<![CDATA[Greater London - Islington - Clerkenwell - Shopping and Amenities - Reviews]]> http://www.welovelocal.com Reviews from welovelocal.com en Great Cycle Shop http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/islington/clerkenwell/bike-shops/condor-cycles-wc1x8pp.html#r54163 Going into a cycle shop in central London can sometimes be daunting. Condor is full of well knowledged people who are happy to help. They do sometimes seem like they are proud of knowing more than you, but I have always left with what I went in for.

]]> Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:24:09 BST Fantastic Food & Great Prices http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/islington/clerkenwell/caterers/john-charlick-foods-wc1x8ax.html#r54002 Our company often has John Charlick Foods cater lunches and corporate events. The food is always fresh and a great value. I would highly recommend ordering from them or stopping in to the shop to grab something to go. The staff are also a pleasure to deal with. Definitely one of the best places in London!

]]> Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:48:31 BST Double take Studios is a ripoff http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/islington/clerkenwell/photographic-studios/double-take-studios-ec1r3dg.html#r52853 Do not go near the place. They have been investigated by the trading standards authority and have been repeatedly taken to employment tribunals for their treatment of staff, one case the employee was awared over 20 grand. Their pricelist varies according to what they think they can get out of you.

If your idea of pampering is similar to to a piece of carcass being shunted round a slaughterhouse then this is the place for you.

]]> Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:52:37 BST Great service - been around since the 40s http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/islington/clerkenwell/bike-shops/condor-cycles-wc1x8pp.html#r51010 Bike shops seem to be a bit hit and miss as regards to service. I've seen some fairly scathing reviews of this place online, so approached with trepidation, ready to run out the door and hand my hard-earned over at Evans Cycles (perish the thought!). I think some of the negative reviews can stem from people who expect to be served the minute they walk in, and, well, in a shop like this, it isn't going to happen. A busy shop is a good sign, so if the staff are busy with other people, you need to wait your turn. Difficult, i know, in this times of choice, of the customer coming first etc etc, but unless you're simply buying something off the shelf, get in line. I was buying a new bike, and the guy who served me, Rob, clearly knew what he was talking about, and rather than sell me what he wanted to, was able to listen to what I was after, and within the price range i'd given him, dsicuss the options. i didn't feel pressured, and the advice he gave was spot on. They've been in business for 60 years for good reason in my opinion.

]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:11:18 BST RIP http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/islington/clerkenwell/florists/the-black-tulip-ec1r4qe.html#r49405 Stay up to date, guys, this went ages and ages ago - part of the rent/rate squeeze by the rentier class whose greed know no bounds, and can't stand it when someone's actually making a living offering a good service or product.

]]> Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:26:40 BST RIP http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/islington/clerkenwell/booksellers/metropolitan-books-ec1r4ql.html#r49402 Never mind, gone in April - the evil landlords had their wicked way with the rent...The market's lost a great hang out and place to shoot the breeze...

]]> Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:23:43 BST Treasure Fills this Space! http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/islington/clerkenwell/gift-shops/space-ec1r4ql.html#r7030 This little shop is a bit of a hidden treasure trove filled with a wealth of cards, gifts, wrap and jewelry. It is only up the road from my office so makes for a great please to grab a lunch time greetings cards for that birthday you forgot.

They stock both mens and ladies gifts and hold some really unusual items. They stock Ollie & Nic goods, Ella Doran and Cath Kidston gift bags - a real eclectic mix. I am a real fan of shops like this, as it can sometimes be hard to get unusual greetings cards. Many of the cards and gift wrap are by independent card designers and companies.

Prices are what you would expect for unusual items (you obviously pay a little extra) but you get something much better. The staff are always lovely and chatty - in true Exmouth Market style you feel like part of the furniture.

Worth a browse if you are in the area and fancy something a bit fancy and unusual.

]]> Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:12:42 GMT yet another indy shop under threat http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/islington/clerkenwell/booksellers/metropolitan-books-ec1r4ql.html#r6479 This is a small shop which specialises in new and small press fiction, but can order practically anything in print within 2-3 days. The owner has supported many up-and-coming authors over the years, and has a suggestion for any taste...

]]> Sat, 12 Jan 2008 10:37:46 GMT yet another indy shop under threat http://www.welovelocal.com/en/london/islington/clerkenwell/booksellers/metropolitan-books-ec1r4ql.html#r6479 This is a small shop which specialises in new and small press fiction, but can order practically anything in print within 2-3 days. The owner has supported many up-and-coming authors over the years, and has a suggestion for any taste...

]]> Sat, 12 Jan 2008 10:37:46 GMT