A "loved" village shop that closed after 25 years is set to be reopened by a former owner's children. 

The Panayi family behind the Chipperfield Larder in The Street have said they are “excited” to bring back the homemade food shop.

It has been in the family for 25 years, although there has been a food shop on the site under different names since 1908.

Having been formerly run by Angela for five years and then her brother-in-law Vas for 20, it served homemade food for customers to eat in store or take home.

Watford Observer: The business has been in the Panayi family for 25 years. Left to right: Natalie, Ollie, Chris, Lexi, Pani, Angela and Stef.The business has been in the Panayi family for 25 years. Left to right: Natalie, Ollie, Chris, Lexi, Pani, Angela and Stef. (Image: Natalie Panayi)

Now Angela's children Natalie Reynolds, 42, Lexi Panayi, 33, and Chris Panayi, 39, are looking to take it on with an opening date potentially just weeks away.

 

“It’s been in the village for so long and it was such a loved place,” Natalie said. “We know we need to try and make it work.”

Watford Observer: The Chipperfield Larder has largely sat unused since it shut in 2022.The Chipperfield Larder has largely sat unused since it shut in 2022. (Image: The Chipperfield Larder)

The 42-year-old businesswoman put a post on Facebook today, May 2, announcing the larder’s return and asking locals what they would like to see in the shop.

The news was met with positive reactions online as one resident called it “wonderful news” while another added: “As a neighbour we have really missed being able to pick up a quick lunch/ coffee/deli items or eat in.”

One local said they “loved and miss” the larder’s full English breakfast and several people mentioned the shop’s “legendary” scotch eggs.

The trio currently run an online womenswear retailer together called Style Cheat and all still live around Chipperfield and Rickmansworth.

Watford Observer: Vas Panayi behind the counter in 2012.Vas Panayi behind the counter in 2012. (Image: The Chipperfield Larder)

Natalie said: “I put the post out because I thought if we're going to make it work, we need to have the support from people.

“I think that's really important to find out what Chipperfield and the surrounding areas want because that's the way it can be successful. You just can't run a business without them.”

The family retained the building after the shop closed and it has sat largely unused, but Natalie admits they will have to “move things along quite quickly” to make the planned reopening in June.

The news of the closure in 2022 was met with sadness online as Vas paid tribute to "everyone, past and present, who has supported the Larder over the years".

"I have met some special people during my time at the Larder who have become firm friends," he added at the time. "Thank you all for your custom and loyalty."