As I threatened it so long ago, I thought I would write a post about Real Foods in Edinburgh.Real foods is a tiny chain of two shops, one of which is on Brougham Street, the other Broughton Street. I live and work closer to the Brougham Street store so I know it best, but memory tells me that they are both pretty much the same.
They stock so much: organic tinned food, fruit and veg; dried fruit; pasta & sauces; organic wine, dairy and juice; and plenty of specialist food - ie gluten free, vegetarian and vegan!
The small freezers are packed with vegetarian and vegan burgers, sausages, tempeh etc, and it's mostly organic too. I actually bought some tempeh from the there other day after seeing recipes that use it repeatedly in Vegan With A Vengeance - but so far I've not used it!
I could spend a small fortune in Real Foods - and feel like I do on a regular basis - and it is just filled floor to ceiling with lovely things. I like buying big jars of vegan pesto and organic pasta for my boyfriend and I to share, buying some of the interesting Japanese and chinese food (sea vegetables and things), or buying ready made organic pizza bases (and scheeze for my boyfriend - I stick to veggie mozarella!) for a Saturday night treat.
They have big sacks filled with cereal which are really quite cheap, although you pay more for the organic stuff than the "normal" goods - obviously! They sell so many different grains and pulses, herbs and spices and nuts etc that you could have a field day in there with a big larder or something!They have just started doing an organic vegetable box scheme too, which starts at £10. If I didn't live in a flat I would definitely go for this! At the moment I'm afraid someone will nick the box if it's left on my doorstep.
In addition to their foodstuffs, Real Foods stock vitamins and minerals, herbal remedies, detergents and washing up liquids, cosmetics, shmpoo, deoderant, shower gel etc. Most of these are organic and/or animal friendly too - but they come with a bit of a price tag attached!
The staff are always really friendly in the Brougham Street shop, and there is quite a "community" feel to the store itself - perhaps it's the donations of used carrier bags for people to use, or the notices pinned up for local classes etc.
Anyway, if you live anywhere near either of the shops I'd really recommend them, and if you're a vegetarian in Edinburgh it's a good place to visit! As the goods are specialist and/or organic it can be more expensive to shop here than, say, Tesco, but it's worth it!
Real Foods website
3 comments:
I moved from Edinburgh to Vancouver last year and I used to go into Real Foods on a regular basis - the only thing I would say I didn't like about the place (down from John Lewis - can't remember the street name) is that it was hard to get around in with a buggy and / or a child in tow. Some of us don't have the luxury of being able to shop wihtout them! great shop and would recommend to anyone.
I used to live in Edinburgh and worked at Real Foods for about a year, 1985 I think. Working there inspired my husband and me to become vegetarians. It is a wonderful shop, I worked at the one on Broughton St. Now we live in Pontiac, Illinois . We opened a gourmet shop of our own and have been trying to convert middle america to vegetarianism. What a a chalange. I haven't been to Edinburgh in 5 years, but I'm coming this summer to see in laws and my sister. We plan to go to the zoo so we will be looking for the veg. items on the menu. So excited to see your blog! See ya
I'd love to hear if the zoo actually does have veggie food listed now, please let me know!
Well done on opening a gourmet shop, must be quite a challenge indeed!
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