Latest reviews for Shops & Amenities in London, United Kingdom

Centre Court Shopping Centre - In the heart of Wimbledon by francesca_marie

francesca_marie — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:37:52 +0000

Review by francesca_marie

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8944 8323

Website: http://www.centrecourtshopping.co.uk/

Centre Court has a wide range of different shops, from clothes to food.
Located in the middle of Wimbledon town centre it is a well known building.
The opening times are as follows...

Monday to Saturday 9.00am to 7pm daily (8pm on Thursday)
Sunday 11am-5.00pm.
Centre Court has a wide range of different shops, from clothes to food.
Located in the middle of Wimbledon town centre it is a well known building.
The opening times are as follows...

Monday to Saturday 9.00am to 7pm daily (8pm on Thursday)
Sunday 11am-5.00pm.

ChiChiRaRa - Friendly And Welcoming by londonpup

londonpup — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:07:14 +0000

Review by londonpup

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8693 1236

Tags: helpful staff, vintage clothing, second hand

My owner loves this shop and always says hi to Heather, the owner, when we walk past. Last weekend we stopped by on our way down to have tea with a friend and she gave me so many compliments I was blushing under my whiskers!

It's nice when a shopkeeper doesn't turn you away, and as soon as she starts stocking vintage doggy duffle coats I'll be straight back there.My owner loves this shop and always says hi to Heather, the owner, when we walk past. Last weekend we stopped by on our way down to have tea with a friend and she gave me so many compliments I was blushing under my whiskers!

It's nice when a shopkeeper doesn't turn you away, and as soon as she starts stocking vintage doggy duffle coats I'll be straight back there.

Nomad Books - Fabulous bookstore by Izabel_blue

Izabel_blue — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:24:36 +0000

Review by Izabel_blue

Rating: 5.00

Tags: cultured, good brew, quiet & relaxed

Fantastic local bookstore with heart and soul. Great book recommendations plus a real 'browsable' atmosphere and a sweet coffee shop for curling up with your read of choice. The coffee's served in Penguin Classics mugs! Fantastic local bookstore with heart and soul. Great book recommendations plus a real 'browsable' atmosphere and a sweet coffee shop for curling up with your read of choice. The coffee's served in Penguin Classics mugs!

French Sole - pirouette attraction by mazphd

mazphd — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 13:27:50 +0000

Review by mazphd

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7730 3771

Website: http://www.frenchsole.com

Tags: rare finds, exclusive boutique, helpful staff

Take a walk, or faire une promenade as the French say, across Sloane Square and a little further on past Chelsea's in your face fashion capital and then a right into Ellis Street you will come across French Sole.

5 stars! why such high acclaim for what basically is 'just' a shoe shop? well this is not any old shoe shop. French sole sell only ballet pumps, in as many imaginative variations, colours and styles as can fit into the tiny shop.

Being a customer here is actually an experience in itself. Hosted by the young tweeny Chelsea set the assistants are always polite, smiling and attired in their own French sole'd footware to admire and to covet.

This is exclusive decadent and boutique footware that has been seen 'out and about' on the pages of vogue and associated with all manner of celebrity from the royals, models and has escaped the riff n raff of Z-list BB reject status. Unless you count Amy Winehouse in those stakes...

Sole's are a tad pricey. Be prepared to pay a minimum of Â£55 for per pair of ballet pumps. Having said that I am prepared to fork out this costly sum as 1. the designs are devine, 2. all are fabulously comfortable and 3. i wear these little delights until they rip apart and completely wear out.

The shop itself is stacked floor to ceiling with shoe boxes. It's also fun watching the Chelsea tweenies run down and then up again the stairs in search of your perfect right size and colour. Slightly antiquainted, but 'quaint' is the payment procedure when the receipt is written out by hand. Cute.

Be prepared to be seduced by more than one pair. It's happened to me, but i've always loved the experience of shopping here and skipping away with my prize purchases. If you can, stay away from a saturday afternoon when the shop is too full to be fun.

