Timpson

Oh Timpsons! Who would have thought the common high street key cutter and shoe repairing chain were so upmarket and discerning? I took my beloved black boots in for repair as they were letting a little bit of London’s recent heavy rain water in. No one likes damp feet. Well except frogs, crocodiles, water Pokemon and Olympic diving hopeful Tom Daley.
The Timpson’s guy told me you can’t expect leather boots to be like wellingtons. Hey, I wasn’t exactly jumping around in puddles mate. Is dry feet too much to ask for?
When I inquired how much to fix he said he’d have to replace the whole of the sole for £35. I gasped at the cost as my boots on sale only cost £60. I remarked you could buy a new boots for that price (ok probably not the best ones I admit). To which the Timpson’s man sharply replied «well usually we only deal with high quality boots that cost about £600». Making me feel rather pathetic to have darken their door with my downmarket cheapo boots.
I’m terribly sorry to have mistaken a high street repair store for one that should grace the streets of Mayfair or Belgravia. I hope you can forgive my shame Mr Timpson. So off I hobbled in search of a shoe repairers more of my equal in socio-​economic status, and ended up at the one behind my work on the Strand (once I get the name I will Unilocal it). There I was offered a more agreeable option of two repairs. I opted for sole and heel replacement with a complimentary shoe conditioning for a comparatively barganoius £18.50.
Sorry Gov’nor Timpson, I won’t be back. Your inflated prices are too rich for a pawper like myself, who from now on will be sticking with non-​chain shoe repairers.

My first stop when I want to get my shoes repaired or to make spare keys. They are always extremely efficient and can get back to you within the hour if you need it. Pricing is very reasonable as well given that they are at a popular location (very near Holborn tube station).
They deal with both cheap and expensive shoes equally well, and also advise you if you’re treating your shoes wrongly or if they should be replaced — which they don’t really have to do for you. One of the guys there has been in the trade for tens of years, which is probably why your things turn out so well.

Such a useful shop! The thing about London I always feel that sometimes little things are hard to do! You know, like getting a key cut or clothes dry cleaned.
The location of this shop is perfect for the central line and direct buses and as I am always sailing past it is great to pop into.
They do all sorts from engraving to shoe repairs to having keys cut. I most recently bought a lovely frame for a weeding gift and had it engrave here. They do a great job and are much cheaper than jewellery shops that tend to charge the earth!
You can also buy hipflasks and silver objects and have them engraved — very useful for keystone birthdays when you want to buy someone something to keep for ever.
Lovely guys who work in the shop — always willing to help if they can!