Alligator gets my LSR (longest shopping relationship) Award because I've used the shop for nearly 30 years. It makes you feel good just to go there and it's been a little oasis of quality food, education and pleasure down the years for our family. When I first went there we were new to the district and friends said it was the store for vegetarians. I was bemused at the different stuff they sold and came to realise how little I knew about anything other than meals based on meat and two veg. We're still not vegetarian but they have extended my repetoire in a lovely friendly and helpful way. They are just great and it's good to be able to give them the thanks and recognition they deserve.

Fantastic place, loads of character, friendly staff and also great food and groceries at reasonable prices... We have completely given up shopping at Supermarkets since we found this amazing shop.

Great selection of reasonably priced and tasty organic food and veg, much of which is locally sourced. Friendly and very knowledgeable staff. If they haven't got it in they will order it for you. Shopping at Alligator is a sociable experience and Steve and his staff deserve to win this competition- a real alternative to corrupt, overpriced, souless supermarket shopping. Good card scheme also for regular customers.

When I go to souless supermarkets I come out depressed. When I go to Alligator I leave entertained, possibly educated and always happy and I will have some tasty food to eat as well.

Alligator makes shopping a pleasure, not a chore - it's my Friday morning entertainment! It really is the best place in York to get fresh local organic or unsprayed veg and seasonal fruit, as well as a huge range of other lovely food and goodies. And it's ethical too, just about the only shop where I don't have to check where stuff comes from. Don't be put off by its small shop status; it's excellent value compared to the supermarkets.

I've been coming here since the shop opened and always enjoy the banter and Steve's smiling face! great produce that you know will only have travelled a short way where possible.

this place is amazing, and the food is delicious! Best in York!

Alligator is the only shop where I can go in gaze around and absentmindedly say, "I'm looking for inspiration" AND get it - well usually [always when John's in]. Steve works very hard, not only to source produce from as nearby as possible, but also to help his staff, who are getting started in whatever they want to do. The gooseberries I got last week were really good, as were the cherries. But it is mostly the "gorgeous staff" who make the atmosphere so great.

I don't work here. Jeez, gimme a break. But I've been a customer since the shop first opened in the early seventies. It's probably the only place I still go back to after all that time. I'm a masochist, I suppose. Today, for instance, I met Fiona Shaw in there. No other famous people in the queue, but who knows who will be there next time. Just call me starstruck . . .

Well what can I say... I came here alot as a child and got to know the shop quite well. I especially loved the liquorice root (although they dont do it anymore unfortunately) and the little corner they have for childrens toys (mostly toy alligators of some description). The shop feels so homely (well, as homely as a shop can) and everything is a little old fashioned, although there is a NEW!! card machine. The customers are mostly regulars and come here to get the fabulous service they wont get in a supermarket. The shop sells a huge variety of food including groceries, fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy and soya products... chocolate, snack bars, fresh bread, family baked samosas, chimichangas, spring rolls... the list goes on. This is why I chose to do my work experience here and I loved it. Its fantastic because you always get a good laugh (especially when John is in, on Fridays). Such was my enthusiasm and such was Steve Boss's desperation for extra people to work when other staff were sick etc that I got a job! and here I am, in the office in my lunch hour, eating some marvellous ukranian rye bread, feta cheese and lettuce provided for the staff amongst a huge selection of teas and coffees too. I get treated so well here its always a pleasure to come back and work saturdays and possibly some of the summer holidays. Better get back to work now I suppose!

Whilst you cant get everything wholefoody here, (without ordering it) what you can get is enough cheeky banter to keep you goingall day Steve the boss , is very bossy , in that he does his very best with the fruit and vegetables which are far better than in the supers. He's a bit old fashioned in his ways; its still weigh your own with a lot of the goods, but that adds charm to the shopping experience, and generally slows it down quite a lot! Don't be deceived by appearances, because he really is interested in selling you top quality produce at reasonable prices. A labour of love, for the staff and the customers!

Alligator sell local fresh organic fruit and vegetables and some imported. They also sell wholefoods and have a larger range than any of the supermarkets. It is a tiny independent shop with a high standard of personal service. It has a wide variety of goods which is amazing considering the size of it. As a vegetarian I can do my entire weekly shopping there as they have toiletries and household cleaners, baby products , candles, cards etc too. The only thing they don't stock is alcohol but there's a great wine and beer shop round the corner! My partner has some food allergies and I can get wide range of gluten free here. Steve who owns the shop is a true ethical businessman providing an excellent service and struggling with the invasion of a chain organic supermarket to York. It is not as good as his shop though. He has fairtrade goods and is very conscientious about reducing food miles. If he does not have something in stock he will make an effort to get it for you.His staff are a lovely bunch, always seem to be enjoying their work, very knowledgable. All together a much plesanter shopping experience than any suopermarket.

I love this store. Its full of everything good for you and a few naughty things too. The staff are friendly and helpful and you can pick up some really go dlocal produce.

Fantastic shop - sells everything. Great produce and lots of local goods too. Lovely staff too.

Fabulous shop selling excellent range of organic produce, with friendly entertaining staff.

very good shop supply many fairtrade goods use to love going as a kid because i was fascinated by all the alligators they have in the shop ace place

Organic,fairtrade wholefoods .Organic local fruit & veg. Also a box scheme.Will order anything 4 u. Ethical shop, lovely staff,great service. Just like shops used to be pre supermarkets.