De Beauvoir Deli (shop & takeaway) — Restaurant in London

I live almost next door to this Deli on Northchurch Road, and I really wish I could offer a positive review - however, every time I've visited it actually starts making me question why I still live around here.

The biggest gripe I have are the prices. The sit-down prices are fair, as having a dedicated space for people to hang around is obviously expensive. Living almost next door though, I'd like to use this as a place I can pop in and buy a sandwich, or some bread etc. However, they are probably about 30% higher than typical Hackney/Islington prices, and actually more than I paid the other day for a deli sandwich in central London.

As someone who has lived here before the area was gentrified, to me this Deli symbolises the change in the area - from a diverse community different to the likes of Chelsea and Kensington, to an area which is overpriced, sloaney, and oftentimes unfriendly (the staff are quite standoffish here). Yet, it also highlights the considerable inequality within the borough - anyone getting off the bus 1 stop earlier at Downham road will immediately see the sharp contrast.

It's a place people come to be ripped off, take an instagram of the 'quirky' interior, and then head on back to Fulham. Sure, it's clearly a well run and profitable (I had a quick check out of interest) business, but from (one) local's point of view it's overpriced, unoriginal, and frankly upsetting to see this is now the type of place that represents...

I’ve been here a few times and feel like each time my experience (sadly) hasn’t quite lived up to the hype in a number of ways. My main feedback is that at the incredibly high price point (which I understand is meant to be a reflection of quality), I would hope staff could be a bit more outwardly knowledgeable and engaged with their customers and potential returning customers. I feel like one of the points of buying artisanal produce since it can be so costly, is that you can trust the people you’re buying from, as well as the producers of course, whereas I’ve found the service to be quite flat and disengaged and have at times been made to feel quite unwelcome by this lack of willingness. I get that you don’t want to upsell to people but at least offer some information about the produce or offer to make informed suggestions to those browsing etc. Maybe have someone placed on the floor that can help direct/inform customers? You might already do this but hasn’t been my experience! I think these small touches would help to minimise the price gap a little as it might make it feel a bit more ✨special✨ and inviting. Just a...

Oh my god! What a mug! I've just paid £4.50 for a cheese tomato pickle sandwich! I was passing by and hungry so thought let me get a quick lunch. I have probably been to most delis and cafes in London but have never paid so much for a simple cheese sandwich! And I thought the area was poverty stricken!

If you want to charge £4.50 then at least put some lettuce and cucumber as well and maybe a bit of mayo. And what happened to the bloody cheese? It was all crumbly and fell out as soon as you picked it up. Slices of cheese would have been better. I bet most of the idiots sitting outside thought they looked cool and trendy, when in fact the owner was probably thinking what lemons, but at least my bank balance it rocketing. Don t be so lazy like me and make your own pack lunch In the mornings. It will probably save you about £900 every year. Thanks for...