Shopping at delicatessens in the West Midlands
For some, purchasing from a delicatessen (deli) supports and supplements their general supermarket shopping visits.
For vegetarians (like me) delis can offer a wealth of suggestions, filling a void when looking for something new or different to try. Unlike supermarket chains and franchised convenience stores, delicatessens are mainly independently owned and although often follow a similar approach to that of their counterparts with regards to the types of goods sold, they also have carte blanche to stock what they feel the customer wants, often stocking items that are not available en masse.
[breakout title="Anna Rose" align="right"]As a vegetarian of 22 years, Anna is keen to share her recipes, and food tips and news. She also writes the blog Word in Veg Ways.[/breakout]
Take the example of renowned delicatessen Anderson & Hill in Birmingham. They are the only stockists in the vicinity that sell a particularly exceptional cheese – Pablo Cabrito, a goat's cheese made by Brock Hall Farm in Shropshire. This gives shoppers a unique offering and level of exclusivity. Equally, when I want items such as authentic Spanish paprika (that is packaged up in gorgeously decorative tins) and Truffle Hunter items (that I struggle to find elsewhere), Lewis's of Moseley, can offer those niche products and provide a service over and above what a standard supermarket can do.
With factors such as travel and maintaining our well-being influencing what we buy, delicatessens are again en vogue. With many delis having on-site café bars, this makes visiting them all the more attractive and inspires that important cross-sell which has benefits for all parties. The increased desire to consume more artisan/rustic foods fuelled with much publicised encouragement to champion independent businesses and 'buy local', have all played a part in the rise of the latest delicatessen trend.
The West Midlands/Birmingham area is brimming with delicatessens each having their own nuance. Although the Midlands only Kosher/Jewish deli in Birmingham has unfortunately scaled down in recent times, the growth of the Polish community for instance in towns such as West Bromwich and Wolverhampton have seen an increase of Polish food stores appearing on the High Street that sell deli-based items and has introduced a new audience to the variables of Eastern European cuisine.
New deli on the block is All Greek Delicatessen, based in the centre of Birmingham. It provides stalwart Hellenic consumables as well as more unusual items that you definitely want to make part of your pantry display or that will provide a talking point around the dinner table when served.
[interruptor]
For those who are yet to experience the delicatessen culture, it is worth breaking your retail routine, perhaps trying that outlet that you walk past but never step into and acquaint yourself with new products, a new way of shopping and ultimately indulge feeding your curiosity.
