Randomness Guide to London Menu

Craft and modelling shop on an industrial estate in West Norwood.

The shop itself is just a single small room with a few tools and paints on display along with completed examples of several model kits — most of the company's business is conducted by mail order, and so most of the stock is in the adjoining warehouse behind. A couple of catalogues lie on the counter, with a bell to press for service once you've decided what you want.

As well as tools and paints, the range includes things like electronics components, foam, air-drying clay, modelling putty, and so on, plus kits for cross stitch, candle making, decoupage, and more.

When Kake visited in May 2019, it wasn't entirely obvious how to access the shop once I'd entered from the street, but the procedure appears to be to get the attention of staff in the office by knocking on their door or window, and then they'll let you into the shop.

The staff member who answered my bell press seemed very disinclined to give me any advice over my purchase, but then also had to summon a colleague to work the till, so may not have actually been a regular member of staff. They were friendly enough otherwise. The product I wanted was in stock, and fetched for me very quickly.

Kake's verdict: Not the sort of craft shop where you really come and browse, but if you know what you want, they probably have it.

Accessibility: No steps to get in, and there's a chair by the counter for customers who need to sit down.

See also:

• West Norwood Feast writeup