El’s Kitchen

Ladywell, London SE13

Opened in 2010, El’s Kitchen sits in a suburban pocket of south-east London. Since its arrival, customers have come to rely on it as their local larder – and it’s easy to see why. Crates of brightly coloured fruit and vegetables lure you in and, once inside, you’ll find everything from storecupboard essentials for breakfast to after-dinner treats. It sells bacon from Drings Butchers, bread from Paul Rhodes Bakery – both in nearby Greenwich – and cheese from around the world, from British cheddar to cave-aged Gruyère and young pecorino Siciliano. The charcuterie counter is similarly well stocked.

Its savoury muffins have proved a hit, especially those made with caramelised red onion, spinach and Keen’s cheese, and the smell of freshly made quiche wafting down the high street often results in a sudden burst of customers. Other homemade fare includes applecrumble cake and peanut-butter brownies, while those on a restricted diet are well catered for with goodies that include a gluten-free lemon-and-orange polenta cake. There are regular food and wine tastings, and hot and cold food to take away. A worthy regional winner of Deli of the Year. KM.