In Greek mythology, Ambrosia is a nourishment of the Gods, though opinion is divided. Homer described it as a food and Sappho as a drink. Whether food or drink, the divine substance was always delicately perfumed and was a means by which men could become immortal.

Ambrosia, is next door to Nikki, at 155 High Street (020 8520 3828), occupying, and sometimes obstructing the corner with Truro Road. This is a position where there should be plenty of room for everyone to move about, though apparently the shop has been a little mean to local pedestrians and cyclists who have had to complain about their careless obstruction of the pavement on Truro Road.

Unlike the stuff of legend, the food and drink at Ambrosia may not stretch life to infinity, but they certainly make life worth living for their customers. The shop has a great display of Asian and Afro-Caribbean herbs and vegetables, such as methi, plantain, chilis, sweet potatoes, sugar cane and garden eggs are sometimes available(an excellent variety of miniature creamy yellow aubergine with an intense flavour). They currently [2 March 2008] have some slightly green West Indian Ortaniques in stock.

To my untutored eye, Ambrosia (Tel 0208 520 3828) appear to have a more inviting array than at Madina Supermarket, up the road. The prices are reasonable, and they stock a wide range of oils, tinned goods, in the Grace and Dunns River range, (which I see our local ASDA now stocks) and spices, to compete favourably with specialist spice shops like Ummers.