BUSINESS is booming for Hereford's historic Butter Market, with exciting changes afoot, a spokesperson says.

Following the news that two of the market's stall holders are taking the plunge and striking out on a brand-new venture in their own premises, a Butter Market spokesperson has spoken of her pride at how far the once-forlorn building has come in the last few years.

"We are really proud to be the springboard for two of our businesses to make the leap to their own shop, and we wish them all the best for the future," said Butter Market spokesperson, Moira Davidson.

"Many of our businesses originally started as pop-ups, and we would love to offer the chance for more new businesses to test the waters.

"We currently have a bit of a waiting list of people who want to join the Butter Market, and we have welcomed a few new faces."

While the High Street has taken a hit in the last few years, new offerings already installed in the Butter Market include a fish and chip stall, while fellow newcomer Dessert Island offers foodies a range of ice creams, doughnuts, and sundaes.

The Daily Grind have taken over the coffee space, and barbecue will soon be on the menu as a Hay-on-Wye based enterprise enters the fold next month.

Handcooked pizzas will be returning, and although the market waved goodbye to grocer Roger Huffer, who has been part of the market for many years, the fruit and veg stall is set to stay with new owners Elgar Produce at the helm.

"Fodder's foray into the market has been so successful that they have taken a bigger space, and we have companies who have been in the Butter Market for years that are now looking to expand their businesses and range of produce. We really could not be happier," Ms Davidson said.

"We are always on the lookout for new foodie businesses to expand our eclectic collection!"