From a small converted garage in Cobble Lane Islington, Picco Salumi is producing London’s first locally-made charcuterie. Co-owner Matt Atkinson talks about working with British producers, London’s food markets, and how to eat beef jerky.

“British charcuterie is just beginning; it’s still very new”, explains Matt Atkinson of Picco Salumi. “People want to buy British, they want to buy locally and so there is an opportunity for people like us to do British charcuterie.” Atkinson with Matt Hill and Adam Brudnowski are the trio behind Picco Salumi. In March this year, they took full-ownership of the business and a name change to Cobble Lane Cured is planned.

Using their combined butchery skills, in particular those of master charcutier Brudnowski, they are adapting the European crafts of curing meats to London using 100% British produce. Assisted by modern technology, “we are now able to produce the depth and breadth of what you would find in somewhere like Italy, rather than bacon and sausages that British curing has been traditionally known for.”

Shoreditch - a design megawatt with the gravitational pull of all things cool, it has long been the haven of the in-crowd with its line-up of contemporary art galleries, design studios and clubs  Regardless of whether you see it as over-subscribed or pure zeitgeist, Shoreditch with its gritty edge and in-your-face personality remains home to some of London's most exciting independent stores and trends. For a complete guide including a profile of shops that you will find, click here. 

Finally, the Broadway Market food map is complete!!! Home to a lively community of traders, food producers and artisans, each Saturday this East London market attracts thousands with its street fare atmosphere, promise of unusual vintage finds, and cornucopia of food and produce. For a complete guide including a profile of shops that you will find, click here. 

La Fromagerie would be our nomination for one of the best grocery stores in London. Inside is everything for a well-stocked larder- there are freshly baked breads, jams and chutneys, dry goods, carefully selected produce including seasonal vegetables, wines, as well as a tasting café and cheese room. The shop floor is beautifully designed with the feel of a farm shop. The tasting café offers a more than satisfying daily seasonal menu. Here you can sit at the communal table and indulge in say the house cured salmon, or homemade terrines. Then of course there is the acclaimed fromagerie with its selection of regional farmhouse cheeses sourced from small farms and producers. Cheeses are matured onsite in the cellars and advice whether it be on cheese combinations or wine pairing is readily given by expert and friendly staff. What we like most about La Fromagerie is its food ethos - owner Patricia Michelson’s unmistakable passion for good food and wine, and the store’s educative focus (seminars are held on a regular basis).

Address: 2-6 Moxon Street Marylebone W1U 4EW
Tel: 020 7935 0341
Opening hours: Mon - Fri 8.00-19.30; Sat 9.00-19.00; Sun 10.00-18.00
Online store: available

The original La Fromagerie is located at 30 Highbury Park, N5 2AA

There is something about eating locally and by that I mean not only supporting a local cafe or restaurant but your local farmers market, food producer and artisans. So if you are looking for some weekend inspiration, read one or all of the following interviews with some of London's current generation of food entrepreneurs and food supporters. Some are start-ups; others are more established. The thing that they all share is their passion for London and its vibrant food culture. Enjoy. Click here.