Latest reviews for Shops & Amenities in Tottenham Court Road, London, United Kingdom

Jubilee Arts & Crafts Market - useful stuff in the heart of Covent Garden by Navajo_Pete

Navajo_Pete — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:46:10 +0000

Review by Navajo_Pete

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7836 2139

Website: http://www.jubileemarket.com

The Jubilee Market is a large, covered market hall with a huge number of stalls, in the heart of Covent Garden.

It is not to be confused with 'Covent Garden Market' which is opposite and which is perhaps the more visible of the two covered markets. Jubilee Market is a brilliant source of slightly more traditional market goods and crafts.

I like Jubilee Market because it is non-pretentious, straight forward and a guaranteed source of something novel, but not at silly, inflated prices. Most of the traders here come from quite a distance and have their stall either full-time or share stalls, depending on the day of the week. They all own a 'stake' in the company and are committed to making it a success. Because they are in it for the long haul, you will always be able to go back to the stall and talk with the trader if you have discovered a problem with the item you bought.

The Market here has existed for over 20 years and is an integral part of Covent Garden. Below it is the Roadhouse Bar & Restaurant and Wagamama, whilst above it is the excellent Jubilee Sports Hall and a block of Housing Association flats housing many local people. The building is relatively new and was formed from the redeveloped market building that has stood in this place for decades.

Once you're inside, you will discover a wealth of individual traders and plenty of food and drink and comfortable facilities to spend an enjoyable couple of hours browsing, shopping and resting.The Jubilee Market is a large, covered market hall with a huge number of stalls, in the heart of Covent Garden.

It is not to be confused with 'Covent Garden Market' which is opposite and which is perhaps the more visible of the two covered markets. Jubilee Market is a brilliant source of slightly more traditional market goods and crafts.

I like Jubilee Market because it is non-pretentious, straight forward and a guaranteed source of something novel, but not at silly, inflated prices. Most of the traders here come from quite a distance and have their stall either full-time or share stalls, depending on the day of the week. They all own a 'stake' in the company and are committed to making it a success. Because they are in it for the long haul, you will always be able to go back to the stall and talk with the trader if you have discovered a problem with the item you bought.

The Market here has existed for over 20 years and is an integral part of Covent Garden. Below it is the Roadhouse Bar & Restaurant and Wagamama, whilst above it is the excellent Jubilee Sports Hall and a block of Housing Association flats housing many local people. The building is relatively new and was formed from the redeveloped market building that has stood in this place for decades.

Once you're inside, you will discover a wealth of individual traders and plenty of food and drink and comfortable facilities to spend an enjoyable couple of hours browsing, shopping and resting.

Macari's - 5 neck guitar by guitarnut

guitarnut — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:51:33 +0000

Review by guitarnut

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7836 9149

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

I bought a 5 neck guitar off these guys and was treated like a king ! They tuned and set up every neck while i waited then packed and sent it to my house free of charge !!!!!
Ok , I know I'm slightly insane anyway but it was great to be served well with none of the guitar widdling elitist nonsense of Denmark Street .I bought a 5 neck guitar off these guys and was treated like a king ! They tuned and set up every neck while i waited then packed and sent it to my house free of charge !!!!!
Ok , I know I'm slightly insane anyway but it was great to be served well with none of the guitar widdling elitist nonsense of Denmark Street .

Soundhouse Turnkey - Phone order went ok by vik

vik — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 18:37:11 +0000

Review by vik

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7379 6766

Website: http://www.turnkey.uk.com

Ordered a guitar for a gift a few years ago and can not fault the care and help we had. THe staff were friendly and helpful and our choice of guitar was offered at a really unbeatable price too, which included spares and all the postage and packing costs. It arrived with in a week and was in top class condition, and in the colour we had wanted. It went down really well as a gift and is still going strong after being played again and again. Have not seen the store in person but would expect it has a varied stock.Ordered a guitar for a gift a few years ago and can not fault the care and help we had. THe staff were friendly and helpful and our choice of guitar was offered at a really unbeatable price too, which included spares and all the postage and packing costs. It arrived with in a week and was in top class condition, and in the colour we had wanted. It went down really well as a gift and is still going strong after being played again and again. Have not seen the store in person but would expect it has a varied stock.

