As more people shop online the retail sector in the UK is having to adapt. I wonder if this trend is reflected in the shops around Barons Court station?
There is a surprising diversity of shops at the crossroads by the tube station. A ladies dress shop, chemist, newsagent, convenience store, butcher, estate agent, French café, dry cleaner, hair and beauty parlour and Polish coffee shop. It is worth mentioning the butcher as HG Walter is one of the best in London. It is family owned and a significant part of its business is supplying restaurants in west and central London. It’s a great boon to have it on the doorstep.
Ten small businesses, all apparently doing well to a greater or lesser extent. However, that is not the whole picture. There was until last year a newspaper and magazine stand within the tube station. It closed when sales declined and the rent didn’t. Many commuters in the morning preferred to pick up the Metro or City AM, or the Evening Standard on their way home – all free, London dailies.
The off licence has just gone into receivership. It is part of a small chain, just three shops, and the rent has been put up for the cellar space they use. Last year this convenience shop on the corner finally closed.
So what will we get in those two empty spaces? Maybe another estate agent or a Tesco express. The latter would be especially damaging for the existing, excellent convenience store. What would we like to get? A fishmonger, greengrocer, baker, deli, wine bar or secondhand bookshop. I will keep you informed.
Meanwhile the new LAMDA theatre is taking shape and should open on schedule in the autumn. I took this picture from my garden. The brick building in the foreground is an electricity substation and the theatre fly tower is behind that. I am going to miss those red cranes.
