Southgate Food Centre

Always friendly

Medium-Large local independent shop open until late (c.630-730am until 130am-3am) 7 days a week. Large range of greengrocer items as well as what you would normally expect from shops of its nature; drink, food, various cosmetics and household items.

Particular differences or USPs regarding this shop specifically:
* Whilst not officially 24 hours, late closing times means effectively may as well be (see previously stated).
* As well as 'normal' UK items and brands one would expect anywhere, larger than normal range of foreign/imported goods and brands eg: Eastern European, Greek, Turkish, US etc. including products not always found elsewhere eg: KitKat flavours, Fanta varieties and so on; obviously one pays a significant premium for these but that's to be expected. The point being they are there if desired.
*Fresh and/or loose fruit and vegetable range extensive, good quality, and restocked very frequently; no risk of stale or rotting produce as is sometimes the case with independents and their stock rotation procedures.
*Following on from that, larger than normal variety of loose seeds, herbs, nuts and so on than normally found.

Finally worth mentioning is the service:
*Over the 2 years I have been in the area, the couple managing have stayed the same and are lovely; the other staff change quite regularly (as seems the norm with such places) however, no matter who they have employed, they have all been kind, courteous, hard working, and helpful as can be without exception
*This is hard to word however, there is also no atmosphere of the store being directed or preferential to any particular nationality either in terms of staff employed or the customers who shop there; I mention this because again, with similar medium-large independents I have experienced in many other areas this has rarely been the case.

Why not 5 stars? Simply because whilst the areas I have highlighted are excellent and ahead of competition, the more 'normal' items are sometimes lacking in terms of range or stock; of course, one has Asda and Tesco's minutes away for these however, an honest review has to admit this is one of the only areas where this shop can be found lacking.

Overall, an excellent high street shop relative to those experienced locally in many areas across London. This in terms not only quality of fresh non-animal produce but more so, the atmosphere, attitude, and the team who provide this.

Wouldn't even give one star but had to. Would not recommend this place to anyone. Very rude and unsociable people. Do not know what customer service means. They treat people differently depending on ethnicity and gender. Not worth it when there are better places to shop.

Good variety of products and supportive team.