Andy's Guitar Workshop - Fair enough by bristle

bristle — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:59:55 +0000

Review by bristle

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7916 5080

Bought a classic (Spanish) guitar from Andy's. I paid what I consider a fair price and received a free zip-up guitar case. Have been back since to buy some strings and accessories and have never had cause for complaints.
The shop itself is a bit quirky and the street can be disgusting at times, but the staff were friendly and quite helpful.
Perhaps my purchase was a tiny one for them, but they still took time to help & explain. What more can you ask for?
Although I must admit that Denmark St must be one of the hardest places in which to run a retail business â¬ the local street scene is not great, if youâ¬"re not used to it â¬ Iâ¬"d go back there if I needed something special.
Bought a classic (Spanish) guitar from Andy's. I paid what I consider a fair price and received a free zip-up guitar case. Have been back since to buy some strings and accessories and have never had cause for complaints.
The shop itself is a bit quirky and the street can be disgusting at times, but the staff were friendly and quite helpful.
Perhaps my purchase was a tiny one for them, but they still took time to help & explain. What more can you ask for?
Although I must admit that Denmark St must be one of the hardest places in which to run a retail business â¬ the local street scene is not great, if youâ¬"re not used to it â¬ Iâ¬"d go back there if I needed something special.

Lush - Its lush by jollyroger

jollyroger — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:21:05 +0000

Review by jollyroger

Rating: 4.00

Tags: friendly staff, bargain, amazing

Lush is the name and lush is the aroma that hits you, even before you go in to the store. It is a treat for the senses. The array of handmade and hand mixed soaps, bath bombs and shampoos are fantastic. I would not say that they are cheap mind you but if you fancy a bit of good old fashioned pampering then head on down to lush and snap up a few of your favorite bath time treats. The nice touch is that they always state on the item who lovingly hand mixed the item you are buying, which makes them a little bit more special. Some of the soaps are truly fantastic. Go on treat your self, a little luxury goes a long wayLush is the name and lush is the aroma that hits you, even before you go in to the store. It is a treat for the senses. The array of handmade and hand mixed soaps, bath bombs and shampoos are fantastic. I would not say that they are cheap mind you but if you fancy a bit of good old fashioned pampering then head on down to lush and snap up a few of your favorite bath time treats. The nice touch is that they always state on the item who lovingly hand mixed the item you are buying, which makes them a little bit more special. Some of the soaps are truly fantastic. Go on treat your self, a little luxury goes a long way

Regent Sound Studio - One time, and one time only by MGEEK

MGEEK — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:22:47 +0000

Review by MGEEK

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7379 6111

Tags: guitars

I have only been in this shop once, since it opened in the space where the Helter Skelter bookshop was, also the site of the old Regent Sound recording studio.

Sadly, given the sites illustrious past, this shop is full of boring, shiny new guitars without style or substance, and is staffed by ignorant fools who seemingly know nothing about guitars OR being a salesman!

I went in there with one specific mission- I wanted to try one of the then new 'reliced' Fender guitars (pretty skeptical about them to be honest). Well! I asked if they had any, and the chimp 'serving' me decided I wasn't a serious customer and refused, blathering something about having to keep the guitars in top shape.

1/ How did he know I wasn't a serious customer
2/ You can't keep a guitar that's been purposely beaten with chains to make it look old, 'new'
3/ Since then, I've told anyone I've been talking guitars/denmark street to about that, and a lot of people have similar stories

These jackasses can't close down quick enough, really.I have only been in this shop once, since it opened in the space where the Helter Skelter bookshop was, also the site of the old Regent Sound recording studio.

Sadly, given the sites illustrious past, this shop is full of boring, shiny new guitars without style or substance, and is staffed by ignorant fools who seemingly know nothing about guitars OR being a salesman!

I went in there with one specific mission- I wanted to try one of the then new 'reliced' Fender guitars (pretty skeptical about them to be honest). Well! I asked if they had any, and the chimp 'serving' me decided I wasn't a serious customer and refused, blathering something about having to keep the guitars in top shape.

1/ How did he know I wasn't a serious customer
2/ You can't keep a guitar that's been purposely beaten with chains to make it look old, 'new'
3/ Since then, I've told anyone I've been talking guitars/denmark street to about that, and a lot of people have similar stories

These jackasses can't close down quick enough, really.

Vintage & Rare Guitars - Surprisingly Good! by MGEEK

MGEEK — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:15:29 +0000

Review by MGEEK

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7240 7500

Website: http://www.vintageandrareguitars.com

I'd never been into vintage and rare until recently. My train of thought went- shops on Denmark Street- generally overpriced and staffed by horrible people, Vintage and Rare have much nicer guitars= problem multiplied!

