Tombo

The only attention I’d paid to Tombo was in the form of the occasional pat of the owner’s dog that is invariably sitting in the window. Boy was I missing a trick. For Tombo is an incredible Westgarth shop which specialises in ‘Asian antique furniture and Japanese fabrics’ and sells a truly staggering range of both.
An almost warehouse sized space on High Street, Tombo is absolutely packed to the rafters with gorgeous vintage Chinese cabinets and benches and a beautiful range of antique Japanese kimonos. Also incredible? Tombo’s exceptional range of textiles numbering some of the most beautiful antique crêpe de Chines I’ve ever seen.
Sure, the staff probably don’t have any books on customer service sitting at home but from what I’ve observed if you show a real interest in Tombo’s stock its staff will show an interest in you. At around $ 1500 for a cabinet the furniture will have to wait, but I’ll definitely be returning to Tombo for an antique kimono at some point soon.

Asian antiques a go-​go.
You won’t get service that approaches you here, or even acknowledgement. Perhaps because I’m not in their demographic, but it was almost as if the guy didn’t even want to make eye contact when I tried.
Which is a pity because they have some fantastic antiques here. And also, kimos. They also have old kimo fabric, which is completely up the alley of my age group. We make stuff, we like second hand stuff if it’s unique and interesting.
There’s plenty of little things like Japanese Tea sets and Communist China Hats (not really sure why you’d wear one around but OK) but it’s really the antiques that hold court.
From tables to cabinets, if you’re looking for unique pieces for your minimalist/​contemporary urban chic household, then it would be worth your while to come here.
I just wish the guy in there wasn’t so toff.