Much better to pick a rainy afternoon to pirouette round the shop by yourself. Take a walk, or faire une promenade as the French say, across Sloane Square and a little further on past Chelsea's in your face fashion capital and then a right into Ellis Street you will come across French Sole.

5 stars! why such high acclaim for what basically is 'just' a shoe shop? well this is not any old shoe shop. French sole sell only ballet pumps, in as many imaginative variations, colours and styles as can fit into the tiny shop.

Being a customer here is actually an experience in itself. Hosted by the young tweeny Chelsea set the assistants are always polite, smiling and attired in their own French sole'd footware to admire and to covet.

This is exclusive decadent and boutique footware that has been seen 'out and about' on the pages of vogue and associated with all manner of celebrity from the royals, models and has escaped the riff n raff of Z-list BB reject status. Unless you count Amy Winehouse in those stakes...

Sole's are a tad pricey. Be prepared to pay a minimum of Â£55 for per pair of ballet pumps. Having said that I am prepared to fork out this costly sum as 1. the designs are devine, 2. all are fabulously comfortable and 3. i wear these little delights until they rip apart and completely wear out.

The shop itself is stacked floor to ceiling with shoe boxes. It's also fun watching the Chelsea tweenies run down and then up again the stairs in search of your perfect right size and colour. Slightly antiquainted, but 'quaint' is the payment procedure when the receipt is written out by hand. Cute.

Be prepared to be seduced by more than one pair. It's happened to me, but i've always loved the experience of shopping here and skipping away with my prize purchases. If you can, stay away from a saturday afternoon when the shop is too full to be fun.

Much better to pick a rainy afternoon to pirouette round the shop by yourself.

Turnbull & Asser - My favourite shirt shop by Hugo

Hugo — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:15:13 +0000

Review by Hugo

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0207 808 3000

Website: http://www.turnbullandasser.com/

Tags: traditional, classic, vintage clothing

This shop is genius. I defy you to potter in here and browse shirts and not feel the itch to buy one (and I am not keen on shopping). I strayed in there roughly 7 years ago and then I got addicted. They are admittedly expensive but I like the cut, quality and dare I say it, the history. Turnbull & Asser is a gentleman's classic. Of course I am in no way influenced by the fact that it was the favourite shirtmaker of Sir Winston Churchill, 007 and The Prince of Wales.

The shop is worth a look around as they don't make them like this anymore. This shop is genius. I defy you to potter in here and browse shirts and not feel the itch to buy one (and I am not keen on shopping). I strayed in there roughly 7 years ago and then I got addicted. They are admittedly expensive but I like the cut, quality and dare I say it, the history. Turnbull & Asser is a gentleman's classic. Of course I am in no way influenced by the fact that it was the favourite shirtmaker of Sir Winston Churchill, 007 and The Prince of Wales.

The shop is worth a look around as they don't make them like this anymore.

Andy's Guitar Workshop - Untrustworthy by Cognan

Cognan — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 10:21:08 +0000

Review by Cognan

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7916 5080

I was disgusted by the service I received at this shop. The story is too involved to recite here with such little space but I was lied to and abused by a member of staff here and the manager couldn't have cared less when I appealed to him to sort my problem out. Neither was he concerned when I could prove his member of staff had lied to both me and him and that he tried to cheat me out of my guitar worth Â£1500! The proof was unequivocal too as they were date stamped e-mails proving the timing of events and what was said.

Eventually I recovered this valuable guitar but the shop kept 2 guitar cases saying they were lost and never compensated me. Through this process I also learnt that they massively inflate their prices waiting for people with more money than sense, rather than giving fair prices. Avoid.I was disgusted by the service I received at this shop. The story is too involved to recite here with such little space but I was lied to and abused by a member of staff here and the manager couldn't have cared less when I appealed to him to sort my problem out. Neither was he concerned when I could prove his member of staff had lied to both me and him and that he tried to cheat me out of my guitar worth Â£1500! The proof was unequivocal too as they were date stamped e-mails proving the timing of events and what was said.

