash. Additionally they have a wide range of gifts relating, of course to the fine art of tasting, and some interesting miniature branded samples (many people collect these just for the bottles). Of passing interest is the world’s smallest whiskey bottle (verified by Guinness Book of records). The shop also stocks some fine wines, a range of liquors, and, if your in to smoking, high-quality Havana cigars. Even if you don’t drink the shop is worth checking out – it’s got an old world charm about it!
Curtis of Lincoln has been around since 1828 and is a "purveyor of fine meats". They are renown for their Authentic Lincolnshire Sausages (nicely spiced and with some interesting specials including Pork and Tomato, Pork and Chive, Pork and Apple and the festive Pork and Chestnut); Pork Pies with a beautiful crispy pastry case; Speciality Cooked Meats including Stuffed chine, pressed tongue and haslet. They also bake a superb Plum-bread (a traditional fruit loaf) and probably some of the best seasonal mince pies in Lincolnshire. I’m a bit prejudiced because this is where, as a child, we used to shop for our meats and weekend cake treats for our afternoon tea.
Of course down from the market, on what is appropriately named Steep Hill, this street is a true test of your fitness and even if you believe that you’re fir enough to walk the length of the street you will surely be tempted to stop and look in many of the fine antique shops that have been established here for more years than I can remember. If you have an interest in books then Steep Hill is well worth loitering on. By far the best to browse in and take in the scent of old books is "Readers Rest" (13-14, Steep Hill) which has several rooms crammed with old and antiquarian. Close to this, at 20-22, is the Harlequin Gallery, which has some fine antique maps but really isn’t a place to browse.
So whilst at the market make sure that you have sufficient time to enjoy the window displays in the many specialist shops as you make your way to the bustling market.