Flowers have been swapped for florets as a Surbiton florist has transformed into a greengrocer to serve the community during the coronavirus crisis.

Simon Smith Flowers in front of the station in Victoria Road, Surbiton, is also delivering fresh fruit and veg to KT5 and KT6 postcodes for a £3 delivery charge.

The florist is a great example of the way businesses in Surbiton are adapting to meet a need during the current lockdown, and a great way for residents to support their local independents.

Sarah Jane, who has been working at the shop for 13 years, said: “It’s nice, it’s different, I’m enjoying it. I’m sad not to be working with flowers, but I am very grateful to be helping out people in the community and also that we are able to deliver to their homes.”

Sarah has set up a counter at the door with colleague Karen Stocker and can serve customers with the produce while they queue outside the shop in the open air so it is easier to observe social distancing. There is also an attractive fruit and veg display outside the shop.

“Our Chessington branch is also selling fruit and veg but not many people know about us here yet,” said the florist who explained that the shop had reopened as a greengrocer on Wednesday last week.

Simon Smith Flowers is open from Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm. For home deliveries call 0207 998 1319.