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Below are listings for some of the very best
specialist food/drink shops in London. Selling gourmet items not usually found in supermarkets (or
the high-street for that matter) each offer first-rate produce, while service is also a
cut-above-the-norm. Needless to say, we enjoyed researching this section of our guide!
Bakers and Patisseries
 122 Kensington Church Street, W8 4BH, Tel: 020 7229 2190, Website: www.sallyclarke.com, Tube:
Notting Hill Gate,
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With a range of over 30 breads on offer, & Clarke's (which is attached to Sally Clarke's
restaurant) is a leading wholesale supplier to upmarket shops such as Harvey Nichols and Fortnum
& Mason. Using only the best natural ingredients, you'll find plain ciabattas, wholewheat, rye
and French breads, plus speciality items such as parmesan and herb (a ring shaped bread with sage,
rosemary and thyme), apricot, sun dried tomato and sourdough. Along with all manner of delicious
baked biscuits, cakes, dried fruits and shortbreads, the shop also does a roaring lunchtime trade
when sandwiches and quiches are sold.
44 Harrington Road, SW7 3NB, Tel: 020 7581 1551, Website: www.bagatelle-boutique.co.uk and www.bagatelle.co.uk, Tube:
South Kensington,
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On a mission to bring the "taste of Paris" to your table, Bagatelle is proof that, as far as
finding a good French bakers is concerned, you can have you cake and eat it! In short, for anyone
fed up with stodgy, mass-produced supermarket products, this Kensington pâtisserie will be a
welcome find. As well as a mouth-watering selection of pastries, cream cakes and tarts, the shop
also bakes a good selection of continental breads. And, as prices are reasonable too, there's
really no excuse to settle for anything less. Recommended.
47 Denyer Street, SW3 2LX, Tel: 020 7589 4734, Website: www.bakerandspice.com,
Tube: Knightsbridge,
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An impressive upmarket café and pâtisserie which has a good local following within
SW3. Along with an assortment of speciality breads, there are cakes and tartes galore (including a rather
indulgent chocolate cake) plus savouries, soups, salads, coffee and tea. With additional
shops in Maida Vale, Belgravia and Queen's Park.
53 Blandford Street, Marylebone, W1H 3AF, Tel: 020 7486 6608, Website: www.degustibus.co.uk,
Tube: Bond Street,
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Undoubtedly one of London's finest speciality bread makers, De Gustibus is also pretty adept at
making delicious cakes and pastries too. As a supplier to London's leading hotels, it's not
surprising that quality and freshness are both first-rate. Indeed, the shop also doubles up as a
popular sandwich bar/café, so it's also perfect for lunchtimes on the go!
22 Cornwall Road, SE1 8TW, Tel: 020 7261 0456, Website: www.konditorandcook.com,
Tube: Waterloo,
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Chock-full of pastries, cakes, sandwiches, savouries and breads, Konditor & Cook is a highly
likeable (albeit expensive) food shop located near Waterloo Station. As with other bakeries
reviewed here, the company use only quality (100% natural) ingredients to produce their goods,
while those not made 'in-house' are sourced from like-minded firms. For those on a lunchtime jaunt,
K & C's tempting soups and salads are a real boon, supplemented by a good range of filled
sandwiches and ciabattas. Selected provisions (such as jam and teas) are also stocked.
 44 Old Compton Street, W1D 5JX, Tel: 020 7437 3466, Website: www.patisserie-valerie.co.uk,
Tube: Leicester Square,
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A much loved Soho institution set along busy Old Compton Street. Exquisite cakes and pastries are
supplemented by breakfast and lunch selections. And, although it's not the most spacious
café in town, there's a limited amount of seating outside.
Butchers Shops (including Sausage Shops)
117 Mount Street, Mayfair, W1, Tel: 020 7499 5931, Tube: Bond Street/Green Park,
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Although nowadays, master butchers are few and far between in London, upmarket Mayfair certainly
has one of the city's best with Allen & Co. Here, you'll not only find beautifully marbled
beef, but immaculately prepared game and the very leanest pork. No wonder then that Allen & Co.
attracts more than its fair share of celebrity clients.
M Moen & Sons
24 The Pavement, SW4 0JA, Tel: 020 7622 1624, Website: www.moen.co.uk, Tube: Clapham Common,
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As much of a delicatessen as a butcher's shop, M Moen is nonetheless an excellent find in trendy
Clapham. Along with a fine selection of sausages and free-range meat, you'll find plenty of hams,
bacon and cheeses. With obliging staff and a good selection of condiments, your local supermarket
would need to play a blinder to match what's on offer here.
Cheese Shops
Neal's Yard Dairy
19 Shorts Gardens, WC2H 9UP, Tel: 020 7240 5700, Website: www.nealsyarddairy.co.uk,
Tube: Covent Garden,
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Providing your purchases survive the journey home, this excellent cheese emporium is well-worth a
visit. Sourced only from small producers and farms, Neal's Yard Dairy has been tracking down
Britain's most delicious cheeses for well over 20 years. What's more the shop is recommended by
none other than Delia Smith, Britain's best loved TV cook.
