The Refill Shop: Try Something New Today

"How do you know, unless you open the door?" - Casey Rislov

If you happen to live in or near to St Neots and haven’t yet visited The Refill Shop at 40 St Mary’s Street, you’re missing out on one of our town’s real gems.

These days it has become the norm to shy away from human interaction in certain situations where this never used to be the case: many of us would admit to heading for the auto-checkout at Tesco rather than dealing with an actual person, for example; we text or email rather than phoning, and generally perceive ourselves to be in a hurry.

It is worth noting that rushing is one of the major causes of anxiety. Taking time and using our senses is a mindful experience, and something which is all too frequently lacking nowadays when it comes to food shopping - but this can be joyously rediscovered at The Refill Shop. Melina La Firenze, who established the shop with her partner Alexis in November 2019, lists the initiative’s three main objectives:

1. Reducing plastic by reusing containers;

2. Selling organic food, which benefits wildlife, soil and human health; and

3. Providing great-tasting, healthy, nutritious and good quality whole foods.

“Plastic production is set to triple because all the extra petrol that has been pumped and which would have been going to waste is now being ploughed into plastic production”, Melina explains. “The bad news is horrendous if you look into it, but it still feels better to do something than to add to the problem.”

No-one would argue with the need to reduce plastic production, but what about those who, like me, are sceptical about the need to buy organic. Does it really make such a difference?

“The process of genetically modifying food strips out many of its nutrients. Organic food contains more vitamins and fewer allergens”, says Melina. “Soils are being damaged by the over-use of fertiliser, and there are only so many years they can be used before this damage becomes permanent. Monoculture agriculture - growing vast quantities of the same crop, sprayed with pesticides - has a sterilising effect. An ecosystem needs variety. The worst thing is profit-driven over-consumption. We are very careful with our suppliers for this reason, ensuring they are ethical.”

The Refill Shop has a loyal following of regular customers. Additionally, lockdown proved particularly busy for the pair, providing flour and yeast in huge quantities while people were generally at home and baking more than usual. But Melina and Alexis are keen to entice more people in to give the shop a try.

So how does it all work?

If, to date, you have been put off having a nosey because you’re unsure of what to do when you visit, Melina is quick to put your mind at rest. “It’s not difficult or confusing, and we are there to guide you through the process and answer any questions. You simply bring your containers (any will do), have a browse, and ask us to fill up with whatever you want. You can request a specific amount, or just indicate ‘up to here’, and we’ll do the rest. You don’t have to buy in bulk - one customer requested a teaspoon each of a variety of spices for one particular recipe.”

For potential newbies who would prefer to get a sense of what is available before visiting, The Refill Shop’s excellent Facebook page provides a full list of stock and prices (which are the same as or lower than the supermarket or online organic equivalents), as well as opening times and a step by step guide, with photos, of how the system works. If you're still not convinced, Melina and Alexis offer a delivery service so you can order from home. A click and collect option will soon be available, but for now you can email orders to refillshopstneots@gmail.com

There’s a whole lot more than pasta and rice!

The Refill Shop’s range has expanded in line with customers’ requests and preferences. In terms of takings, the shop’s biggest sellers include laundry liquid, washing up liquid, body wash, shampoos, hand wash, raw chocolate (home made by chocolatier Alexis, no less), cake, pasta, nuts and peanut butter. There is a huge range of herbs and spices. More recent items include decaffeinated black tea, molasses, various vegan tinned foods, mayonnaise and pesto, mushroom pate and Whole Earth soft drinks (organic, with no artificial sweeteners). Other ingenious delights include coconut bottle brushes, stainless steel pegs, biodegradable ‘plastic’ bags made from potato starch, and corn starch dental floss.

Did I mention the cafe …?

Yes, there is a cafe! During our chat Melina offers me a sample of Alexis’ amazing home made peanut and mulberry chocolate. Alexis is also responsible for the raw brownies which are somewhat legendary among regular visitors. “Our cakes are made with our organic ingredients and all are vegan. We use nut creams for the icing but also provide nut free alternatives. The raw brownies are made simply from dates, nuts, coconut sugar, raw chocolate and peanut butter. Our coffee is organic Java, roasted up the road in Chatteris. It’s transported in our tubs - no Tetra Pak - and the smell when you open it is incredible.” Soya, oat, coconut, almond, cashew and hazelnut milks are offered at no extra cost (unlike a certain large chain). Everything in the cafe can be to go - just bring something to pop the sweet treats into and a lidded mug for your coffee.

Make a difference

It’s heartening to hear how many families enjoy visiting The Refill Shop. “People make an outing of it”, says Melina. “The weighing and measuring is educational for young children, and also encourages healthy eating. We’ve had visits from a nursery and the Girl Guides. Children in particular love to use the peanut butter machine!”

So, if you or your family haven’t yet ventured to no. 40, I would urge you to pop in next time you’re passing. Melina and Alexis are friendly and approachable, but also very laid back and you won’t feel any pressure to buy anything if you’re simply intrigued and wish to have a look round. It is a genuine treat for the senses (make sure you check out Melina’s stunning art work on the walls). And if you do buy something, you can earn yourself some feel good points. “It makes an impact”, Melina explains. “It does - you do - actually make a difference.”

What customers say

“We’re so fortunate to have The Refill Shop in St Neots. People recognise that this is the sustainable future of shopping. Melina and Alexis have created a wonderful shop and paid attention to customer needs. Oh, and the coffee and in-house bakes are incredible!” - Alice

“I love that there’s never any pressure, always something different to try, always advice and guidance on hand if required. I’ve been impressed throughout lockdown and beyond by their ability and willingness to change, evolve, adapt - always putting customers first.” - Sue

“I like Alexis and Melina’s kindness and the sense of community.” - Max

“As well as buying plastic-free, I like the fact that all products are cruelty-free and environmentally-friendly, and I love being able to support local businesses.” - Joanne

“I rarely go in with a list, just enjoy the lovely displays of goods and then buy according to my mood. My favourite thing by far, however, is buying a coffee and homemade cake, sitting at the table in the window and having a chat with a friend. Easily the best kind of shopping; I wish there was more of it.” - Anne