On 7 February 2024, Gregg Boyd and his partner Maddi are set to open the doors to London's very first Scottish deli, The Shoap (Scottish for shop, by the way). It's going to resemble a kitsch Highland farm shop that's been picked up and placed right in the heart of Islington, serving all of the things Scots miss from back home.
The Scottish business started out as a stall in Dalston, Auld Hag, where owners Gregg and Maddi have been serving tasty Scottish scran ever since, like haggis and neeps and tattles. Since then, the business has evolved, and he's finally set to welcome The Shoap's first customers on St John Street in Angel on 9 February at 8 am, originally meant to open in summer.
The purpose of The Shoap is to spread the deliciousness and joy of Scottish food to local Londoners. You can expect all sorts on the menu, such as rolls, pieces (a sandwich or a snack) and pies, traditional sugary tablets, clootie dumplings and black buns, as well as boiled sweets like soor plooms (Scottish for sour plums). There will even be beers brewed across Scotland and coffee from a local Scottish roastery.
However, keep an eye on the menu as it's set to change, and The Shoap will be open at different times throughout the year – it'll welcome customers in the evenings come spring for Scottish snacks and drinks.