 93 Jermyn Street, SW1Y 6JE, Tel: 020 7930 0259, Website: www.cheesemongers.co.uk,
Tube: Piccadilly Circus,
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Known primarily for their excellent cheeses, Paxton & Whitfield's upmarket Mayfair shop also
sells a selection of cooked meats, pates and wines (including some rather good Port and Claret).
Better still though are P & W's wide-range of French and British blue cheeses, including
Beaufort, Roquefort and Stilton. Moreover, those after world famous soft cheeses won't be
disappointed either as the shop carries the excellent Brie de Meaux as well as delicious own label
Camembert. Amusingly the company's website has a page entitled 'big cheeses' which is devoted to
famous names who regularly shop here.
Confectioners
36 Elizabeth Street, SW1W 9NZ, Tel: 020 7259 9222, Website: www.chocolate.co.uk, Tube: Sloane Square,
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On a mission to promote good quality (high-cocoa) chocolate rather than the vegetable fat based
bars that many of Britain's big confectioners produce, the Society not only sells its own range of
gourmet delights, but stocks other superior chocolate products too. Fresh fruit truffles and
candied fruits dipped in chocolate are a must try, while cooking bars and imported hot
chocolate/cocoa are also stocked. A worthy find.
141 Regent Street, W1B 4JA, Tel: 020 7734 8113, Website: www.godiva.com, Tube: Oxford Circus,
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Boasting a number of London outlets, Godiva are one of Belgium's finest gourmet chocolate makers.
Truffles are a real strongpoint with their cheesecake, coconut and double-chocolate raspberry
varieties being extremely moreish (so much so that you'll need a cast iron will to not completely
stuff yourself). Other recommendations include Godiva's Ivory praline and caramel pecan
bouchée, while those after a little less indulgence will enjoy their leaf vanilla
chocolates. Ballotin collections start at $22 for a ½lb selection ($37 for a lb box).
254 Regent Street, W1R 5DA, Tel: 020 7434 2483, Website: www.thorntons.co.uk, Tube:
Oxford Circus,
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A prime location for the UK's most popular chocolate shop chain, selling a mixture of traditional
British and Belgian chocolates, along with toffee, fudge and other sweet treats. Good, but with a
tendency to be overly sweet.
Delicatessens
Garrick Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 9BH, Tel: 020 7836 0990, Website: www.carluccios.com, Tube: Covent Garden,
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Owned by the well-known Italian gastronome Antonio Carluccio, this flagship Covent Garden
store boasts a mouth-watering array of quality produce and cooking ingredients. And, if you're in a hurry
(or just after a special treat) there's also a range of luxurious gift selections (which can
include olive oil, pesto, balsamic vinegar, bitter chocolate, stuffed peppers, fresh pasta, Italian
coffee, biscuits and other tasty goodies). Excellent!
53 Charlotte Street, W1V 3RG, Tel: 020 7255 1240, Website: www.fratellicamisa.co.uk,
Tube: Goodge Street
Specialising in Italian, Spanish and Mediterranean foodstuffs, Fratelli Camisa is a leading London
purveyor of Napoli/Milano salamis and Parma Ham. In addition, there's a fine selection of seafood,
pastas, sauces, olive oils, dried mushrooms and cheeses (including cows milk/buffalo milk cheeses).
The company's range of delicious Italian cakes and biscuits are worth further investigation
too.
Golders Green Kosher Delicatessen & Butchers
132 Golders Green Road, NW11 8HB, Tel: 020 8381 4450, Website: www.londonkosherdeli.com,
Tube: Golders
Green,
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Top-quality kosher meat with the finest cuts of lamb, veal, beef and chicken. As well as a good
range of salamis and pies, you'll also find a number of Jewish specialities including gefilte fish
balls, latkas, schmaltz herring and lokshen kugels.
170 Great Portland Street, W1N 5TB, Tel: 020 7631 3131, Website: www.villandry.com,
Tube: Great Portland Street,
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Raved about by press and public alike, Villandry is not only home to an excellent restaurant but a
high-quality delicatessen too. With late opening hours to suit busy London office workers, the shop
provides a good range of upmarket food stuffs including fresh breads (a real highlight), savoury
products, meat, cheeses, wines and coffee. Though prices can be expensive, Villandry is nonetheless
ideal if you're preparing for a dinner party or simply want to indulge yourself once in a
while!
Fishmongers
Michelin House, 81 Fulham Road, SW3 6RD, Tel: 020 7581 5817, Website: www.bibendum.co.uk, Tube: South Kensington,
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From this tiny Citroen camionnette/counter in front of the Bibendum Oyster bar you'll find some of
the best seafood in town, with a selection that includes crab, lobster, oysters, clams, mussels and
caviar. Expensive, but perfect if you're after fish for a dinner party or larger event. What's
more, Bidendum's own mayonnaise and sauces can be bought as a perfect accompaniment to your
crustacea.
67 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3JS, Tel: 020 7221 6177, Tube: Notting Hill Gate,
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Sourced directly from Scotland, Chalmers & Gray offer a wonderful selection of fresh fish and
crustacea including top-quality mackerel, salmon and lobster. And, as well as offering smoked
salmon, the shop also cooks lobsters and oysters on the premises. Poultry and game are also sold
here, albeit at fairly high prices.
More food shopping
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