Eventually I recovered this valuable guitar but the shop kept 2 guitar cases saying they were lost and never compensated me. Through this process I also learnt that they massively inflate their prices waiting for people with more money than sense, rather than giving fair prices. Avoid.

Beyond Retro - Beyond Retro by miffy

miffy — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 19:21:11 +0000

Review by miffy

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7613 3636

Website: http://www.beyondretro.com/

Tags: second hand, bargain, rare finds

THE vintage shop of london, this is the main beyond retro though there are other near oxfod circus and various oher places. This enormous converted warehouse is the favourite of fashion magazine stylists and rich vintage fans. The dress ection is rather annoyingly organised by colour making it tricky if u want a specific style but no a specific coulor. Nonethe less the sheer volume of clothes makes up for the colour coding. whether you want a swimming costume or vintage chanel you can get it here. Row after row of interesting tshirts and stacks of sunglasses and handbags can be found. Well worth a visit if you can be bothered to find it/ get to brick lane (assuming you arent cool enough to live in shoreditch). Especially good if you want something special.THE vintage shop of london, this is the main beyond retro though there are other near oxfod circus and various oher places. This enormous converted warehouse is the favourite of fashion magazine stylists and rich vintage fans. The dress ection is rather annoyingly organised by colour making it tricky if u want a specific style but no a specific coulor. Nonethe less the sheer volume of clothes makes up for the colour coding. whether you want a swimming costume or vintage chanel you can get it here. Row after row of interesting tshirts and stacks of sunglasses and handbags can be found. Well worth a visit if you can be bothered to find it/ get to brick lane (assuming you arent cool enough to live in shoreditch). Especially good if you want something special.

Portobello Road Market - The Best Market in London by miffy

miffy — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 18:56:26 +0000

Review by miffy

Rating: 5.00

Website: http://www.portobelloroad.co.uk/

Tags: bargain, second hand, rare finds

Portobello is not the cheapest or biggest market in london, but the Ladbroke Grove end is, in my opinion, the best. Vintage clothes are a plenty and not really cheap/ not very good quality that you often find in street markets, there are established dealers who sell a variety of quite normal things like sweatshirts and dresses as well as ball gowns and space suit style jump suits and military uniform. The bag and boot stall is a high light, though again, not cheap, all the boots and bags are very good quality leather of all shapes an sizes and some of the bags are genuine vintage designers. As well as clothes there is antique ewellery and records as well as a variety of world food from Brazilian to Malaysian at reasonable prices. Its a lively place as you walk down you hear and see everything from punk baby clothes, 50s childrens songs, drum and bass to Â£200 fur coats, mozart and mulled wine.Portobello is not the cheapest or biggest market in london, but the Ladbroke Grove end is, in my opinion, the best. Vintage clothes are a plenty and not really cheap/ not very good quality that you often find in street markets, there are established dealers who sell a variety of quite normal things like sweatshirts and dresses as well as ball gowns and space suit style jump suits and military uniform. The bag and boot stall is a high light, though again, not cheap, all the boots and bags are very good quality leather of all shapes an sizes and some of the bags are genuine vintage designers. As well as clothes there is antique ewellery and records as well as a variety of world food from Brazilian to Malaysian at reasonable prices. Its a lively place as you walk down you hear and see everything from punk baby clothes, 50s childrens songs, drum and bass to Â£200 fur coats, mozart and mulled wine.

Forbidden Planet - Cool shop! by greedoe

greedoe — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 17:27:20 +0000

Review by greedoe

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7420 3666

Website: http://www.forbiddenplanet.com

Tags: cult, tv film geeks comics events signings drwho toys dvds tshirts boo, comics

The comic area in the basement is unrivalled and it's always a pleasure to spend a lunch time checking out the new releases and specials. The main floor has all the action figures and tv/movie tie in stuff including life-like busts etc.

