Polly takes on might of Tesco

Polly Plouviez

THE controversial Tesco store in Cambridge’s Mill Road will face competition today when a new food shop opens opposite. Urban Larder is opening in Hope Street Yard in a bid to stop the supermarket giant’s Cambridge “take-over”. It will sell locally-sourced food from farms, orchards, kitchens and homes in the area.

The move comes after warnings by anti-Tesco campaigners that the store – which opened two months ago – would blight independent trade in the street famed for its unique shops. Owner Polly Plouviez hopes families in the area will turn to her store’s locally-sourced food. She said: “When I came to Cambridge I was amazed at how many Tescos there are in the city.

“In a way this is a fightback but we are offering something quite different to Tesco and are keen to get feedback and support the local community.”

The shop will provide a selection of organic, free-range, homemade and sustainable food. And in keeping with the Halloween launch, the store will sell Vampires Repent – a hot plum and habanera chilli combination.

Found in: cn_news_home
Published on 30-Oct-2009

Tesco has a new rival in Mill Road after Urban Larder opened opposite the store on October 31.

But Tesco bosses say they welcome the competition. A spokeswoman said: “We are delighted to hear that Polly Plouviez is opening a new shop in Mill Road.

We have always said that more competition and choice can only bring advantages to the area. “Variety, choice and the services of different retailers can only enhance high streets by keeping people shopping in the area and encouraging new customers and indeed new traders.

“It is good that other retailers are investing in the area and we wish Urban Larder every success.”

Found in: cn_news_cambridge
Published on 09-Nov-2009

A Foody Round-Up

I love Mill Rd, but if you have to come from some distance, parking is not easy. However, the newly opened Urban Larder, in Hope St Yard, has a bit of an advantage in that you may find parking in the Yard itself (easiest on Thursdays and Sundays) and Hope St parking is not restricted to residents.

This shop (www.urbanlarder.co.uk) has as its’ slogan “eat local”, and Polly will tell you of their efforts to source everything from within a 20 mile radius of Cambridge. The aim is to carry foods which are free-range, organic, home-produced, catering for carnivores as well as vegetarians, and for those pressed for time too.

There were some very intriguing choices of ready meals – such as mushroom, brie and cranberry Wellingtons – and as I riffled through them, a man came in and asked if they had any more of those double yolked eggs. Yes – they had. There are very attractive things on the shelves;- a whole range of breads from the Dovecote Bakery in the Arbury, very fresh looking leeks and squashes, CamValley apple juices, honey from Saffron Walden, soups from Toft, local chutneys and jams, rape seed oil, Egremont Russets and really crisp, juicy Coxes.

It is very early days, and the cheese and the organic meat and poultry have yet to arrive, and the plan for fresh herbs – not pre-packaged, but as much or as little as you want – is for the future, but it all looks very promising.

By Kate Paterson
Publication date: 08/11/2009

Found in: http://www.localsecrets.com/ezine.cfm?ezineid=1701