The shops being not-to-close does indeed have some advantages! When I used to live in London, there was a corner-shop downstairs in my building, and another three mini-supermarkets within less than five minutes walk. If I wanted a snack, I could get easily get it even if I didn't have any at home. Here there is a little local shop not that far away, but I don't go past it in my regular travels to and from work, so I mostly don't really think about it being there. The nearest shop I do use, is the Tesco about a mile down the road along my cycle path to work. While it is still possible to nip out to just get a snack, my laziness usually wins over my desire for snacks...