Our story
About Us
Our deli opened to promote fine British products in North London. Almost everything we sell in our shop has the geographical indication (GI) label, which indicates its superior quality and reputation.
We work with individual producers, sourcing their finest products. Seasonality and sustainability are at the center of what we do.
What does Geographical Indications (GI’s) stand for?
While the GI label has been used since the 1990s, few people in the UK know what it does. Specifically, it protects local agricultural practices by awarding a mark that tells consumers of that product’s traditional origins, recipe and genuine ingredients.
Products that are included in the GI list have to satisfy specific criteria:
- Strong historical links with the area.
- Locally-sourced raw materials (such as milk for cheese.)
- A traditional recipe.
- A distinctive taste.
Take West Country Farmhouse cheddar for example, which was added to the GI’s list in 1996, as a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) product.
While cheddar is produced in many areas of the United Kingdom and the United States, only cheddar made in 4 counties in SW England – Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall – can be called West Country Farmhouse Cheddar. Its historical ties to the areas are clear, it began to be produced in Somerset as far back as the 15th century. West Country Farmhouse Cheddars are made by hand with local milk, do not contain any flavours or preservatives, and are matured in the farm they are made in for at least nine months.
West Country Farmhouse Cheddars have a depth of flavour that is unmatched by cheddars made in other areas, and are therefore worthy of protection through the GI sign.
Where we source our products
Wine, Beer and Cider
Our drink shelves are stacked with products from British vineyards that support regenerative agriculture, vineyards that are truly passionate about their work and have decades of experience making drinks with traditional methods. Britain has become the fastest-growing wine region in the world and the aim of our producers is to create delicious drinks that attract international attention.
Our producers include Tillingham farm, of the beautiful East Sussex, Nyetimber vineyards, whose first vines were planted in 1988, and the London urban winery Blackbook, which operates nestled in one of the Battersea railway arches. We also sell wines from Sharpham and Balfour Winery in the beautiful Hush Heath Estate in Kent, to name a few.
Deli fridge
Some of our specialty cheeses come from the Gloucestershire farm of Charles Martell & Son, who is quite a celebrity among cheese lovers. Best known for Stinking Bishop, the farm produces 7 different varieties of cheese, including the Double Berkeley, which had died out over time and was resurrected in the farm.
In our deli fridge you will be able to find meat products from Trealy Farm in Monmouthshire. Their motto “Always Free Range, Always British!” perfectly reflects their values. They only use British meat from traditional breeds raised in small farms, and specialise in different techniques, from fermenting to air-drying and hot-smoking.
And many, many more…
We have shelves stacked with fresh and dry ingredients, all strictly from the United Kingdom. Among them you will find tomatoes from the Isle of Wight, sweet honey from The London Honey Co, and delicious bags and jars from Crwst, among others.
Pop in and have a look among our shelves!
