Reviews by Grumpino

James Knight (Fishmongers)
03 January 2008

Some of the other reviewers must be shareholders or employees. I remember James Knight as a wholesaler with a great shop in Shepherds Market; it is far from that now. Chalmers and Grey was a far better shop and continued the tradition of quality and service almost lost when Blagdens ceased trading in Marylebone. The prices are insane and the quality of fish very variable. The service is among the worst I have ever encountered. Fishworks may not have the variety but there is more interest, warmth and joy for what they do. With shops like James Knight supposedly leading the way, the supermarkets have nothing to worry about.

Paxton & Whitfield (Cheese Shop)
02 January 2008

London's Cathedral of Cheese. Others do well but this really is the oldest and the best. No pretentiousness (Fromagerie please note), genuine knowledge and interest, and great style. A warm welcome always and no reluctance to let you try new cheeses (Selfridges et al won't let you).

Planet Organic (Organic Food Shop)
02 January 2008

I visit the Bloomsbury branch regularly and find myself buying less and less there. Fresh produce is better and cheaper at Waitrose, M&S et al and many items are ludicrously overpriced. To be fair, they do stock a number of products that are nigh impossible to find elsewhere but we can do without most of those if needs be. Some, but not all, staff are downright rude and there seems to be a darkening attitude toward both customer care and the whole ethic of organic produce. Someone should try and understand that we go elsewhere to worship and remember that it's just a shop...