Your shopping guide to the best local stores: London

Ian and Safia Thomas established A. Gold in 2000 with the intent of installing an artisan British deli in the heart of Spitalfields. Decorated with the original 1880’s sign of its former inhabitant and located on land that was once Henry VIII’s artillery ground, A. Gold is surrounded by rich history. Selling handmade roast beef and horseradish sandwiches, candy mice, pickles and chutney to the financial crowd of The City might seem an odd match, but it works. Lunchtime queues stretch around the block – often for the promise of bagging one of their famous homemade Scotch Eggs. As Napoleon once said, “England is a nation of shopkeepers” and there are few places in London where the phrase rings truer than at A. Gold. The loyal following the store commands is due to more than its exquisitely packed shelves. Never underestimate the value of service with a smile – of course, the smell of roasted Monmouth coffee beans and hot marmalade glazed ham helps with the loyalty a little too!