Verde & Company
40 Brushfield Street, Spitalfields, London E1 6AG
This exquisitely tasteful and very old-fashioned grocery reflects the fad for restoring Georgian properties in the area with handpainted signage and wooden panelling. It’s owned by the writer Jeanette Winterson, who wanted to help maintain the traditional charms of the area in the face of the aggressive development across the street. Inside, the handcrafted foodie goods on offer are tempting but expensive: deli fodder includes dainty Belgian chocolates, homemade marmalade and fresh pasta. The sandwiches are superb – specials might include suckling pig and fennel salami. You can also get coffee, and there are a few seats to perch on.