The oldest health food shop in Croydon is to continue on in new hands after the former owner passed on the torch last week.

Nicola Cantley and Santiago Reverter hope to carry on Oasis Natural Products’ independent ethos in a modern fashion after taking over from the Buddhists who previously ran the shop.

The store, which has been rebranded Authentic Roots, features a new juice bar and layout, and there are plans to convert the downstairs area to run cooking demonstration classes.

Mr Reverter is no stranger to the store, having worked there for four years, while Miss Cantley has run healthy eating classes at the shop during 2010.

She said: “I’ve always wanted to have my own store - it’s been a bit of a dream and somehow the opportunity just came along.

“We’re really positive about helping and teaching others and we have really transformed the store, we want it to be more with the times and attract all sorts of people.

“There’s a lot more vegan and gluten-free around now and that’s how we live, so we know what we’re doing and hope to bring a bit more life to the shop.”

Both owners are fully qualified health practitioners, with expertise in homeopathy, holistic nutrition and naturopathic iridology.

As well as natural remedies and raw foods, the pair are serving organic soup and artisan bread twice a week and the ‘shot of life’ therapeutic juice.

Miss Cantley said: “It’s a one-stop shop for anything you could possibly need.

“It’s a place where people can come and feel like they can get honest, trusted advice and that’s very important for us.

More details about the store are available at authenticroots.co.uk