I tend to buy my graphic novels online now due to savings etc, but to find out what's come out I look no further than "the Planet"The comic area in the basement is unrivalled and it's always a pleasure to spend a lunch time checking out the new releases and specials. The main floor has all the action figures and tv/movie tie in stuff including life-like busts etc.

I tend to buy my graphic novels online now due to savings etc, but to find out what's come out I look no further than "the Planet"

Primark - Fab-just don't think about the kids in the factory by mizzallure

mizzallure — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 16:01:56 +0000

Review by mizzallure

Rating: 3.00

Website: www.primark.co.uk

I went to Primark, old-school style. This means I visited the Kilburn location, which has been around waaaaaaaay before the 'flagship' store on Oxford St.

Due to a guilty conscious from thinking about the poor kids making 10 pence a day in the factories so that we can buy our disposable clothing, I try not shop at Primark much. But hey, I am only human and Primark has some of the best deals around! And, unbelievably,upon checking out, I realized that I had magically saved an additional 12 pounds on merchandise which was already practically free, due to a mysterious 'sale'.

Besides the downside of contributing to exploiting cheap labour in developing countries, Primark is always SOOOO BUSY! Endless queues and being jammed by elbows are the norm of this place. Luckily for me it was Mother's day when I went, and it seems like Primark is not the place where where people splash out for dear ol' mum.

If you go, I recommend to stay away from buying clothing as one pull on a loose thread can leave you naked in moments. (Unless, that is the look you are going for).I went to Primark, old-school style. This means I visited the Kilburn location, which has been around waaaaaaaay before the 'flagship' store on Oxford St.

Due to a guilty conscious from thinking about the poor kids making 10 pence a day in the factories so that we can buy our disposable clothing, I try not shop at Primark much. But hey, I am only human and Primark has some of the best deals around! And, unbelievably,upon checking out, I realized that I had magically saved an additional 12 pounds on merchandise which was already practically free, due to a mysterious 'sale'.

Besides the downside of contributing to exploiting cheap labour in developing countries, Primark is always SOOOO BUSY! Endless queues and being jammed by elbows are the norm of this place. Luckily for me it was Mother's day when I went, and it seems like Primark is not the place where where people splash out for dear ol' mum.

If you go, I recommend to stay away from buying clothing as one pull on a loose thread can leave you naked in moments. (Unless, that is the look you are going for).

Shepherds - Handmade stationery & book binding - presents? by Hugo

Hugo — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 20:13:14 +0000

Review by Hugo

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7620 0060

Website: http://www.bookbinding.co.uk/Shepherds.htm

Tags: unique, presents, quality

An unusual and charismatic shop that is a pleasure to potter about. Mainly known for its book binding it also has an intriguing collection of hand-made stationery including, folders, albums, diaries, guest books, journals and writing paper. They also seem to import their own classic beautiful Japanese paper and then use it in their products.

They also do picture framing, which was the first reason why I went in but will be remembering it for Christmas, special occasions and personal treats.

The shop itself is a little wonderland and you can tell that they are passionate about what they do.

The bookbinding is not something I know anything about but they have an air of eminence about their activities. The website expains..."Shepherds is home to two of London's oldest and most prestigious bookbinding companies, Zaehnsdorf (est.1842) and Sangorski & Sutcliffe (est.1901). The binderies were taken over by Shepherds in 1998 and the bindery now trades under the single name of Sangorski & Sutcliffe.
These two old London binderies are widely acknowledged as two of the most important hand-bookbinding companies of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries."....blimey. When I need a book binding I will know where to turn and I feel this is an important local shop to support and in any case the things they have to offer ooze a classic handmade superiority that should come in handy for present buying...An unusual and charismatic shop that is a pleasure to potter about. Mainly known for its book binding it also has an intriguing collection of hand-made stationery including, folders, albums, diaries, guest books, journals and writing paper. They also seem to import their own classic beautiful Japanese paper and then use it in their products.

