We’ve all been there. Grabbing a Starbucks before dashing for the tube; popping up the road to pick up your meal deal from Tescos at lunchtime; ducking into one of the seventy-seven London branches of Nandos (yup, Londoners really love their chicken) for a quick bite on the way home from work. With a new chain eatery popping up on just about every street across London, eating out and buying your food on the go has become more convenient than ever. In fact, in a high street dominated with big-guy chains and supermarket giants, it can be easy to forget about the capital’s thriving independent scene. Kitchen Table Projects love discovering quirky new coffee shops and delis, and supporting their unique menus, thoughtful service and quality produce. And we’re not alone. 75% of the foodies that filled out our ongoing survey said they were bored of what they were seeing in the supermarket, and 72% of you were ready to try something new. So this week, we’ve put together a list of our go-to deli’s across London (and one not-so-local favourite!)
The All-In-One: Greensmiths (Waterloo)
With a Butcher (ran by the amazing guys from The Ginger Pig - check them out if you haven’t already), Baker, Greengrocer, Coffee Specialist, Wine Merchant, as well as in an in-house cheesemonger and a whole host of grocery and dairy products in stock AND a delicious cafe, Greensmiths is a little deli with a helluva lot to offer. Branded as a local independent supermarket, this little gem is sure to give even the most established high street giant a run for their money with its attention to detail, passion for its produce, and delicious cafe fare. A must for anyone looking for convenience with a conscience.
The Brilliant Butchers: Dugard and Daughters (Herne Hill)
This family-run butchers nestled in the heart of South London is bursting with pride for their produce, and are really passionate about the future of independent shopping in London and beyond. On the butcher side of the business you can find anything from Rare Breed cuts sourced from small English farms, to a wide selection of poultry, game, lamb and pork, all sustainably sourced. And be sure to check our their Aladdin's cave of deli and store cupboard products; a selection that will be sure to make foodies and store cupboard hoarders alike weak at the knees.
The Unique: The Dry Goods Store (Maida Vale)
We love the unique concept of this cute little deli in West London. The Dry Goods Store have embraced a more traditional shopping experience where you buy grocery items by weight. This means busting the time-old problem of half-used packets that sit in the cupboard for months, as well as encouraging a more sustainable shopping experience where shoppers reuse their packaging and reduce their waste. Like us, they love independents, and are keen to champion skilled artisans from London and beyond. They hold some cracking events, too - follow their tweetings to find out what they’ve got coming up soon.
We might not have their weather, but Brindisa’s Deli at Borough Market brings a taste of the Mediterranean sunshine to London, even on the rainiest, dreariest days. This eye-catching deli offers something for all lovers of spanish gastronomy, including hints and recipe tips for creating your own authentic tapas at home. Sounds good to us...pass us a Sangria!
The Italian Job - The Italian Farmers (Finsbury Park)
Continuing your Mediterranean foodie journey, make a beeline for The Italian Farmers at Stroud Green. Offering authentic fresh and store cupboard Italian staples shipped direct from farms across Italy, this charming deli is super keen to support authentic Italian produce, attempting to combat the large counterfeit Italian produce market both here in the UK and in Italy. They offer some great events and tasting evenings too - be sure to check out their website to find out more.
The ‘Get the Greek’ - The Life Goddess Deli (Bloomsbury)
We love this little Deli in Bloomsbury, which aims to make great Greek food a defining feature of London’s gastronomic map. They believe that cultivating, preparing and sharing food is a ritual, and that food is a symbol of respect, gratitude, friendship and love. Selling great traditional produce, The Life Goddess aims to import this into everything they do. London breakfast-lovers, make sure you check out their breakfast menu!
This Deli is jam-packed with local produce sourced from their farm’s market garden, as well as fresh produce daily from their butcher, creamery and bakery.They’ve been farming organically for over 30 years, too, and love drawing out the process of farm to fork so their customers know exactly what they’re putting in their mouths. Unfortunately their W11 branch will be closed for the summer whilst they make some exciting new improvements, but will be open again from September. Until then, we wait with anticipation...and grumbling stomachs!
The Hidden Gem - Swiss Cottage Grocers (Swiss Cottage)
Tucked away on Finchley Road, this charming Grocers offers an amazing array of organic fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as a number of store cupboard essentials. Prices are fair and there's a little trunk at the front for good seasonal deals. Check it out if you’re in the market (excuse the pun) for some quality, delicious ingredients for your next summer evening dinner party.
The Out of London - The Hungry Guest (Petworth, West Sussex)
Jump on a train this weekend and head off to the beautiful West Sussex, where you can find this amazing Deli. Nestled in the heart of the South Downs in the sleepy market town of Petworth, The Hungry Guest serves delicious freshly-baked breads, tasty lunches, homemade cakes and coffee, as well as boasting a wholesale artisan bakery and food shop, complete with its own butchery, cheese room and catering service (phew.) They’re serious about food and sourcing local produce, and love making sure their customers leave full and happy. Brunch, anyone?
Have we missed something out? Tweet us your faves @KitchTablePro!
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