Peppers - an essential foodie outpost

As combined owners of over 200 cookbooks, ranging from the vintage Paupers Cookbook to the latest Yottam Ottolenghi, we are comfortable with ingredients and comfortable with experimenting. But moving permanently to Deal, having lived in London for many years, has proved to be an adventure in finding that elusive, yet essential, spice, sauce, flour or flavour. The supermarkets, particularly our local Co-op is great for staples but doesn't always extend to the full recipe list we need. So we were excited to realise that Peppers, the healthfood shop at the Northern end of Deal, is a haven for foodies, or any lovers of good food. 

Our latest foray into Middle Eastern cuisine has led us to Pomegranate Mollasses - a sweet and sour sauce that goes perfectly with lamb, whilst Prawn Balichao is a much loved pickle that brings back childhood memories for my partner. Even simple, but delicious rye Finnish crackers which have been referenced by the Hairy Bikers in their latest Hairy Dieters cookbook, can be found nestled at the back of this shop. It has a full range of herbal medicines too, but I can't claim to know much about these. I can however, say that whatever the latest foodie fashion, or indeed in most cases specialising in good old fashioned classics, Peppers is likely to have what you are looking for. If not, the owner is happy to discuss and order it in for you. What more can a lover of food want? And what better way for a small independent shop to succeed - great products and a great service. Long may it live.