Around our Community

some of our local shops visited by our reporter Sean J’s News

J’s News has been under the same ownership since 2010 and is located at the Bath Road end of the small parade of shops in Royal Avenue.

I was offered a friendly welcome and it was explained that they know their community and feel part of it.

They are happy to offer a listening ear. The shop is a general grocer and newsagents offering a wide range in a limited space.

The Avenue Deli

This was my first visit to The Avenue Deli. I was given an extremely warm welcome by sisters Simi and Simran and I was left in no doubt about their passion, enthusiasm, commitment to the business and above all generosity.

Simi along with her husband, Jay opened the business with Simran as the general manager on 20th July 2020.

They offer breakfast, coffee, lunch, brunch and the emphasis is on quality but at a reasonable price. There was a great atmosphere and they receive extremely good reviews. An evening bar is also opened on an ad-hoc basis. Being part of the community and giving back to the community is a really important part of the philosophy.

The Deli has received the Good food Award and do a great deal for charity. During the pandemic they provided free take away pre-packed lunch bags and have been part of the Marcus Rashford kids eat free initiative and they still offer free kids meals during some school holidays. An “Act of Kindness Board” was set up where locals could help others in need. The family provide support to local schools through this and their other businesses Tasty Plaice and Phat J’s (see other reports) and sponsor 3 local youth football teams.

Phat J’s

This is next door to the Deli and the building (previously a fish and chip shop) was offered to the family along with the old restaurant (now Avenue Deli).

Phat J’s now stands on the site of the former fish and chip shop and hairdresser. It is run as a partnership by Jas and Jay. It was opened in January 2022 and had opening offers such as pizzas for just 99p. Again this is a business that wants to be part of the community and for the community with the same emphasis on quality food and ingredients. They offer burgers, pizza, fish and chips, kebabs and more. This is a take away and delivery service. It is highly rated by those that use it.

Tasty Plaice

Although not technically in our parish this establishment is owned by the same family as Phat J’s and The Avenue Deli, so I thought it should be included.

The business started in 2013 having taken over the previous fish and chip shop next to the Water Tower near the top of Langley Hill.

Simi told me that the aim is to run as a traditional fish and chip shop but want to stay current offering gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options. They are fully gluten free on a Sunday.

They employ young local people who keep in touch and come back to tell them about university, careers etc. The family owners want to play their part in the community and have for example donated or provided discounted food for fetes at the local Springfield School.

Thank you Sean! I hope that knowing more about our local businesses and the people who run them will encourage us all to support them.

Tony Bartlett - editor