Real Food, Exeter
Community led store and cafe
Created as Exeter's first community-owned food business, The Real Food Store combined retail, hospitality, and social enterprise into a unique destination that celebrated local food, sustainable sourcing, and community connection. Owned by a community benefit society with over 300 members, the project was founded on the belief that good food should be local, ethical, accessible, and enjoyable.
The interior design was developed to reflect these values through an authentic and welcoming environment that connected customers directly with the food, producers, and stories behind the products. Retail displays showcased seasonal produce, bakery goods, and locally sourced products, while the café provided a relaxed setting for customers to meet, work, and enjoy freshly prepared food.
Natural timber, reclaimed materials, handmade display elements, and vibrant colours created a distinctive identity that stood apart from conventional supermarkets and chain cafés. Flexible merchandising systems allowed the store to adapt to changing seasonal offers, while bespoke joinery and handcrafted details reinforced the independent and community-focused nature of the business.
A key objective was to create an environment that encouraged people to spend time in the space rather than simply transact. The café, retail areas, displays, graphics, and customer journey were carefully integrated to create a seamless experience that celebrated local food culture and strengthened relationships between producers and consumers.
The result was a vibrant destination that supported over 100 suppliers, the majority based within Devon, helping to strengthen the local food economy while creating a memorable customer experience.
Key features
Community-owned food retail and café concept
Strong focus on local, seasonal, and sustainably sourced produce
Bespoke retail displays showcasing artisan products
Flexible merchandising systems supporting changing seasonal offers
Natural materials and handcrafted detailing throughout
Integrated café environment encouraging longer dwell times
Strong visual identity communicating local food values
Customer experience designed around discovery, education, and connection
Support for local producers and independent suppliers
Warm, welcoming atmosphere promoting community engagement
Result:
A distinctive retail and hospitality environment that successfully combined commercial objectives with social purpose, creating a destination that celebrated local food, supported regional producers, and fostered a stronger connection between people, place, and sustainable food culture.
