4Cose: Where Food, Art, and Community Meet
4Cose began with something simple – backpacks full of Parmigiano Reggiano carried home from Italy in 2015. What started as a small larder of essentials grew into a grocery store located at 7 Vyner Street, London, E2 9DG and rooted in quality, cultural exchange, and a love of sharing food.
OurBeginning: From Four Things to Something More
The name 4Cose comes from the Italian saying meaning “four things” – the idea that four ingredients are enough. Those first four essentials – Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, Pasta Setaro, Olive Oil, and Salami – became the foundation of the shop. From there, 4Cose grew naturally, shaped by curiosity, collaboration, and a belief in the small and people over profit.
Food as Connection
Founder Charlotte Cullinan’s passion for food is not just about taste, but about how we trade together and connect through the simple exchange of ingredients. Today, 4Cose is both a grocery shop and a social space, existing somewhere between a store, an artwork, and a gathering place. If you can’t come and see us in East London, you might be able to find us at a weekend market in Tufnell Park, London Fields School, or Little Haddam in Hertfordshire.
Art and Influence: Inspired by Fluxus
Working with Andrea Sassi of Dispari & Dispari Projects, Reggio Emilia, 4Cose continues to explore the idea of “art-as-life.” The shop is part of a cultural lineage inspired by the Fluxus movement and the Italian artists and curators who brought food, humour, and creativity together.
A Life in Food: Hospitality at Heart
Charlotte’s lifelong experience in restaurants – including at the River Café – has shaped her approach: simple, high-quality ingredients shared with warmth and humour. 4Cose is built on this spirit of friendly hospitality, bringing people together through food and ideas.