Following our post about much-loved Tooting Asian grocery store Bhavin’s closing, Anil’s son Vikash has written the following about the shop and its significance in the Tooting community:
“Since 1978, Bhavin’s Cash & Carry has been far more than just a shop. For Anil Shah, his brothers Rohit and his late brother Arun, it became a huge part of their lives, their family, and the community they were so proud to serve.
“Over the decades, Tooting has changed enormously, but Bhavin’s remained a constant – becoming one of the area’s longest-standing Asian grocers and a familiar place for generations of families.
“For many people arriving in the UK and beginning a new chapter in their own lives, shops like Bhavin’s were incredibly important. It was somewhere to find familiar foods, familiar faces, advice, conversation and, above all, a sense of community. Anil, Rohit and Arun were proud to play their small part in supporting so many people as they built their lives here.
“Anil loved being there and loved the people who walked through its doors. Many customers became friends, and many of those friends became like extended family.
“There have been countless conversations across the counter, plenty of laughter, friendships that have lasted decades, and memories that will stay with the family forever.
“Making the decision to retire was not easy. When something has been such a huge part of your life for 50 years, you don’t simply close the door and forget about it. But all good things eventually come to an end.
“Anil and the family leave Bhavin’s incredibly proud of what they built together, and are thankful for the wonderful community that allowed their family business to become part of Tooting’s story.
“To every customer, friend, neighbour and family who’s walked through the doors since 1978 – thank you. The shop may have closed, but Anil’s love for his customers, the friendships made and the memories created will never disappear.
“Thank you, Tooting, for nearly 50 wonderful years.
“In loving memory of Arun, who will always remain an important part of the Bhavin’s story.”