Mark's reviews
Review of Whole Foods
21 Jun 07, 09:16
Whole Foods, dialed up to 11 
After much anticipation, this first overseas flagship of the US-based upmarket eco-grocer has opened for business. But instead of offering Londoners a carbon copy of an American store, those responsible for this emporium seem to have done their homework on this side of the pond. It's clear that they'd like to take a chunk out of the business at M&S and Waitrose. But it also looks like they've studied -- and emulated -- such London institutions as Harrods, Selfridges & Harvey Nichols Food Halls, the Fromagerie in Marylebone, Fortnum & Mason, and even a few bits of Borough Market. If there is one slight disappointment, it is the size and selection of fresh produce. Otherwise, this is a complete market with every imaginable convenience (for example, alongside baking ingredients are rolling pins and cookie cutters). The butcher, fishmonger and prepared foods sections are excellent. The encyclopaedic wine selection includes what might be Europe's greatest variety of American product. The cheese department includes an affinage room (for aging fine cheeses). There are wine, oyster, tapas, and dim sum bars, artisinal gelato, and other restaurant-style offerings upstairs, where the soundtrack is provided by an in-house DJ. Downstairs, in addition to food, there are a variety of dry goods: organic cotton clothing and accessories, health & beauty products, cosmetics, kitchen gadgets, and more. It will probably undergo a few adjustments as it settles into its expat life, but this store should be a huge success.
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