They also do picture framing, which was the first reason why I went in but will be remembering it for Christmas, special occasions and personal treats.

The shop itself is a little wonderland and you can tell that they are passionate about what they do.

The bookbinding is not something I know anything about but they have an air of eminence about their activities. The website expains..."Shepherds is home to two of London's oldest and most prestigious bookbinding companies, Zaehnsdorf (est.1842) and Sangorski & Sutcliffe (est.1901). The binderies were taken over by Shepherds in 1998 and the bindery now trades under the single name of Sangorski & Sutcliffe.
These two old London binderies are widely acknowledged as two of the most important hand-bookbinding companies of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries."....blimey. When I need a book binding I will know where to turn and I feel this is an important local shop to support and in any case the things they have to offer ooze a classic handmade superiority that should come in handy for present buying...

Apple Store - Apple Over rated by ONscotland

ONscotland — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 21:01:56 +0000

Review by ONscotland

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7153 9000

Website: http://www.apple.com/uk/retail/regentstreet/

Tags: fun, technology, free wifi

I am a Mac user.
I have an iMac, and an iPod Nano. And an iPod Touch. Although that's just borrowed.
Apple make stuff that looks great, and works out of the box. It's a good thing.
But what happens when it doesn't work out of the box?
That's when you discover just how unfriendly the world of Apple can be.
I had always thought that it was a bit of a myth that Apple has this legion of zealot fans, who are convinced that nothing Apple do can be wrong. And then I tried posting on some forums, about some problems I was experiencing with an iPod Touch. Ouch! A level of sarcasm and blind devotion that I've never experienced before. I won't post the comments here, but suffice to say, the iPod refusing to sync was my fault.
The Apple Store staff were just as bad, I think they have been indoctrinated that Apple=Good Windows=Bad, which may explain why I was treated like an idiot.
Apple products are good, they look stunning, and when they work, using them is a joy. But I have yet to find a genius at the Genius Bar.

I am a Mac user.
I have an iMac, and an iPod Nano. And an iPod Touch. Although that's just borrowed.
Apple make stuff that looks great, and works out of the box. It's a good thing.
But what happens when it doesn't work out of the box?
That's when you discover just how unfriendly the world of Apple can be.
I had always thought that it was a bit of a myth that Apple has this legion of zealot fans, who are convinced that nothing Apple do can be wrong. And then I tried posting on some forums, about some problems I was experiencing with an iPod Touch. Ouch! A level of sarcasm and blind devotion that I've never experienced before. I won't post the comments here, but suffice to say, the iPod refusing to sync was my fault.
The Apple Store staff were just as bad, I think they have been indoctrinated that Apple=Good Windows=Bad, which may explain why I was treated like an idiot.
Apple products are good, they look stunning, and when they work, using them is a joy. But I have yet to find a genius at the Genius Bar.

The British Boot Company - Best of British by david_2001

david_2001 — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 09:00:05 +0000

Review by david_2001

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7485 8505

Website: www.britboot.co.uk

Tags: helpful staff, brand bargains, exclusive boutique

What a fantastic shop with a proud and continuing history, starting with the manufacture of hob nail boots in 1851 to being the 1st retailer of Dr. Martens in 1958.

All the great British brands are here and directly link with the 'Best of British' pop culture from the 60's right up until present day.

Ian Dury, SLF, Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks, Uk Subs have all shopped here.

On top of that it is still owned and run as a family business currently headed up by Nick who is an absolute Guru on the British shoe industry and on Dr. Martens in particular (they even call him up to check pattern codes for previous designs).

Everything about this shop shouts British and proud of it.

My next purchase here will be a pair of Blue Suede, George Cox Brothel Creepers, limited edition, of course.

60-70% of the sales are International purchased from the very informative and user friendly website with many clients scheduling a visit when they are in London.

