Agreed. Though some may miss his charcuterie counter, I much prefer that he also sells fresh fish now too.

Yes and as one who probably falls into the older, fresh food preparing, optimist category (minus the time bit, it need take no longer to prepare fresh food) am also not anticipating culinary fireworks but it will open up some new options. Am expecting that we will end up spending more money on the parade when this opens and less at the grim Forest Hill Sainsburys. The good independents should have little to fear IMO. Agreed re the off licence though.