However, I am glad to say I was totally wrong! Despite having a seemingly endless supply of nice, clean original sixties fenders and gibsons, they are a friendly bunch, and actually, their prices aren't bad at all- in some cases even coming out way cheaper than Ebay. For example- a friend of mine picked up an all original '63 Jazzmaster for Â£2200...a really good price!

Only thing I could fault it on is the size...it is a LITTLE small, so they can't fit too much in there, but what they DO have? ... oh boy!I'd never been into vintage and rare until recently. My train of thought went- shops on Denmark Street- generally overpriced and staffed by horrible people, Vintage and Rare have much nicer guitars= problem multiplied!

However, I am glad to say I was totally wrong! Despite having a seemingly endless supply of nice, clean original sixties fenders and gibsons, they are a friendly bunch, and actually, their prices aren't bad at all- in some cases even coming out way cheaper than Ebay. For example- a friend of mine picked up an all original '63 Jazzmaster for Â£2200...a really good price!

Only thing I could fault it on is the size...it is a LITTLE small, so they can't fit too much in there, but what they DO have? ... oh boy!

Wunjo Guitars - Best shop on Denmark Street by MGEEK

MGEEK — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:10:18 +0000

Review by MGEEK

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7379 0737

Website: http://www.wunjoguitars.com

Tags: repairs service, amplifiers, guitars

I love these guys...unlike almost every other shop on Denmark Street , they actively encourage you to try the guitars out, even if you're never gonna buy anything.

I really like that!

Also- their prices are definitely on the lower end of what is generally charged there. There are bargains to be had! Especially if you walk into music ground first. For example, a few months ago Wunjo had a sixties Baldwin Vibraslim for Â£600- and they sold it- in contrast to Music Ground who have TWO, but both priced at a grand. And so they sit there gathering dust ;)

If I wanted to go to Denark Street, try out guitars, and come back smiling, I'd go to these guys. Awesome service.I love these guys...unlike almost every other shop on Denmark Street , they actively encourage you to try the guitars out, even if you're never gonna buy anything.

I really like that!

Also- their prices are definitely on the lower end of what is generally charged there. There are bargains to be had! Especially if you walk into music ground first. For example, a few months ago Wunjo had a sixties Baldwin Vibraslim for Â£600- and they sold it- in contrast to Music Ground who have TWO, but both priced at a grand. And so they sit there gathering dust ;)

If I wanted to go to Denark Street, try out guitars, and come back smiling, I'd go to these guys. Awesome service.

Hobgoblin Music - Great resource for trad instuments by marmalade

marmalade — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:56:05 +0000

Review by marmalade

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7323 9040

Website: http://www.hobgoblin.com

Hobgoblin is a bit of an institution really, having been based in Parkway in Camden for years, it now lives just off Oxford street.

They have a great website too, and a mail order service, so you can have a proper browse online before you decide to buy.

They stock all the instruments you would need to play traditional folk or acoustic instruments, everything from guitars, banjos and harmonicas, to autoharps, mouth harps and melodeons.

The prices are ok, not the cheapest, and sometimes the instruments are not particularly good quality, but as the only place you can step off the street and buy something that isn't a guitar, I suppose they can get away with it.

The service in the shop varies, some of the staff are extremely friendly and helpful, and one or two are the wrong side of flirty or patronising, or something I can't quite name. I certainly don't always feel comfortable shopping here.

I play a fairly unusual instrument, and have learned a lot about it by experience. I therefore know a little more than the staff, and this seems to annoy them when they can't answer my questions.

The spares and strings can be hugely overpriced too, one set of strings for my instrument costs 10 times as much in here as anywhere else, and the quality of cases etc are really quite shoddy.

A mixed package.Hobgoblin is a bit of an institution really, having been based in Parkway in Camden for years, it now lives just off Oxford street.

They have a great website too, and a mail order service, so you can have a proper browse online before you decide to buy.

They stock all the instruments you would need to play traditional folk or acoustic instruments, everything from guitars, banjos and harmonicas, to autoharps, mouth harps and melodeons.

The prices are ok, not the cheapest, and sometimes the instruments are not particularly good quality, but as the only place you can step off the street and buy something that isn't a guitar, I suppose they can get away with it.

The service in the shop varies, some of the staff are extremely friendly and helpful, and one or two are the wrong side of flirty or patronising, or something I can't quite name. I certainly don't always feel comfortable shopping here.

