I have a soft spot for this little corner Sainsbury's.
First of all, before they took over this corner it was a target for piss, vomit and trash. Literally. This is Shoreditch. It got pretty gross. So, yes -- I'd prefer a Sainsbury's here if it means that things got a little cleaner.
Secondly...!
On the eve of my 32nd birthday, I was carded trying to buy a bottle of white wine. Other items in my cart: baby food, paper towels, flowers, crumpets (yes, seriously - they are good) and other items fitting the lifestyle of a nearly 32 year old adult. I never carry an ID! He seriously didn't sell me the wine. So, thanks Sainburys cashier, happy 32 to me, I apparently don't look a day over 18. This was nice.
Thirdly - they have all the normal things Sainsbury's Local usually have. It's always crowded, very small, the checkout lanes were clearly designed by a student space planner and the items typically move fast and thus expire fast. Check the dates.
Also, one time I was in here and dressed in pajamas, no makeup, crazy hair, about 3 months after having a baby and one of the guys asked if I was married and commented that my husband was a very lucky man. Well yeah, he is -- but I'm not sure I expected to garner any attention on this particular trip to grab berries, milk, eggs and crumpets (again with the crumpets!).
All sorts of confidence boosting up here at the Hoxton/Shoreditch Sainsbury's -- I'm telling you!
It's terrible, but its necessary...so here you have it, it does what it says on the tin. I still prefer doing most of my "very near my flat" grocery shopping at Yours Food Centre (a short walk up Pitfiled Street" as its locally owned, has a great organic selection and produce, etc -- but Sainsbury's satisfies the need for meats, etc (sort of). read more