Where to Shop in London- Groceries

Shopping can be extremely overwhelming when moving to London from America. However, there are many options depending on your needs. Here are some of my favorite places.


Grocery Stores
There is a grocery on almost every street. However, many only have limited selections compared to what we are used to in the States. Below is a description of some of the popular choices.

Tesco - lower cost, they have large grocery stores (usually out of Central London) and smaller shops all throughout the city (Tesco Express, Tesco Metro). They also offer a home delivery service. http://www.tesco.com/

Sainsburys- lower cost, they are similar to Tesco in that they have different types of stores depending on location. Larger stores will be out of Central London, while smaller ones are found throughout the city. They also offer a home delivery service. http://www.saisburys.co.uk/

Waitrose - higher priced option. They have some nice items and healthier snack items. http://www.waitrose.com/ Waitrose offers online delivery through Ocado. http://www.ocado.com/

Whole Foods - this is the same company as in the U.S. There are 3 locations in London with the biggest and nicest on the Kensington High Street. You can purchase items and if you spend over £50 they will deliver your items for free (depending on your post code). www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores

Asda - this is owned by Wal-Mart and very similar. Unfortunately these are located outside of Central London. http://www.asda.co.uk/

Marks & Spencer - this is a department store but has many smaller food shops throughout the city. I find them on the pricey side. http://www.marksandspencer.com/

Costco- just like in the States. However, they are not Located in Central London. http://www.costco.co.uk/

Panzers- this shop is located St. John's Wood and carries some America food items, such as graham cracker pie crusts. However, you do pay a premium for the items. http://www.panzers.co.uk/

Partridges - A specialty grocer with many American grocery items. They have 2 locations.
http://www.partridges.co.uk/

Selfridges- a department store on Oxford Street. Carries a small amount of American food items in their foodhall--- Kraft Mac & Cheese. http://www.selfridges.com/

Planet Organic - this is the UK's largest fully certified organic supermarket and they have 4 locations in London. http://www.planetorganic.com/


2 online sites which sell U.S. items:

Home Sick American http://www.homesickamerican.co.uk/

Skyco Online http://www.skyco.uk.com/

Also, Amazon has some items which you won't find in your local grocer. http://www.amazon.co.uk/


You will also find many smaller grocers throughout London as well as farmer's markets.