It brought me great pleasure to read the feature about Nicholas Saunders (Hippy, capitalist, guru, grocer: the forgotten genius who changed British food, 23 January). I encountered this remarkable man during my student vacation in 1976 when he employed me and a couple of young friends to convert this amazing derelict banana warehouse into the wholefoods shop. It was an incredible experience (I remember an armour manufacturer next door).
Nick was such a visionary – he must have been one of the first people to see the potential of the old Covent Garden, and to commit to the rejuvenation of the recently vacated fruit and veg market. Visiting Neal’s Yard now fills me with great pride and also with great memories of that summer and of working for Nick.
Nick Murphy
East Bridgford, Nottinghamshire
