G Baldwin & Co (or Baldwins in short) is an absolute treasure of a shop on Walworth Road (in the Elephant & Castle area in South London). Actually, make that two shops, because Baldwin & Co has two shopfronts. There’s Baldwins the health food shop at number 171, and Baldwins the herbalist at number 173. It’s the herbal part that makes it such a gem: there are lots of health food shops in London, but herbalists? Not so much.

G. Baldwin & Co: practical information

Address: 171-173 Walworth Rd, SE17 1RW

Opening Hours: Monday – Sat 9 to 18 (19 on Thurs), closed Sundays

Website: https://www.baldwins.co.uk/

How to get there: the nearest tube station is Elephant & Castle (Bakerloo line, Northern line).

It’s about a 10 minutes walk from the tube station, if you know the way exactly. In practise, count on at least 15 minutes, because the Elephant & Castle roundabout is a nightmare to navigate. Once you’re on Walworth Road itself, it’s all good.

Bus: 40, 68, 176, 468

Handy tip: If you’re coming from Elephant & Castle, the shop is on the left-hand side. If you’re coming from Walworth, it’s on the right-hand side.

Baldwins sell a huge range of herbal remedies and medicinal plants, as well as aromatherapy supplies (essential oils and base oils), vitamins, soap making supplies, empty bottle and jars for your homemade preparations, as well as herbs and spices. They’ve got a paper catalogue that you can take home, or you can search the website if you’re looking for something specific.

And the inside is beautiful! G Baldwins and Co was established in the 19^th century, making it one of the oldest shops in London. Amazingly, the current shop still uses the original wooden shelves. They line the walls, and together with the atmospheric lighting, give the place a soothing feel.

So whether you’re looking for kitchen spices, herbal medicine remedies or even pharmaceutical glass jars, this is a wonderful shop to have in your radar.

And why not grab brunch at nearby Tupi on the way?