Greengrocers
Donovan asks:
I've just moved to the heart of the East Greenwich conservation area, not to be confused with whatever ends up being the 'Heart of East Greenwich', and your blog has been tremendously useful in searching out things like dentists and the fishmonger. I know we've got the Tesco, M&S and Coop now but is there a proper greengrocer's within walking distance?
Also can you recommend a doctor's surgery?
The Phantom Replies:
Aaah, Donovan, there's the rub. I know of only two proper greengrocers within walking distance since the lovely old couple who used to run the fruit & veg stall outside the Co-op retired, and although they're both within walking distance, they are both "destinations" rather than a quick nip round the corner. Orange & Apple at Blackheath Standard, which I haven't got round to reviewing yet, but will soon, I promise, is a great old-fashioned greengrocer with friendly, knowledgeable service, and The Creaky Shed is a wonderful, very trendy, but extremely good greengrocers in Royal Hill.
East Greenwich is desperately in need of a proper greengrocers within a few minutes walk. As more people (such as your good self) move into the area, and the "Heart of East Greenwich" (whatever that will be) takes shape, perhaps someone will be inspired to be brave and start one. We can only hope...
As for doctors in your particular area, perhaps The Vanbrugh Group Practice in Vanbrugh Hill will fit the bill. I have have heard only good reports of them.
I've just moved to the heart of the East Greenwich conservation area, not to be confused with whatever ends up being the 'Heart of East Greenwich', and your blog has been tremendously useful in searching out things like dentists and the fishmonger. I know we've got the Tesco, M&S and Coop now but is there a proper greengrocer's within walking distance?
Also can you recommend a doctor's surgery?
The Phantom Replies:
Aaah, Donovan, there's the rub. I know of only two proper greengrocers within walking distance since the lovely old couple who used to run the fruit & veg stall outside the Co-op retired, and although they're both within walking distance, they are both "destinations" rather than a quick nip round the corner. Orange & Apple at Blackheath Standard, which I haven't got round to reviewing yet, but will soon, I promise, is a great old-fashioned greengrocer with friendly, knowledgeable service, and The Creaky Shed is a wonderful, very trendy, but extremely good greengrocers in Royal Hill.
East Greenwich is desperately in need of a proper greengrocers within a few minutes walk. As more people (such as your good self) move into the area, and the "Heart of East Greenwich" (whatever that will be) takes shape, perhaps someone will be inspired to be brave and start one. We can only hope...
As for doctors in your particular area, perhaps The Vanbrugh Group Practice in Vanbrugh Hill will fit the bill. I have have heard only good reports of them.
Labels: Ask The Phantom, Food and Drink
posted by The Greenwich Phantom at
09:38
8 Comments:
I moved to Greenwich 2 months ago, and can recommend the vanbrugh practice.
They have been very nice and always seem to have same day appointments when needed.
The Co-Op is much better than it was- but a strong independent green grocer would be a real asset.
As for medical practices, I transferred from the Vanbrugh Practice when my Dr opened the Millennium Practice several years ago. Both are very good. The Millennium are located in bright attractive premises and the surgery never seems to be very busy (possibly because the population of the Peninsula is building up quite slowly). I understand that they host a range of additional health-related services- thankfully I'm not a regular visitor- but they were very helpful when I needed advice on travel jabs for a trip to Siberia two years ago.
Although they're not exactly local, I did enjoy walking over the heath today to visit Blackheath Farmers' Market and also Fenners greengrocers on Tranquil Vale.
Is there still a regular food market in East Greenwich? Last Saturday of each month on Pelton Road? I've never been around when it's been on, but sometimes there are posters up advertising it.
Regarding the Creaky Shed, you MUST BE JOKING that it's a decent greengrocers! I'm a regular, but not for the fruit and veg (neither of those boys knows anything about f&v - they can't given the quality of the stuff they're flogging) but just to support a local shop and pet the lovely dog. They're very nice and friendly too, so do as I do - champion the neighbourhood store, smile at your neighbours and buy the stuff while knowing that it's a lot better and cheaper in Lewisham market.
Don't particularly like apple and orange at the Standard, food is very foreign even if English stuff is in season and it has a limp looking organic line. Both my wife and I have found the staff very abrupt, shortchanged twice and sold already mouldy clementines. The Blackheath Farmers market is great but you need to watch the prices!
I've also found the quality of goods a bit iffy from time to time at the farmers market. The staff at orange and apple have never been abrupt with me - but I have seen people being very abrupt with them - a couple of days ago a well-heeled-looking elderly lady was really quite rude to the poor woman trying to serve. I felt quite sorry for her. What on earth has happened to politeness these days?
I agree that sometimes the food is quite 'foriegn' - I don't really know what the answer is, short of getting to know what is in season and therefore tastes at its best at any particular time and making a beeline for that...
Apples and oranges shortchanged
me recently and hardly apologised. Beware of the nice old fashioned hand written bills, always check them.
Exactly the same thing that happened to me twice, doing the bill by hand looks quaint until you realise they can't add up...or can they...
(from the 27th July annonymous or this could get confusing)
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home