In the second part of our ‘People Behind the Businesses in Wainwright’s Yard’ series we meet the remarkable team at Another Weigh.

Another Weigh, is Kendal’s very own zero-waste supermarket, a small shop with a big impact. And behind the shelves of refillable oats and eco-friendly sponges is a team of five remarkable women who bring the shop to life, juggling other jobs while sharing a genuine passion for the shop’s ethos and its customers.

A Team Fuelled by Community and Chocolate

Passersby may assume Another Weigh is a health food shop—an easy mistake to make, until you spot the generous supply of chocolate, fudge, and sweets. But the truth is, it’s a shop driven not by dietary dogma but by environmental values and good old-fashioned friendliness.

The team—who all discovered the shop first as customers—pride themselves on making sustainable shopping both accessible and enjoyable. And thanks to regularly lifting sacks of bulk goods, they’ve even found a unique alternative to gym memberships.

Zero Waste, Zero Fuss and Competitive Pricing

Because everything is sold by weight, you can buy exactly the amount you need—no more, no less. It’s the perfect solution for one-off ingredients like two tablespoons of Semolina at Christmas (ideal for extra-crispy roast potatoes!), or for trying out new recipes without committing to a whole packet.

In addition to food, Another Weigh also stocks a wide range of environmentally friendly alternatives to everyday home essentials—think reusable washing-up sponges, metal straws, natural deodorants and body care, firelighters, dishwasher tablets, and plenty more. It’s an easy way to make small switches that reduce waste at home, one product at a time.

If you forget to bring your jars or containers, the shop provides paper bags and even clean donated containers to make zero-waste shopping as easy and welcoming as possible.

And if you’re unsure how the refill system works or can’t quite reach a container, the team is always ready to help—friendly, knowledgeable, and never far from the peanut butter machine.

Price comparisons also show the store is not more expensive than supermarkets. Check out the price of their Organic Sunflower Seeds or Pitted Dates.

Holidaymakers Very Welcome

Another Weigh is a great for visitors to Kendal who may only need a few portions of cereal, a quick load of laundry detergent, or a spontaneous snack while exploring town. The team hopes local holiday lets and accommodation providers will help spread the word to guests. Visitors tell the team  that they wish they had a shop like this back home—or that it’s far better stocked than their local equivalent. 

Saving Plastic, One Bottle at a Time

Customers refilling their washing up liquid bottles, has saved an equivalent 10,000 from being manufactured. It’s a small, but significant dent in the 12.7m tonnes of plastic that enters the seas each year.

A Community Shop in Every Sense

At its heart, Another Weigh is more than a store—it’s a gathering place. A membership scheme (offering 10% off food purchases in exchange for a yearly charity donation) has helped create a loyal base of regulars. Many of them know each other—and the staff—by name, often pausing to chat, catch up, or browse the well-used community noticeboard.

In fact, customers from Another Weigh make up a surprising number of the Torchlight Marshals each year—a reflection of how deeply the shop is embedded in the local community.

A Spot of Celebrity… and a Wish

Though the team admits they’re not the best at spotting celebrities, comedian Josh Widdicombe once stopped in, and Abbie from Bake Off is a regular face. One celebrity they’re particularly keen to see is Nancy Birtwhistle, whose environmentally conscious tips have inspired several new product lines in the shop. (Nancy, if you’re reading this—consider this your open invitation!)

Supporting the Next Generation

Recently, Another Weigh welcomed 2nd Kendal Brownies and Rainbows for an evening session about sustainability, zero-waste living, and how the shop works. It’s the first of what the team hopes will be many visits from schools, scouts, and community groups working on environmental responsibility. Bonus points if it ends with a trip to Pizza Express next door—just like 2nd Kendal did.

Help from Neighbours

With doors closed on Sundays and Mondays, Another Weigh is grateful for the support of neighbouring businesses who receive the odd 25kg parcel on their behalf—cacao powder waits for no one. In turn, the team is always happy to return the favour, even if their neighbours’ deliveries aren’t quite so heavy.

Another Weigh is proof that shopping sustainably doesn’t have to be expensive, complicated, or joyless. In fact, it can be full of warmth, laughter, and even a bit of fudge.

Stop by next time you’re in Wainwright’s Yard. Whether you’re a long-time regular, curious newcomer, or just need a couple of scoops of muesli for your holiday breakfast—there’s always a warm welcome waiting inside.

ENDS