The Fish Market - Northampton

THE FISHMARKET
BRADSHAW STREET
NORTHAMPTON
NN1 2HL

T: 01604 639090

 “I loved the Fish Market as a venue. All the light and high ceilings meant there was nothing of that claustrophobic effect I associate with cons after being cooped up in the bowels of a hotel all weekend, and the opportunity to drink endless peppermint tea as well as plenty of beer was most welcome.” – Newcon4 attendee. 

The Fishmarket, also known as Market Hall, is in the very centre of Northampton just off the large market square.  Inside, it’s a huge L-shaped space benefitting from variable gravity floors which slope slightly in different directions, to allow the easy hosing away of fish-heads and tails.  These days hosing no longer takes place, since the building has been converted into a commodious arts venue, with £150,000 in grant money from East Midlands Development Agency, including even an urban garden, entered from the inside elbow of the L; that’s where Newcon4 held its barbecue. 

Special features of the Fishmarket include boutique shops (books, music, crafts), a café with a menu of delicious homemade pizzas and such, and a bar – to which Newcon4 added a separate Real Ale bar supplied from a Warwickshire microbrewery.  In view of the 7 barrels laudably consumed by the end of the Saturday night, Newcon5 will lay in 10 barrels!

Photos include a view from the Dealers Area towards a panel in the far distance, and, in the other arm of the L, from the café towards part of the Art Show.

The vicinity abounds in restaurants, such as Dim Sum at 3 seconds from the front door of the Fishmarket, and Greek and Italian just opposite.  The Park Inn hotel, which we’ll use entirely this time for rooms, is just a minute’s walk from the Fishmarket.

The Fishmarket has now been tested as a con venue, and passed with flying colours, judging by the many kind comments received.