Hidden gem: Lincoln family’s health shop fights for eco-friendly revolution

A mother and daughter team is behind this hidden gem of a health food shop which tries to be at the forefront of the eco-friendly revolution.

Green’s Health Food Shop, on St Mary’s Street opposite the railway station, has been around since 1909 but Karen Boulton took over from the previous owners 11 years ago and has truly made it her own.

When The Lincolnite put out a call for suggestions of hidden gems, one reader was full of praise for Green’s and especially for “knowledgeable, helpful and present” Karen.

As soon as you enter the shop, the family team will welcome you in with a warm smile and will both be on hand with recommendations for any problems you have.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Karen Boulton, 56, decided to get into the health foods business 25 years ago and absolutely loved everything that came with it, even the coursework.

She told: “It’s always evolving. People are becoming more and more aware of what we can do here, an awful lot of doctors are pointing their patients in this direction too.

“We can work side by side with the doctors, it’s just having the doctors who are open-minded. We aren’t allowed to diagnose but we can always suggest.”

They have toothbrushes made from bamboo. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The eco-friendly section of the shop is a big draw. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

More recently, Green’s has been banishing plastic from its store and filling it up with more eco-friendly products, something which Karen says has been very popular.

They now have a shelf designated to refillable laundry liquid, shampoos, conditioners, body wash as well as plastic-free soap bars and plenty more.

Customers can go in with their own bottles to fill it with anything they need as long as it has a measurement and they even let people fill up their water bottles.

A brand new addition to the shop is their recycled plastic kit for parties, which they will wash and rent out to customers.

Green’s is full to the brim with health foods. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Green’s Health Shop is on St Mary’s Street. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

“We’ve been doing it for years. It’s nice to see that more people are now getting on board with it and becoming so aware because David Attenborough has brought it to the forefront.

“It’s great to be recognised as a hidden gem.

“It can be difficult with some customers and the roadworks which have been going on for years but then something like this can come around and really pick you up.”

Karen has taken the health side of the business into her everyday life and loves to spend her free time walking, running, spending time with her horses or family.

She is especially passionate about raising money for the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance which saved her daughter Kirsty’s life after a horse-riding accident.

Do you know a Lincoln business that deserves to be featured as a hidden gem on The Lincolnite? Get in touch with the team on [email protected].

The Lincolnite has uncovered some of the best places to eat, drink, play or shop in the city, which have been quietly building up loyal fan bases.