It is no exaggeration to say that ethical foodie heaven can be found under the arch in Clifton village. The business, which Debbie Atherton and David Greenman bought in November 2009, won the 2009 ‘Discover the Origin’ award organised by Speciality Food Magazine to raise awareness and publicise the importance of food provenance in delis and independent stores throughout the UK.
It is the sole retail outlet for Bristol Honey produced by hives in Redland Road and little jars of apple and geranium or apple and lavender jelly, home made by Diggy Tennant from the flowers and fruit in her garden, a few hundred yards from the shop. You cannot get more local than that.
The quality of the food always comes first, but after that it is local and organic whenever possible. For example, there are hand made unpasteurised goats cheese from Crediton in Devon, the famous Montgomery Cheddar, Bill’s pork pies, Bill being the owner and chef in a local pub, and Tom’s pies, e.g. pork and pickled walnut, made in Dorset. Cheddar ales and Sheppy’s cider will soon be joined by English wines. Arch House Deli is also the sole retail outlet for Clifton Cakes, who supply handmade cakes from organic and locally sourced ingredients.
Needless to say, all the food for the deli and its café are made in house. As if that wasn’t enough all their packaging is biodegradable, even down to the plastic tubs for the take away food, which are made from maize and will dissolve in hot water. So, there you have it. Gourmandise with a clear conscience. Perfect.
