From cashmere care in Primrose Hill to shed building in Muswell Hill; avoid the bank holiday DIY crowds at these north London hardware stores and take advantage of their extensive expertise and local knowledge.
Mercury Stores, 43 Chalcot Rd, NW1 8LS, 020 7722 5192
Easter opening hours: Good Friday, March 25 CLOSED; Saturday, March 26 10-3; Easter Sunday, March 27 CLOSED; Easter Monday CLOSED
A family-run business selling hardware and homeware.
Popular products: The epitome of Primrose Hill luxe boho. Mo, the son-in-law of the owner says: “Pest control does well around here from now until the winter. Mice, ants and moth repellent especially is popular around here because of all the cashmere jumpers.
“We’ve also had people coming in to buy things for small projects they’re doing with their children in the holidays. We had someone in this morning buying wire and small keyring loops for a dreamcatcher they were making.”
R K P Hardware, 51 England’s Lane, NW3 4YD, 020 7722 4021
Easter opening hours: Good Friday, March 25 CLOSED; Saturday, March 26 10-2; Easter Sunday, March 27 CLOSED; Easter Monday CLOSED
Belsize Park independent selling ironmongery, electrical and plumbing supplies alongside paint and DIY items.
Popular products: Owner Lal Jolapara says: “We do get people coming in and asking advice but it’s mostly for very small projects. For bigger projects they tend to give it to the tradesmen. We sell a lot of paint in light colours – Jasmine White, Egyptian Cotton and Almond White are popular.”
Bond & White Buildbase, 40 Muswell Hill Road, N6 5UN
Easter opening hours: Good Friday, March 25 7.30-5; Saturday, March 26 8-12; Easter Sunday, March 27 CLOSED; Easter Monday CLOSED
More of a builders’ merchant this one, good for building materials including timber and paving as well as worktops and plumbing.
Popular products: Martin who works in sales says: “We sell a lot of timber in all different sizes for people building sheds or even roofs for their houses. We’re a bit more on the heavy side of things.”
Muswell Hill Hardware, 168 Muswell Hill Broadway, N10 3SA, 020 3729 2164
Easter opening hours: Good Friday, March 25, 8-6; Saturday, March 26, 9-6; Easter Sunday, March 27, 10-5; Easter Monday, 8-6
A comparative newcomer, this shop provides the gamut of tools, electrical items, cleaning products, paint and plumbing. There’s also an in-house handyman.
Popular products: The store manager says: “It’s difficult to pinpoint our most popular items as we haven’t been open for that long but tools and things like lightbulbs are very popular. We also do key cutting.”
Majestic Hardware, 49 Charlbert St, NW8 6JN, 020 7483 2224
Easter opening hours: Good Friday, March 25, 8-6; Saturday, March 26, 8-6; Easter Sunday, March 27, 8-6; Easter Monday, 8-6
No need to worry if this comprehensively stocked DIY store is open – their hours extend from 8-6 seven days’ a week and if they’re closed, just pop to the owners’ grocery shop next door and they’ll be happy to open up for you.
Popular products: Lightbulbs are the biggest selling item here. St John’s Wood residents most likely leave the heavy stuff to the professionals.
Robert Dyas, 183 Finchley Road, NW3 6LB, 020 7624 5217
Easter opening hours: Good Friday, March 25, 9-5; Saturday, March 26, 9-6; Easter Sunday, March 27, CLOSED; Easter Monday, 10-5
Not an independent, but a true part of the community nonetheless, the Finchley Road Robert Dyas has been around for decades – as have some of its staff! Everything from kitchenware to garden products and electricals can be picked up over Easter weekend.
Popular products: Of course in a north London kitchen shop the NutriBullet was going to be popular. Sales assistant Melanie, who has worked in the store for 20 years says: “The NutriBullet is one of our best sellers, especially in the summer when people want to get in shape.” And bird food in other forms is also proving popular, with bird feeders flying off the shelves at the moment. Unlike their near neighbours in Belsize Park, Swiss Cottage shoppers like to get their hands dirty. “A lot of people do DIY and small bits of gardening for themselves and will ask for advice. We’re very local and we get to know our customers,” says Melanie.
Amy’s Housewares, 13 Harben Parade, NW3 6JP, 020 7449 9479
Easter opening hours: Good Friday, March 25, 10-5; Saturday, March 26, 10-5; Easter Sunday, March 27, 10-5; Easter Monday, 10-5
This branch sells mostly kitchenwares but they have a small hardware and gardening selection.
Popular products: Fiorenza Bologna, assistant manager, says: “We sell mostly food-related things in this branch like food boxes and frying pans.”
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