Check out the website for a tour of recent British historical fact, an institution for the Rock generation.What a fantastic shop with a proud and continuing history, starting with the manufacture of hob nail boots in 1851 to being the 1st retailer of Dr. Martens in 1958.

All the great British brands are here and directly link with the 'Best of British' pop culture from the 60's right up until present day.

Ian Dury, SLF, Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks, Uk Subs have all shopped here.

On top of that it is still owned and run as a family business currently headed up by Nick who is an absolute Guru on the British shoe industry and on Dr. Martens in particular (they even call him up to check pattern codes for previous designs).

Everything about this shop shouts British and proud of it.

My next purchase here will be a pair of Blue Suede, George Cox Brothel Creepers, limited edition, of course.

60-70% of the sales are International purchased from the very informative and user friendly website with many clients scheduling a visit when they are in London.

Check out the website for a tour of recent British historical fact, an institution for the Rock generation.

The Gallery - bass heaven by thegallery

thegallery — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:02:40 +0000

Review by thegallery

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0207 2675458

Website: www.thebassgallery.com

the only place to buy all you bass related goodsthe only place to buy all you bass related goods

Sh! - This place is The Sh... by Litro_K

Litro_K — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:40:02 +0000

Review by Litro_K

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7613 5458

Website: http://www.sh-womenstore.com/

Tags: helpful staff

A truly classy establishment for all things bedroom-related. Not a seedy Soho joint full of dodgy mac-wearers, or one of those hideously expensive sex shops dressed up as a luxury lingerie boutique, but a genuine, friendly, light and airy, no-holds-barred place that celebrates the fun and the lightheartedness that is central to having a good old nosey in this arena. It's a real breath of fresh air.

The only thing that may put off some men is that you have to be with a female to gain entry. But personally, I think this is a great thing- it means that the shop is a comfortable, female-friendly place to explore in, not a huge porn emporium for the more lecherous...erm..gentleman to linger in.

And they have a great website...to keep both sexes happy.

A truly classy establishment for all things bedroom-related. Not a seedy Soho joint full of dodgy mac-wearers, or one of those hideously expensive sex shops dressed up as a luxury lingerie boutique, but a genuine, friendly, light and airy, no-holds-barred place that celebrates the fun and the lightheartedness that is central to having a good old nosey in this arena. It's a real breath of fresh air.

The only thing that may put off some men is that you have to be with a female to gain entry. But personally, I think this is a great thing- it means that the shop is a comfortable, female-friendly place to explore in, not a huge porn emporium for the more lecherous...erm..gentleman to linger in.

And they have a great website...to keep both sexes happy.

American Apparel - Apparently Awesomely American by Litro_K

Litro_K — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:24:45 +0000

Review by Litro_K

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7012 1112

Website: http://store.americanapparel.co.uk/

Every time I go into American apparel, I feel like I've stepped onto the set of an 80s dance video, or a Flashdance tribute party.

That's a good thing. The clothes in here are simple essentials- you're not going to find anything too kooky, but the colours are fabulously un-British. Bright neons and pastels mix with deep reds and greens. Of course all their staples are available in black, but why would you want that?

Most of their wares come in two fabrics: cotton or lycra. Most of their wares (the girls' stuff, anyway) is tight-fitting and well-suited to dancers' bodies. Which I don't have.

Having said that, I have always found their cuts to be really flattering, and I have found myself going back here again and again for staple items like t-shirts, skirts, and hoodies.

It's uber-trendy, and sometimes the staff size up what you're wearing, but their prices are good and the quality of their locally-sourced US cotton is excellent. It's definitely worth a long mooch on a rainy afternoon. Preferably before going home to watch Flashdance...

Every time I go into American apparel, I feel like I've stepped onto the set of an 80s dance video, or a Flashdance tribute party.

That's a good thing. The clothes in here are simple essentials- you're not going to find anything too kooky, but the colours are fabulously un-British. Bright neons and pastels mix with deep reds and greens. Of course all their staples are available in black, but why would you want that?

