[emilyj]

Hi everyone, I hope that some of you past and present Londoners might be able to help me out. You see, I moved here a couple of months ago and I've pretty much figured out my food haunts with one glaring problem... I cannot find a shop that sells wholegrains. The "health food" stores here seem to only sell packaged vitamins/protein shakes etc. and their only grains and seeds are in pre-packaged bags. In Australia I shopped at a lovely store that sold all sorts of exotic grains and seeds in big tubs which I just scooped into a bag and away I went. For some reason I cannot find a similar type of store here. I'm sure that London must have one, I can find absolutely everything else I need. Any suggestions would be more than welcome!

[Rachel]

Welcome to London (if I'm qualified to say that from across the pond... I still can't bring myself to change my profile)! What part of town are you in? If you let me know, I'll be able to help.

[swan]

I'm sure you have been there already - but I thought perhaps Wholefoods ? (or is it just dried fruits, rice and nuts they have in the cellar in those see-through and help yourself-tubes?)

[Judy]

You're in London Emily? How exciting! Are you working or holidaying ... or both?
_________________
Doing what you like is freedom
Liking what you do is happiness

www.cupcakerecipebook.com.au

[emilyj]

Thanks for your help. I vaguely remembered someone saying that there was a wholefoods in London and wrote it off as an urban food myth and forgot all about it. Thank you for pointing that out, Swan I will google it immediately. To be honest I am a bit hopeless when it comes to exploring, I'm ashamed to say I looked up from my book out the bus window the other day and realised there was Buckingham Palace!

Thank you Rachel, I am in student housing close to Kings Cross and Angel Islington but I can get anywhere central quite easily. Your insider knowledge would be much appreciated All of my housemates are new to london and only a few of them cook so I am without advice on this sort of thing. Are there any markets that you would recommend? I am planning to go to Borough Market this weekend but if you have any tips, I am all ears!

Judy, yes I am doing a MA here at the (rather quaintly named) School of Oriental and African Studies.

[Rachel]

Whole Foods in London is definitely not an urban myth! It's in Kensington High Street (about 5 minutes' walk from High St Ken tube and on the 9 and 10 bus routes) and, although I dislike its gigantism, which feels more out of place in the UK than it does in the US, it definitely has what you're looking for. Fresh & Wild (which was unfortunately taken over by Whole Foods recently) is also worth a look - there are shops all over town - and so is Planet Organic (there's a branch in Torrington Place, at the Tottenham Court Road end).

If you're at SOAS, you probably already know about Alara Wholefoods in Marchmont Street - I'm afraid everything there is prepackaged but they do have a good selection. And Exmouth Market (off of Rosebery Avenue) is worth checking out on a Friday or Saturday; I seem to remember there is (or at least, there was) a grains-and-seeds stall. Don't remember anything at Borough Market but don't let that stop you going, it's gourmand paradise...

All right, I'm going to stop before I get too nostalgic!

[emilyj]

Thank you very much Rachel, I went to the Fresh and Wild at Camden today and it had a pretty good selection of seeds and grains (pre-packaged but it doesn't really matter that much) splashed out on a few interesting looking items- will have to take a look at the one on Kensington High St as well because it sounds much bigger.
I will definitely have to try the market near Rosebery ave. It is right around the corner from me and I didn't know about the wholegrain shop on Marchmont St. which is a bit embarrassing as I walk past that street every day to get to school (I did say I was hopeless at exploring). So much to try!