Bayley & Sage — Local services in London

Tourist Trap Dressed Up as a Luxury Market

This place is basically a scam aimed at rich tourists who are easy to impress. They sell very average fruit and veg at ridiculous prices, simply because they slap on a label like "from France" or "heritage variety" and put everything in a rustic wooden crate.

London is full of independent fruit and veg shops that offer way better quality, more variety, and at literally half the price or less. Those places don’t need to pretend they’re special—they just sell good produce without all the marketing gimmicks.

I’ve tried several things from here—some dairy products, some fruits, and veg—and honestly, there’s nothing unique about them. I've had better-tasting strawberries, tomatoes, and even soft cheeses from standard high-street shops and farmers' markets. The only difference? This place adds fancy packaging and romanticized product tags like “hand-picked in Provence” to justify the markup.

People need to stop falling for the “Made in France” trick. France doesn’t magically bless produce—good farmers make good food, and they exist in every country. There's nothing you’ll find here that you can’t get somewhere else in London for way less money and probably better quality.

It’s all decor and branding—wooden displays, rustic baskets, hand-lettered signage—used to make you feel like you’re buying something exclusive. In reality, it’s the same stuff, just with a higher price tag and a fancier story.

If you want actual quality, skip the theatrics and shop local. You’ll get better food without...

I came and bought 2 wraps and a scotch egg, when I paid at the till, the shop assistant asked me if I need a paper bag? I said yes. Whilst she was scanning my shopping she asked me again if I needed a paper bag, I said yes. She carried on and asked me again, and said their paper bags don't have a handle, I answered her yes again. After she scanned everything and I made the payment, yet again she asked me if I needed a paper bag despite it not having a handle. I said yes, because I do not want any grease from the food to leak into the bag. And then she snapped back and said so it suits you if that's what you want even the bag has no handle.

The thing is this, you offered the bag. I said yes understanding there is no handle. There is no need to ask 3 times. Thank god I had a paper bag, lo and behold there were a lot of crumbs rolling off from the falafel wrap and gathered at the bottom of the paper bag when I arrived home. If I did not have the paper bag, it would have leaked everywhere in my bag!

The food was good but till service was not great - gave me negative vibes (which shouldn't be the case) just to...

We popped into Barley & Sage while exploring Marylebone and were instantly drawn in by the elegant displays and tempting selection. This is a beautifully curated deli offering some of the finer things in food — from artisan cheeses and charcuterie to freshly baked goods, gourmet snacks, and top-tier pantry staples.

Yes, the prices are on the higher side, but everything we tried was packed with freshness and rich, satisfying flavour. It’s the kind of place where you treat yourself — whether you’re after indulgent snacks, an uplifting sweet treat, or something a bit special for a weekend spread.

The staff were welcoming and knowledgeable, happy to help guide us through their favourites. A wonderful spot for food lovers who appreciate quality — and the perfect place to lift your spirits with...