Shops / Sponsored Feature
Southville Deli celebrates its 20th birthday
Southville Deli is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Started back in 2001 by Paul Wick and Arwel Edwards, the business has become a North Street stalwart.
“We were very well received when we opened” recalls Paul. “We let the customers guide us as to what products they wanted to see on sale, and this played a big part in developing the business. Placing the initial order was quite nerve-wracking – I was spending a lot of money and needed to get it right!”
“I wanted to focus largely on organic produce,” Paul says, “but I’m proud to say we’ve also acted as a springboard for small scale local food producers, who have difficulty getting shelf space with large organisations. This is reflected by our large range of beers and ciders brewed within the city, locally made chocolate, and cheeses produced in the countryside close by. And coffee beans roasted by Wogan Coffee, also based in Bristol.”
“The business has always been a go to for people who enjoy cooking from scratch, they know they’ll find the makings of a good meal here,” says Paul.
Southville Deli has become just as well known for the quality of its takeaway coffees and sandwiches, with an emphasis on vegan and vegetarian fillings, all served on Herbert’s Bakery bread – brought fresh every day from Montpelier.
One of the biggest challenges in recent years has been the rising awareness of the environmental hazard of single use plastics. Southville Deli was an early pioneer of zero waste options – since 2009 customers have been able to fill their own bottles and containers from a range of self-service dispensers. The store at Church Road has a large area set aside for detergents, bodycare and wholefood zero-waste shopping, while at North Street the Zero Waste offer has moved into its own dedicated store across the street from the original shop and offers a fantastic range of loose tea and coffee.
Looking back over 20 years, Paul thinks the key to the enduring appeal of the business has been its ability to adapt to trends to keep itself relevant. He’s a firm believer in providing good customer service.
“I have been as fortunate with my staff, as I have with my customers” says Paul. “Both stores are in neighbourhoods with strong senses of place. It’s been an honour to have played a role in that, and I’ve made a great many friends from both sides of the counter.”
For more information visit Southville Deli
at 260-262 North St, Bedminster and 259-261 Church Rd, Redfield. Southville Deli Zero Waste Store is at 253 North St, Bedminster.
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