Portobello Wholefoods

It’s funny isn’t it, here’s a shop I visit at least once a week, walk past numerous times a day, and I haven’t even written a review in all those years. I think this makes it a typical example of all those lovely little places that make up our daily life. They are fairly unassuming but we’d be lost without them.
Portobello Wholefoods is tucked away in a dark corner under the railway bridge, at weekends you barely notice it. During the week it provides the perfect addition to the fruit and veg stalls along Portobello Road. They stock everything you’d expect from a decent health food store at OK prices.
One of the highlights for me includes the large selection of loose teas; I’d be lost without my fix of vanilla or mango tea in the morning! You can go hardcore with green and herbal as well, of course. All tastes and dietry requirements catered for.

Coming here makes you feel good about yourself. It’s a mini vegetarian/​organic haven selling everything from a small selection of fruit and veg to more specialist meat-​free/​wheat-​free/​gluten-​free/​dairy-​free/​anythi ng-​you-​like-​free food.
Sometimes I find shops like this can be limited, but Wholefoods always seems to have exactly what I’m looking for. I mainly come for the amazing choice of vitamins and supplements as although I’m not a vegetarian I really don’t see the point of taking something that’s meant to be good for you, but actually has weird animal additives added or is encased in a gelatin shell (last time I checked boiled animal skin and bones really don’t do anything for you). Also, I’ve met a lot of different staff and they are all eager to help with their wealth of knowledge on all things healthy.
It’s probably a tad more expensive to shop here, so you should stick to getting your more mundane items such as dried fruit from the supermarket, but for something a little bit special it’s perfect. Why not try the gelatin free raspberry jelly or the fortified mineral water (you take your own bottles to fill and pay by the litre). Another great idea is that they don’t automatically give you carrier bags at the till. There are a few used ones available if you really need one, but why not follow their lead and bring your own canvas bag to fill up.

Tucked under the Westway, perpetually shadowed Portobello Wholefoods isn’t necessarily appealing from the outside. But inside you’ll find a slew of organic goods, produce and wholefoods — from grains, spices and pasta to natural baby food and specialty baking products, this could be your one-​stop (veggie) shop. It’s also great for a quick snack — I often pop in for some of those expensive but additive-​free gummy candies.