May's General Store looks from the outside more like a shabby chic interiors shop or vintage clothes boutique, but don't be fooled. As you step inside, a vigorous perfume of cinnamon, orange peel and sandalwood pervades your senses as your eyes adjust to the dim glow and you realise that this is a grocer, apothecary and gift shop all rolled into one.
The food area of the shop is to the front, and it sells a very wide range of herbs and spices as well as 'organic sustenance' in the form of dry goods and fresh vegetables. They also sell crusty fresh bread from the Real Patisserie, which goes so well with the rest of the shop that you'd almost think it was part of the decor. To the rear of the shop is a home ware, gifts and clothes section, selling polka dot milk jugs, wooden toys and silk scarves, and all manner of little decorative bits and bobs. The owner was genial and helpful, and left us to browse undisturbed.
It's not the sort of place I'd come to pick up something for lunch, but I'd definitely return for spices, biscuits, unusual ingredients and advice. I shall have to bring a wicker basket though, and accessorise with a couple of wolfhounds and a briar pipe. read more