Most of their wares come in two fabrics: cotton or lycra. Most of their wares (the girls' stuff, anyway) is tight-fitting and well-suited to dancers' bodies. Which I don't have.

Having said that, I have always found their cuts to be really flattering, and I have found myself going back here again and again for staple items like t-shirts, skirts, and hoodies.

It's uber-trendy, and sometimes the staff size up what you're wearing, but their prices are good and the quality of their locally-sourced US cotton is excellent. It's definitely worth a long mooch on a rainy afternoon. Preferably before going home to watch Flashdance...

Books for Cooks - Books for Cooks by Browners

Browners — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:34:30 +0000

Review by Browners

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020-7221-1992

Website: http://www.booksforcooks.com/

Tags: cafe, cookery books shop, workshop

I've been gagging to visit Books for Cooks for ages. I stumbled across a reference to London's premiere cooking book shop in Olive magazine around 6 months ago and have been looking for a window of opportunity to investigate...

It's just off Portobello Road, surrounded by cool cofee shops, market stalls, spice emporiums, lingerie shops and the Electric Cinema. You will seriously struggle not to find what you are looking for. I was gobsmacked by the range of cook books they had and could have bought pretty much half the shop! I held myself back and walked away with a list of books to buy on Amazon and a paperback copy of Anthony Bourdain's "Nasty Bits" for the tube ride home.

The books I'm keen to get my hands on are AA Gill's Table Talk, Herve This's Kitchen Mysteries and a book on game by Clarissa Dickinson Wright. The assistants couldn't have been more helpful. They were experts and sussed out what I'd be interested in within a minute. Whilst Amazon's "other customers liked" style recommendation is good, it's not a patch on the service you get in Books for Cooks.

But it's not just an amazing bookshop. It's also a cafe and cooking workshop. There was a queue through the store to the cafe at the back where they were serving delicious looking mushroom soup and pumpkin tarts.

I've looked through the list of workshops and am pretty keen on this one:

"Recipes from Moro with Sam and Samantha Clark

We are delighted to welcome back the chef-patrons of award-wining Moorish restaurant Moro! Do come and experience their passion for the food of Spain and the Muslim Mediterranean at first hand and take home a collection of their always exquisite and inspirational recipes."

I've just bought Moro East so it would be a perfect way to get the most out of it. I've been gagging to visit Books for Cooks for ages. I stumbled across a reference to London's premiere cooking book shop in Olive magazine around 6 months ago and have been looking for a window of opportunity to investigate...

It's just off Portobello Road, surrounded by cool cofee shops, market stalls, spice emporiums, lingerie shops and the Electric Cinema. You will seriously struggle not to find what you are looking for. I was gobsmacked by the range of cook books they had and could have bought pretty much half the shop! I held myself back and walked away with a list of books to buy on Amazon and a paperback copy of Anthony Bourdain's "Nasty Bits" for the tube ride home.

The books I'm keen to get my hands on are AA Gill's Table Talk, Herve This's Kitchen Mysteries and a book on game by Clarissa Dickinson Wright. The assistants couldn't have been more helpful. They were experts and sussed out what I'd be interested in within a minute. Whilst Amazon's "other customers liked" style recommendation is good, it's not a patch on the service you get in Books for Cooks.

But it's not just an amazing bookshop. It's also a cafe and cooking workshop. There was a queue through the store to the cafe at the back where they were serving delicious looking mushroom soup and pumpkin tarts.

I've looked through the list of workshops and am pretty keen on this one:

"Recipes from Moro with Sam and Samantha Clark

We are delighted to welcome back the chef-patrons of award-wining Moorish restaurant Moro! Do come and experience their passion for the food of Spain and the Muslim Mediterranean at first hand and take home a collection of their always exquisite and inspirational recipes."

I've just bought Moro East so it would be a perfect way to get the most out of it.

