Opened just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Salt and Slate in Hayes has emerged as a community lifeline under the leadership of owner Oliver, who has tirelessly committed to supporting locals. The shop quickly pivoted to offer deli meals and essential groceries, including free meals for children and contributions to food banks. However, Oliver acknowledges the increasing difficulties small businesses face, driven by external factors like Brexit and the war in Ukraine. Yet, the shop has expanded its offerings, hosting events and creating unique food products to maintain its relevance.
He told the News Shopper: We opened in February 2020, and that was just like weeks before COVID, and we sort of had to find a way to help and feed the community. We turned ourselves into a greengrocer who sold deli meals that people could grab and go.
We did establish ourselves quite well, we were the first people in the area to let children eat free during half terms and at the end of the term. We offered food banks, and we still do, collected lots of clothing for the Ukraine disaster.
Despite his shop's efforts to support the community, Oliver admits that the small business landscape has become increasingly difficult. I mean, we're including everything from Brexit to the war in Ukraine, which is really affecting the price of grain and flour, to the cost of living, cost of energy.
Now, chef Oliver hosts supper clubs, makes his own individual beef wellingtons and kimchi, and even smokes his own salmon at the back door. We've really got an eclectic mix.
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