20 May 2009
Good Shop Bad Shop
GOOD SHOP
The Ginger Pig, Lauriston Road, Hackney The Pig has at last appeared in East London. This contemporary ‘traditional’ butcher is real reason not to buy all your meat and deli products at the supermarket.
What’s great about it is not only the quality and range of meats, the new things to try, or the cooking tips and advice so willingly offered it’s also that the store is a visual treat, an abundance of food with none of those passé symbols like hanging bunnies to put off the kids.
But best of all is the Ginger Piggy Bank Savings Card – delicious freebies every few visits.
BAD SHOP
National Geographic, Regent Street, London From the moment you approach the dismally dark windows, this store disappoints. I had an expectation of how exciting it was going to be, the vibrant images, the bright yellow borders, finding something for my travels – National Geographic bringing together our world in a retail extravaganza.
What did I get? Homeware and candles! What have they got to do with a great adventure? There is quality product here but the store experience is oppressive. It’s hard to find your way around and there’s virtually no signing to navigate the three floors. Thank goodness for the café on the first floor.
