A shop believed to be the UK’s longest running independent health food store is preparing to mark its 50th anniversary in Fulham.
Health Foods in Fulham Road was set up by the Aetherius Society in 1966, and when it opened sold mostly nuts and honey.
But since then the shop has found a loyal base of customers, with many staff working there for free, and sells vitamin supplements, gluten and wheat-free products, organic foods, yogurt, and teas for people of all ages and walks of life.
It also hosts sessions offering various forms of alternative therapy.
To mark its golden celebration, Chelsea and Fulham MP Greg Hands will visit the shop on November 14.
There will be in-store demonstrations, sampling and free gift bags on the day and a 10% discount on almost all items for the whole of the first two weeks of November.
Richard Lawrence, Aetherius Society executive secretary, thanked customers and said: “In 1966 we opened what I understand to be one of the first independent health food shops in the UK at 767 Fulham Road.
“For 50 years a wonderful service has been provided to the local community by our dedicated staff and volunteers, some of them qualified in various forms of complementary therapy.
“We advocate seeking medical advice where appropriate, but supplementing it with as healthy a lifestyle as possible and, according to many Fulham residents, our shop has helped them to achieve this.”
Among those who gives up their time to work at Health Foods is Valerie Perry. She said: “I really enjoy helping people and using the knowledge that I have acquired over the many years of working in Health Foods to assist customers with their health and wellbeing.
“It is very satisfactory to be able to offer this service and have time to listen to them, in a world where many are rushing around and have little time for each other.
“Many of our customers have been coming to this shop for over 25 years and they have become good friends. Even when they have sometimes moved away from the area they still return to us.”
