Food shopping

This bakery is a serious operation. All the equipment and grain is imported from France (as is the pastry chef), and all the bread and patisserie is freshly baked each day. The croissants are a highlight, obviously, but the cakes are fabulous too. The breads on offer include classic French baguettes, as well as brioche, walnut and raisin bread and whatever else takes the chef’s fancy. You’ll also find quiches and pizzas. Over in the deli, the city’s most impressive selection of cheeses and cold cuts can be bought by the gram – or layered in one of the aforementioned baguettes for a sandwich. Outside, meanwhile, there’s a relaxing seating area in the gardens, overlooking the colonial house and the pool – just the spot to eat your purchase and relax a little.

This delicatessen stocks a variety of organic products including eggs, fruit, vegetables, spices, olive oil, honey, jam and herbs. It also has a full range of imported cheeses from France, Italy and Switzerland. You’ll find cold meats and preserves.

All manner of modern luxuries – from global groceries (including a new line of Waitrose products) to electrical goods – can be found at this three-storey supermarket. A good bakery and a large deli counter filled with cold meats and cheeses sit to the side of the downstairs food aisles, alongside shelves generously stacked with slabs of well-known chocolate brands. On the first floor there’s perfume, watches, jewellery, phones, TVs and a little coffee shop and restaurant that serves pastas, burgers and sandwiches. There’s WiFi and it’s very quiet. On the second is a large selection of homeware such as bedding, glassware, candles and picture frames. There’s also plenty of high quality cookware. There’s another branch at Maxmart East Legon (A&C Mall, 0302 518 881).

The Shoprite Group of Companies, Africa’s largest food retailer, operates in the Accra Mall, on the Spintex Road, as well as from a new, large, outlet in Oxford Street Mall. In both shops you’ll find a wide selection of foods – similar to any major UK supermarket – including imported meats from South Africa. There’s also a deli counter, and large selections of wines as well as household goods.

Koala is a large supermarket, popular with expats thanks to its range of international goods and a handy Osu location, plus there’s a car park outside. It also offers you basic foodstuffs, bakery, glassware, linens, cookware, electronics and lots more. It’s worth saying that the butcher here is one of the best in Accra. There’s a branch in Airport Residential, off Volta Road.