We Want Real Food

If you’re looking to find a collection of excellent products from small and artisan producers all in one place, then you’ll be thrilled to hear that the Real Food store – dedicated to “celebrating sustainable, ethical and local food” – has popped-up in Darlinghurst.

Organized and realised by Kate Walsh and Matt Branagan and including handcrafted produce by Sydney’s chefs, urban farmers and artisans, the store sold out of produce on its first day. “Everything is restocked now,” assures Walsh. “The producers have been amazing. We don’t get huge amounts, but they send everything so quickly. They’re really excited because this is the kind of outlet that small producers need access to.”

Walsh comes direct from four years in New York working as national communications and marketing manager for Slow Food USA, and has also spent time travelling to and working on organic farms. “My background is in non-profit,” says Walsh. “Brooklyn is a centre for the local food movement. It was great to bring some of that inspiration back here.”

Producers contributing to the first pop-up include Little Marionette, Maya Sunny Honey, Black Star Pastry, Cornersmith and Freshpops, but there are many others and given the success of this pop-up, there are plenty more planned. “We’d love to do it in other suburbs and cities. Maybe Melbourne, Byron Bay and Newcastle. It’s something we can move with.”
And keep an eye out for a Real Food cooking school set to launch in January too. The Real Food pop-up is open every day until Christmas and we reckon you’ll find some of your tastiest Christmas gifts right here.

Real Food pop-up store

118 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst

Hours: Daily 11am–8pm, until December 24

facebook.com/ieatrealfood