FED up trawling the high street where every shop seems to sell variations of the same thing?

Take a trip this Sunday to the Urban Market at Drygate, in the East End, where the well run stalls are a celebration of the curious and the creative.

From artisan food and drink makers to artists and designers, there is something for every taste and budget.

Mel Jarron was invited by Drygate to set up the Sunday event. With 10 years' experience running fairs and markets on the East Coast, as well as the Vintage Wedding Fair, in Glasgow, she knows exactly what she is looking for when sourcing new companies.

"It is very carefully curated, from food and drink to original vintage homeware and clothes," explains Mel. "They are all good quality and specifically hand-picked."

Some of the brands at this weekend's market include Botanica Home, selling terrariums with succulent and cactus plants; the Object Company, with unique handmade wooden products including chopping boards, utensils, jewellery and bowls; Dormouse Tea Company with high quality loose leaf tea from around the world; and Doris Doodles with 1950s style artwork.

"I'm looking out for something unique and quirky but most important good quality," says Mel.

"It's all home-grown, all Scottish, showcasing the best in Scotland. The feedback I've had from the first few weeks is that the market has a much more artisan and creative touch to it than others.

"The venue is new and just brilliant. There is a real laid-back Sunday afternoon vibe where people come and shop in the market, eat and drink in the beer hall, terrace or bar. Importantly, it is also a child-friendly and dog friendly-venue."

Offerings at the market can change from week to week, and Mel is setting up a series of occasional craft workshops, with lino printing on October 5, papercuts on October 12, lampshade making on October 19 and DIY terrariums on October 26.

The workshops take a couple of hours and should be booked in advance. Visit the facebook page for details: www.facebook.com/urbanmarketglasgow.

"I do a lot of research online and get word of mouth recommendations to find the right companies to have at the market," adds Mel. "And I'm out and about a lot, always looking for ideas.

"I'm trying to find people who are actually doing this full time. It is their passion rather than just a weekend hobby."

n Urban Market runs every Sunday at Drygate, 85 Drygate, Glasgow

angela.mcmanus@eveningtimes.co.uk