Guest post by Nettie Williams (no relation) as part of my ongoing series. The shop choice is well-timed – today is World Vegetarian Day.
Neil’s got a lot on partly because he’s promised to review all the shops on the Triangle. Pressure! Franchise it out, I suggested. And now here I am, in between jobs, with time on my hands, doing a review to help a mate out.
The shop
Eight Westow Hill, opposite Top Quality Dry Cleaners and in between the bookies and Cafe Nero, used to be a rather roomy newsagent that sold envelopes individually for 20p. Handy, but not unforgettable.
It’s now… caja drum roll… La Amazonas, a health shop with a difference. Described online as “a great local organic and specialty food store with an onsite gluten free bakery, refill stations, and a charming array of artisanal gifts”.
It’s fair to say, it’s very ‘Crystal Palace’: both dog and buggy friendly, and dairy free, with a zero waste policy. It speaks to the wanna-be vegan in me (I live with two fully fledged meat eaters.)
Named after the region the Amazon river flows through, this shop is an oasis of calm and a sensory treat; it’s a soothing contrast to the unrelenting Westow Hill traffic, which does my head in.
The shop opened in July 2020, mid you-know-what and I’m chuffed it’s managed to keep going.
For the last 4 years I’ve been in and out of La Amazonas like a fiddler’s elbow, either to buy small gifts or get refills for cleaning products. (There are at least 2 other refilleries in Crystal Palace – Planta and The Walkthrough – but that’s ok, we need them all).
La Amazonas stands out because of its atmosphere. As my pal with a PhD in interior architecture says, “It’s all about mood and atmosphere Nettie!” And La Amazonas is very moody, in a nice way. As you wander in you get a rich waft from the sacks of coffee beans mixed with the smell of freshly baked bread, while salsa (or reggaeton) plays unobtrusively in the background.
The people
It’s a family affair.
Hugo and Carolina are from Colombia’s second biggest city, Cali, the world capital of salsa dancing. Hugo’s sister, Dora, and his son, Hugo Junior, also work in the shop. They warmly welcome all their customers. Nothing is ever a bother and if something is out of stock the La Amazonas team will suggest where you can get it elsewhere on the Triangle. I’m a sucker for this kind of community spirit.
The many things
Where to start?!
Carolina runs the in-house accredited gluten-free bakery (the only one for miles around). She began baking gluten free goods eight years ago and was soon supplying bakeries across London. The breads include sesame and sourdough, and the sweet treats range from cinnamon buns and peanut swiss rolls, to banana bread and more. They are all vegan, sweetened with agave syrup or dates. No saturated fats here.
There’s so much more aside from the bakery, the popular takeaway coffees, smoothies, and the hard-to-beat refill station where you can replenish your cleaning products, oat milk, herbs, spices, dried fruit, grains, oils, and coffee beans.
If you’re looking for a small-ish or token gift, there’s lots to choose from: unusual herbal teas, posh crisps, Booja Booja vegan ice cream, Marseille no-waste soap bars, a small bag of organic spices or a speciality sauce.
At weekends Crystal Palace is teeming with people on dates. You can spot them a mile off, often looking well turned out but slightly awks. If this is you (it’s certainly been me), next time drop into Las Amazonas – it has lots of conversation starters like the ‘make your own peanut butter’ machine, bottles of Gimber, many types of gorgeous chocolate, all the 4k gut health products (kimchi, kombucha, kraut and kefir), organic pet accessories, incense of all odours, ambient salt lamps, and Brazilian basketware, the proceeds of which go to the Amazonian makers.
And for the sporty-spices among you there are protein shakes and keto powders, plus vitamins and supplements galore. The folk from Training Points are regulars. Say no more.
The one thing
My aforementioned meat-eating fam love a chilli con carne. For tonight’s recipe I need an ancho chilli for extra oomph. Guess what La Amazonas sell? Smart looking bags of said spice. ¡Bingo!
People from Cali are known as ‘caleños’. They’re famed for their approachable and affable manner. And as the Google reviews show the La Amazonas family have brought a vegan, gluten-free, delightful slice of Cali to SE19.
Before I go, two quick reminders:
- Hugo and Carolina raffle a Christmas hamper of La Amazonas goodies each December. Buy anything, however small, keep the receipt and it will be your raffle ticket. You can do this more than once. I know it’s only October, but good luck!
- Carolina’s baked goods are ready by 8am daily. They sell fast, so be sure to order in advance to avoid disappointment. DM on instagram or call 074310 042473.
Thanks a million to Nettie for writing this fabulous guest post! If you’re in the niche Venn diagram of people who read this blog and live in the area, AND you fancy writing your own post as part of this series, just email me. The more the merrier – Neil.
