Timpson

My brother (now legendary in my reviews, I feel) bought me a pair of second hand boots for Christmas 2012, and they are without question the best, most well-​made, most comfortable and durable items of footwear I have ever had the pleasure of sliding my tootsies into. I wear them everywhere. This winter, when the stitching began to rot, I even painstakingly sewed them back up, myself. But re-​heeling is beyond my ken.
I’m a tall lass of 5’11″, and naturally contrary and therefore inclined to wear heels, so a good place for shoe repair is essential in my neighbourhood. This branch of Timpson fits the bill, thank you. I took in three pairs of boots for re-​heeling, including the beloved Boots of Bro and a pair with perished soles that needed a complete new sole. When I handed them over, I mentioned my mending job and the man actually took the time to examine and admire my work, which was really sweet of him. I was quoted upfront for the three pairs: just shy of £9 for each of the two pairs that just needed re-​heeling, and £18.95 for the pair that needed re-​soling, with re-​heeling included in that. I thought that was pretty reasonable since a whole new sole on leather cowgirl boots can’t be a small job. I was even asked whether I’d like to pay there and then or on collection — really nice to have the choice.
But when I returned, I was in for a surprise. «One of your pairs, the whole heel was falling off,» the man told me. I felt my stomach sink. «We replaced it; there’s no point just re-​heeling if it’s falling off anyway.» Gosh, what a job. That can’t have been cheap… But no! I was still charged only the price I was initially quoted! Amazing!
This funny little branch is more like a kiosk, just a counter in a wall in the shopping centre. The staff are cheerful and friendly and really seem to care; this gentleman was able, for example, to recognise me and tell me about my boots’ heel without referring to any notes. And they got the whole lot done in less than 24 hours. I am happy and impressed, and all my lovely boots are good as new.

This is definitely the most expensive key cutting service in the city. I would avoid it. Timpson’s are great for shoe repairs, but for getting 3 keys cut, the guy quoted me £16! I went to my local key cutting service in Leith instead and they charged me a much more reasonable £12.
Good option if it’s urgent, but if you have the time to go somewhere else more local, you will save around £4-£5.

When my boyfriend got fed up with me always wandering off with his keys, he decided it was time I got my own set for his flat. He kept insisting that there was plenty of little shops in the area that did key cutting, but me being a smart arse decided to go to Timpson.
Jeez I got a shock when the guy was like ”oh that’s 15 pound please”. For two keys! Who knew it was that expensive? I thought just as well I wasn’t planning on eating tonight. And then my boyfriend gave it the whole I told you so routine so next time I will probably go to the wee guy down the street or Asda who do key cutting dirt cheap.