Bristol health store toasts four and a half decades on the high street

An independent health and wellbeing store is marking a milestone anniversary this month, celebrating 45 years of trading.

Wild Oats, based on Lower Redland Road, offers natural food, supplements, natural beauty products and expert nutritional advice, alongside a popular in-store deli, locally roasted coffee and fresh seasonal smoothies.

The store marked the occasion with a birthday event, drawing a busy morning of customers old and new. A bakery stall was set up outside featuring vegan bakes from Everest Bread and gluten-free treats from The Great Cake Company, with the first 45 customers spending £10 at the stall treated to a free anniversary tote bag and coffee.

Among the highlights was a moment bringing together founder Mike Abrahams, Wild Oats Director and Store Manager Alicia Stephens, and Jay, a customer who has shopped with the store for more than four decades. Jay marked the occasion by gifting Wild Oats a planted tree.

Alicia Stephens, Wild Oats Director and Store Manager, said: "This is a huge achievement, and it's all down to the loyalty of customers like Jay who have been with us since the very beginning. Seeing Mike back in the shop, surrounded by the community we've built together, was a really special moment for all of us."

Image credit: @JonCraig_Photos