Reaping the Dalston Harvest

Harvest E8 on Kingsland High Street. Photograph:Hackney Citizen

Tired of all the chicken shops and fast food chains on Kingsland Road? I certainly am, which is why I was excited to hear about the launch of the new organic food store Harvest E8.

But is there a market for healthy and organic food in Dalston? If the incoming masses of curious residents filling the store at the launch were anything to go by, move over Sainsbury’s, there’s a new supermarket in town.

Claiming to be East London’s largest organic and sustainable foods store, Harvest E8 sells responsibly produced foods and products.

The store has 4,000 stock items on display, most of which are organic, including wine, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry and beauty products.

So what distinguishes Harvest E8 from other health food stores?

“We’re completely independent and family owned,” says Tem Mellese, the store’s project manager.

Mellese is also passionate about embracing the local community. “We wanted to open a positive business in the area and we’re inviting local producers to get involved. We really want to fill the store with homemade items,” he says.

Inside there is a Little Green Shoots Bar and Oasis Café with coffee, fresh juices and smoothies. Sitting on the wooden tables and chairs while sipping fresh orange juice comes as welcome respite from the hectic atmosphere outside.

The large store comes with an even larger basement space. There’s talk of opening spa facilities downstairs in the near future.

The store is perfect for vegan, gluten-free, lactose intolerant and special diets, but actually there’s something here for everyone who wants to eat healthily and live well.

And with a store that’s open 7 days a week and conveniently located, there’s no excuse not to!

Harvest E8
130-132 Kingsland High Street
Dalston
E8 4PH
Open daily 8am-10pm