Single Step
Grocery/Bakery/Deli, General Store
Vegetarian wholefood nonprofit workers' co-op
One of the largest wholefood workers' co-ops in the UK, with pro-vegan, pro-organic, no sugar, low salt, no GM and no additive policies. Fresh organic bread daily, fresh organic fruit and veg, plus loose (and therefore cheap) herbs, spices, grains, cereal, beans, pulses and dried fruit. Also sells snack bars, crisps (chips) and drinks. Licensed, so stocks organic and vegan wines, beers, ciders, etc.
Not easily wheelchair or stroller accessible, but the staff are happy to lend a hand.
Local community notice boards in the front of the shop, and the basement is used by various nonprofit groups. Upstairs is the Whale Tail Cafe.
From the town centre, head south along Penny Street (one of the pedestrianised shopping streets). After you pass the Oxfam shop on your right, cross the next road, past the temp agency, a couple of other shops, then at the Golden Jade Chinese restaurant, go down the alleyway, and the Whale Tale and Single Step are in front of you - easier to find than it sounds - see map!
Added by Linda on Jun 14 05 (updated Apr 30 07)
Firstly, I must say that I've worked here twice (for a total of 5 years), so I'm a little biased! However, we have worked hard to make Single Step the kind of shop where people would want to go.
They check their suppliers regularly to ensure there are no GM ingredients, that everything is vegetarian (preferably vegan), etc.
A great place to go for general groceries, snack bars, pasties, etc. Plus, homeopathic and alternative remedies, loose (and therefore very cheap) herbs and spices, alcohol, greetings cards, vegan ice cream, plus a large selection of alternative, gay/lesbian, green/ecological, political and other magazines.