Circle Store

A hidden gem for Shad Thames residents. Not like you would travel just to visit it, but have consistently found if to have specialty items that the big-​box stores like Tesco and Sainsbury’s never seem to have. Very wide variety for a convenience store (got pancetta there in a last minute search) and I don’t think there’s been a single time I’ve left not being able to find what I went in there for. Can’t speak highly enough of it; hope the rumours of a new Tesco Express around the corner doesn’t do this great independently owned store!

The Circle Store is a little bit of a dive. Considering there are 3 other convenience shops within a couple hundred metres or so, I don’t see why you’d go to the Circle Store over the others if you’re living in Shad Thames, particularly since you probably have a bit of money and don’t want to shop in store with cardboard on the floor soaking up standing water that’s leaked from one of the refrigerated units containing discounted, end-​of-​life dairy goods.
I prefer the shop that is located within the Circle itself, perhaps confusingly not named ‘the Circle Store’. It’s a bit posher, you see. And its pain au chocolat is pretty good. For a convenience store.
One thing the Circle Store DOES have going for it is the fact that it sells Mysore Sandal Soap. I used to love this soap so much so that I used it exclusively. That is, until the Indian corner shop I bought it from near Euston stopped selling it and I couldn’t find it ANY OTHER SHOP IN LONDON. Trust me, I looked. The discovery of its sale in a corner store in Shad Thames (where I now live) is fortuitous, although a bit odd. And too late.
I’ve started using Dr Bronner’s Liquid Soap instead, which I source from Whole Foods. I should mention, though, that you’ve gotta watch out using the peppermint kind all over your body, lest you want your ladybits to burn with everlasting fire.
I also like Malki Dead Sea Natural Sulphur Soap, but it kind of makes you smell like rotten eggs. Which I can’t wholly recommend, I’ll be honest.
So, yeah.
If you’re looking for Mysore Sandal Soap, go to the Circle Store. If you want anything else, I’d recommend you go to the not-​Circle Store that is, in fact, located in the Circle.

This shop has so many different names. And I never knew that one of them was Circle Store! I’ve heard Red Orange. I’ve heard Finelife. I’ve heard «that shop down the road» on many many occasions.
Anyway, this is our go-​to shop at work. There are plenty of other convenience shops nearby, even a Sainsbury’s, but this remains the staff favourite. They sell all kinds of stuff you never knew you needed.
A coworker of mine enjoys a sandwich from their deli counter every day. I’ve stopped by several times for some delicious soup, an odd can of tuna here and there, and (when I’m feeling extravagant) some halva. If you don’t know about Halva, get out now. It’s delicious and probably an acquired taste but I LOVE it. I want to bathe in it.
This shop definitely has an advantage over some of the smaller convenience stores dotted around the area in that it’s independently owned, is much larger, and has a much better selection and value.