Camden Lock Market - Palmistry in hand by garymarkwick

garymarkwick — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 23:13:42 +0000

Review by garymarkwick

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7284 2084

Website: http://www.camdenlock.net

Tags: yoga, rare finds, massage

Camden Lock Market is a great and original place for all who choose to venture.
It can be a great experience and boost one's own energy, leaving a feeling of well being. The energy is high!

Palmistry:
Gary Markwick has been a professional palmist and psychic for the last 7 years in Camden Lock Market and has read the hands of thousands of people from around the world, including some celebrities.
Gary has appeared on Sky TV and BBC radio 4, as well as had write ups in news papers.

1st floor Market hall, Camden lock Camden Town London NW1 Sat & Sunday 10-6 pm
website: wwww.palmistryinhand.com
email: gary@palmistryinhand.com
Camden Lock Market is a great and original place for all who choose to venture.
It can be a great experience and boost one's own energy, leaving a feeling of well being. The energy is high!

Palmistry:
Gary Markwick has been a professional palmist and psychic for the last 7 years in Camden Lock Market and has read the hands of thousands of people from around the world, including some celebrities.
Gary has appeared on Sky TV and BBC radio 4, as well as had write ups in news papers.

1st floor Market hall, Camden lock Camden Town London NW1 Sat & Sunday 10-6 pm
website: wwww.palmistryinhand.com
email: gary@palmistryinhand.com

Twinkled - twinkled by miffy

miffy — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 23:47:12 +0000

Review by miffy

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7734 1978

Website: http://www.twinkled.net/

Tags: second hand, bargain, rare finds

VIntage shopping is as hit and miss as shopping for designers in tkmaxx. However the vintage shops of carnaby steet are always reliable for special items and good quality. Kingsley Court is home to about 5 different Vintage shops but Twinkled is by far the biggest and most ecclectic. Not only does it sell a huge erray of clothes ( a large amout of dresses of course amongst other things) but it also sells antiques and retro items. From vintage birthday cards and fabrics, to retro chairs and tea sets. The furniture is a nice addition and Twinkled is arranged in a similar way to shops like Beyond Retro. Worth a visit for fashion students or anyone who likes to make their own clothes becasue there is a whole corner dedicated to fabrics for several decades useful for dresses, bags or curtains. A colourful shop worth a visit for anyone who likes their vintage.VIntage shopping is as hit and miss as shopping for designers in tkmaxx. However the vintage shops of carnaby steet are always reliable for special items and good quality. Kingsley Court is home to about 5 different Vintage shops but Twinkled is by far the biggest and most ecclectic. Not only does it sell a huge erray of clothes ( a large amout of dresses of course amongst other things) but it also sells antiques and retro items. From vintage birthday cards and fabrics, to retro chairs and tea sets. The furniture is a nice addition and Twinkled is arranged in a similar way to shops like Beyond Retro. Worth a visit for fashion students or anyone who likes to make their own clothes becasue there is a whole corner dedicated to fabrics for several decades useful for dresses, bags or curtains. A colourful shop worth a visit for anyone who likes their vintage.

Rokit - Rokit Vintage by miffy

miffy — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 23:06:54 +0000

Review by miffy

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7836 6547

Website: http://rokit.co.uk/

Tags: vintage clothing, cool, funky

A good variety of fairly reasonably priced vintage clothing. The boot section is brilliant taking up one whole wall of the shop and all colour coded. Lovely posh dresses and in summer a marass of different, very individual summer dresses. Only issue is with the jewellery which is clearly not vintage becasue they sell several of the same item and some you can buy in topshop... However the male shop assistants make up for this tiny issue. Always playing a good record, great customer service and nice clothes.A good variety of fairly reasonably priced vintage clothing. The boot section is brilliant taking up one whole wall of the shop and all colour coded. Lovely posh dresses and in summer a marass of different, very individual summer dresses. Only issue is with the jewellery which is clearly not vintage becasue they sell several of the same item and some you can buy in topshop... However the male shop assistants make up for this tiny issue. Always playing a good record, great customer service and nice clothes.