I play a fairly unusual instrument, and have learned a lot about it by experience. I therefore know a little more than the staff, and this seems to annoy them when they can't answer my questions.

The spares and strings can be hugely overpriced too, one set of strings for my instrument costs 10 times as much in here as anywhere else, and the quality of cases etc are really quite shoddy.

A mixed package.

Forbidden Planet - Great for sci-fis, comic geeks, or just children! by LupusEvolve

LupusEvolve — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 19:26:41 +0000

Review by LupusEvolve

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7420 3666

Website: http://www.forbiddenplanet.com

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

This place is full of various games, toys, books, etc. They have just about everything ever that's related to cult films/TV shows. And downstairs there's comics galore.

I love this place because it always has something new and interesting. I go in there every now and again and it doesn't disappoint.

The staff are helpful if you're looking for something in particular. They also understand if you just want to wander around in awe like a kid in a toy store.

It's always a great place for gifts, if you know someone who's a little obsessive about Doctor Who, or is a Trekkie, or something of the sort.

However, it's not always the best place as far as prices go. You'll often get a better deal online or somewhere else. But you'll never get all these things in ONE place.

I strongly recommend this place for everyone, but particularly to those with an obsession for all things shiny and cool.This place is full of various games, toys, books, etc. They have just about everything ever that's related to cult films/TV shows. And downstairs there's comics galore.

I love this place because it always has something new and interesting. I go in there every now and again and it doesn't disappoint.

The staff are helpful if you're looking for something in particular. They also understand if you just want to wander around in awe like a kid in a toy store.

It's always a great place for gifts, if you know someone who's a little obsessive about Doctor Who, or is a Trekkie, or something of the sort.

However, it's not always the best place as far as prices go. You'll often get a better deal online or somewhere else. But you'll never get all these things in ONE place.

I strongly recommend this place for everyone, but particularly to those with an obsession for all things shiny and cool.

Gosh! Comics - A Comic Shop for Grown Ups. by tallpaul

tallpaul — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 18:09:07 +0000

Review by tallpaul

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7636 1011

Website: http://www.goshlondon.com

Tags: friendly staff, comics, books

Opposite the British Museum this is one of London's best comic shops. it is particularly strong on graphic novels and carries a selection of illustrated books as well as all the normal comic releases, manga and self published and indie comics.

The staff are very knowledge and friendly and won't have any truck with the sneering fanboy attitudes that can make comics shops a little unfriendly for anyone who hasn't spent the last ten years reading about men in underpants.Opposite the British Museum this is one of London's best comic shops. it is particularly strong on graphic novels and carries a selection of illustrated books as well as all the normal comic releases, manga and self published and indie comics.

The staff are very knowledge and friendly and won't have any truck with the sneering fanboy attitudes that can make comics shops a little unfriendly for anyone who hasn't spent the last ten years reading about men in underpants.

James Smith & Sons - �Outside every silver lining is a big black cloud�... by StillOpen

StillOpen — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 08:38:34 +0000

Review by StillOpen

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7836 4731

Website: http://www.james-smith.co.uk/

Tags: covent garden, holborn, central london

...is the James Smith & Sons' motto and when it comes to English weather, they're usually right! The shop has an international reputation for making umbrellas, sticks and gentlemen's cane. It was the first company to use metal Fox frames (named after Samuel Fox, who invented the first steel umbrella in 1848). In many ways it is the most quintessentially English of the books featured in Still Open.
James Smith founded his shop in 1830 at Foubert Street in London's West End. His son, also James Smith, moved the business to its current premises in 1867, and it has remained in the family ever since.
The shop (a Grade II listed shop, inside and out) is an evocative reminder of the Victorian period. It retains all the original fittings designed and made by master craftsmen employed by the business. The shop front must have resembled many other shop fronts of the period, and is a work of art in itself.
...is the James Smith & Sons' motto and when it comes to English weather, they're usually right! The shop has an international reputation for making umbrellas, sticks and gentlemen's cane. It was the first company to use metal Fox frames (named after Samuel Fox, who invented the first steel umbrella in 1848). In many ways it is the most quintessentially English of the books featured in Still Open.
James Smith founded his shop in 1830 at Foubert Street in London's West End. His son, also James Smith, moved the business to its current premises in 1867, and it has remained in the family ever since.
The shop (a Grade II listed shop, inside and out) is an evocative reminder of the Victorian period. It retains all the original fittings designed and made by master craftsmen employed by the business. The shop front must have resembled many other shop fronts of the period, and is a work of art in itself.