Isle of Olive is a shop specializing in natural Greek products, located in the heart of one of the most food conscious areas of East London, just off Broadway Market in Hackney.
Isle of Olive aims to introduce and represent in the best way possible the finest range of natural Greek products with a focus on knowledge, traceability and respect for the environment. Founders; Greg Vaitsas and Paulina Filippou, put great attention to the selection of their products, which come from all around Greece and value equally the quality credentials of a product as well as having a direct and honest relationship with the producer. As revealed by their brand, the olive tree is key to their work. Their areas of expertise are in extra virgin olive oil and olives, as well as honey and herbs. A wide range of other complimentary products can also be found in their shop, such as pulses, artisan cheeses, traditional sweets, rusks, various spreads, appetizers and sauces and wine, as well as natural body care products and cookbooks.
Customers are also welcome to sit in for breakfast and lunch and enjoy the freshly baked pastries, salads and other healthy snacks such as Greek yogurt with raw honey and walnuts. The herbal teas offered are very popular, as well as the Greek coffee made the traditional way, on heated sand! Greg and Paulina are passionate about healthy living and Greek food heritage, which they constantly promote through their work. They often organize events such as cheese and wine tastings and supper clubs, aiming to familiarize their customers with Greek food.
The interior of the shop, designed with the help of London-based Architect Stamatis Zografos is modern and casual. The relaxed atmosphere is reinforced by the simple raw materials used; exposed painted white brick walls and polished concrete floor. The space is kept uncluttered and the custom made furniture, made of natural wood and steel, allow the products to fill the shop with their character.
