Meet John. He has just opened one of the first independent food stores in Chislehurst for years – The Bickley Deli. He is hoping to buck the trend. While people bemoan that the country’s high streets are filling up with estate agents, earlier this week John opened his new delicatessen where KFH once was.
“Trade has been very good so far; we’ve had good feedback from customers telling us what they like and what they want,” he says.
John realises that with the likes of Sainsbury’s less than a mile away the success of his store relies on serving exactly what the customer wants.
To that end he has already extended weekday opening hours to 8pm to cater for commuters retuning home from Chislehurst Station, 100 yards up the road. He also opens at 6.30am also in the hope of catching customers as they head to work.
He stocks a wide range of cheeses, breads, charcuterie, condiments, antipasti, oil & vinegar, ice cream, drinks and cakes – in conjunction with Joanna, the owner of the Yummy Cake Company. But he’s keen to hear from customers about what they would like to see in his store, so pop in and have a word.
Today John recommends the Lancashire Shorrock Bomb, creamy cheese that has matured for 24 months, which come in tennis ball-sized lumps.
Brilliant little deli, I visited it today. The arrival of this type of shop is long overdue in Chis. Good luck John.