It’s always a treat visiting a new shop and this was no less an example – and thank you to readers who let us know about it. So, on a beautiful, crisp, clear winter morning we took at look at Barnet Natural Wholefoods in Chesterfield Parade at the bottom of Bells Hill.

Owners Ali and Metin opened the shop at the end of November and the focus is on health food and generally organic fresh produce. As you can see from the pictures, they stock a broad range that includes dry goods, specialist ingredients, drinks, snacks, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables. They also have detergents and other cleaning materials and will be offering a refill service for Ecover products.

A number of things would be ideal for Christmas gifts and they are selling Medjool dates loose – and some of the largest you’ve ever seen. If you want to stock up on interesting non-alcoholic drinks to mix things up over the festive period (or for a Dryish January), they offer kombucha, kefir (both fermented and great for gut health), along with several grown-up looking soft drinks and mixers by Fentimans, Cawston Press, Luscombe and Whole Earth. There are also currently some Christmas trees and winter plants.

It’s also a great looking shop – with exposed brickwork and a lovely sunny exposure. A really welcome addition to this quieter part of town.

Opening hours
Monday to Saturday: 8am to 8pm
Sunday: 8.30am to 7.30pm