A new health food shop is set to open in Honor Oak this August, after lockdown gave the owners the push they needed.

Co-owners Max Hargreaves and Cloé Duchalet say the mission of Sans Store is to source the high-quality produce which will nourish locals, while nurturing a sustainable community.

The vegetarian shop will initially offer a range of produce including bakery items, seasonal fresh fruit, and vegetables. Later it will branch into craft beer, wine and spirits and will move towards low-waste, bulk items such as household goods and personal care.

Co-owner Max Hargreaves and says:

“For around two years now my partner Cloé and I have wanted to open our own food shop in our local area, which is conveniently nestled between Catford, Honour Oak and Forest Hill. But life kept getting in the way which meant we always put it off.

“With the events of 2020 turning the world upside down, it was inspiring to see how people all over the country were coming together in their communities to support each other. It reaffirmed to us that we needed to crack on with our plan to open a local grocery store geared to the needs of our community.”

The store’s key focus will be to support small independent suppliers during such a turbulent time.

Sans Store will be launching a "meet the producers” event, which will provide locals with a chance to meet suppliers and understand how and where their delicacies are made.

The owners have also pledged to donate surplus food to Lewisham Food Bank, saying that food insecurity in Britain has quadrupled under the COVID-19 lockdown.

You can find out more at www.sansstore.co.uk.