Peckham’s Naturally

I’ve been a fan of Peckham’s since I moved to Glasgow and even though we’ve seen a few shut down, this one seems to be in it for the long haul (fingers crossed).
This particular day, I was on the hunt for a cider my boyfriend and I had the pleasure of drinking one night at a pub in Glasgow. I’ve yet to see it anywhere on any shelves, but have finally been able to source other flavours made by the same brand.
I was wasting time before class one day and decided to pop in to Peckhams for a look.
Obviously, the smell of this place alone sends my saliva glands into hyperspeed, and the products on offer here are minimal, but what they do have are often gems. You can often find things here that you wouldn’t be able to find at your Tescos or your Morrisons, and without having to travel all the way out to Whole Foods. Good quality stuff.
Aside from that, they have a hot bar, where you can have made to order sandwiches and soups, and they have a cold case of different goodies such as cakes, and quiche.
But for the main event, I was looking for the cider… and to my absolute surprise, they carried the brand I was looking for. Not the flavour, but at least I knew they carried the brand. I bought two bottles to take home to enjoy with my boyfriend for later, and went off to class… booze in bag. (don’t do this at home, folks)
I absolutely love this place and will be back for as long as they are in business. Fingers crossed, that’s for a long time to come!

We pop in here a bit too often but we find we can’t help ourselves. They have excellent cake, baked goods, shortbread, Turkish delights and Oban Chocolates. Yes we might have a bit of a sweet tooth and Peckham’s provides us with a plethora of variety. Their meals that you heat up are actually really good too. It’s a great spot to stop if you are peckish or in need of a actual meal. Everyone we’ve ever talked to in here has been helpful and nice. Even if they weren’t we’d still be addicts for all the sweets they offer. Speaking of sweets-​the Oban Chocolates are worth every bit of the cost. The best chocolate we’ve had so far in the UK (better than many of the luxury chocolates we’ve had).
Our favourite cakes: Victoria Sponge cake when it’s new and Cherry chocolate torte.

I love Peckham’s!
A west end institution and a regular treat when I lived in the West End.
There was a time when I spent a few months on crutches and Peckham’s was about as far as I could get from flat. I spent this time working my way through their cake selection and finally I decided on my favourite: chocolate and cherry loaf! Washed down with some Sicilian lemonade or firey ginger beer.
In this store everything is organic and fresh and my saviour on Christmas Eve when I needed to buy sweet potatoes after everywhere else had closed.
After a refurb last year it now has a kitchen at the back for stocking the deli counter.
It’s not cheap but it’s tasty!

I work across the road from this wonderous place and I’m starving right now (plus I haven’t been on my lunch yet), so maybe I shouldn’t have started thinking/​writing about Peckham’s and their delicious foodstuffs… oh, why must I torture myself like this?!
The white caramel shortcake is perhaps the best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth (add appropriate smutty remark where applicable). I’m not a huge fan of cake (despite what my waistline may otherwise imply), but even I press my wee nose against the glass and dribble like an idiot at all the fresh delights on offer. Can food talk? I’m pretty sure everything in Peckham’s whispers ‘Buy me! Eat me!’ as you attempt to walk past without looking directly at anything that may make you give in to temptation, a bit like a high-​end red light district.
There are many delights on offer, alcohol included, and I’m delighted to report their mulled wine is one of the finest mulled wines I’ve ever had, and having drank myself silly at the Nuremberg Christmas market on the cinammon-​y genius, that’s saying something.
It’s a bit pricey, but you do get what you pay for with Peckham’s. Plus, the staff are always really friendly and helpful and won’t make fun of you if you plump for Diet Coke rather than hand-​pressed organic lemonade with a touch of corriander. or something that sounds made up like that but isn’t.
My one issue? (There always has to be one!) — it’s not the store, it’s the school kids queuing up outside to get in at lunchtime! Eh, whit?! When I was at school, I’d get three pounds a day for lunch, skip the healthy option in the school canteen, go to Morrison’s and buy Polo Mints and the NME, I wouldn’t stand outside a deli waiting on cous cous and pâté! I mean, what is up with kids these days?! Why can’t they go and drink Bucky in the park like good little hooligans rather than fulfilling every middle class stereotype you can shake a stick at? Harrumph. I must be getting old.

Ah Peckham’s. If you live in the West End of Glasgow, or indeed near any other of the esteemed Peckham’s branches, then you will no doubt already be a fan.
This Peckham’s, though, has a bit of a twist on the formula. As well as selling the fabulous cakes, sandwiches, breads and wines that we all know and love — this Peckham’s specialises in ‘natural’ produce. This means that they sell a range of mouthwateringly fresh vegetables and fruits — which are all completely organic and planet-​friendly.
And yes, this is Peckham’s so you’ll probably pay a little bit more here than you would at a normal greengrocer’s — but I like to think that you’re paying for the Peckham’s experience not just your apples. And the Peckham’s experience? Definitely worth paying a few more pennies for.

Whether it is alcohol– yes, they have absinthe– or deli treats, Peckhams is a treasure house. Whenever I start forgetting to do a proper shop at the supermarket, I end up here, buying loads of lovely food that is over-​priced but delicious. I think the novelty of french toast, pates and vegetarian spreads overwhelms my pleasure centres, emptying my bank account and giving me a rush of delight. And it does open late: it is wonderful to be able to get something after nine that isn’t just the junk I pick up from the all night garage.

There is something magical about Peckhams at this time of year although I’m not sure what it is. Perhaps it’s the fact that it all just seems so traditional. Christmas is when I tend to pop in most in the search for nice gift — the selection of wine and beers is fantastic. It is expensive though but I guess you get what you pay for.
The food from the deli section is fresh and tasty too! Worth popping in for a browse or if you want to treat yourself but be careful or you could end up spending a fortune.

Peckhams isn’t just a bottle shop/​deli/​cheesemonger, but an institution, and one which should be approached with caution.
A family– run Scottish business which first opened its doors in 1982 has grown with several branches now across Scotland– five of which are in Glasgow (Glassford Street, Byres Road, Hydnland Road and two on Clarence Drive). The shops stock a wide selection of continental meats, cheeses, pates, breads, cakes and chocolates. In addition, the stores have ‘ready to eat’ food with its own range of sandwiches, salads, hot soups and freshly ground coffee to take away. Having visited each of the stores on the odd occasion, I have always been impressed with the friendly service and high quality of produce.
The selection isn’t cheap (I once accidentally picked up organic milk and almost fainted at the counter), and should be avoided when even a tad under the influence of alcohol (the late opening hours means you WILL be tempted to visit on your way home from the pub), however if you have the money to splurge or fancy a treat, it’s well worth a visit.