Best of London shopping: Labour and Wait*
I don't think I have an especially over-developed sense of smell, but I'm particularly adverse to the kind of shop (usually of the super-feminine gift variety) which assaults the senses with a cacophony of scented candles, perfume diffusers and oil burners. And don't even get me started on the overwhelming pong that makes my brain ache every time I walk within 10 yards of a Lush store.
So the curious aroma of wooden clothes pegs, beeswax candles and tarred jute twine creates a rather unusual but instantly comforting atmosphere of a timeless general store at London's legendary Labour and Wait.
Classic and functional design marries vintage aesthetic, with a rather excellent selection of enamel cookware, Breton striped tops and wooden bristle brushes. Keep an eye out for the excellent stash of vintage linen, giant balls of twine and enamel pendant lampshades, as well as the extensive range of high quality tools, gloves and packets of seeds.
Labour and Wait
18 Cheshire Street
London E2 6EH
Tel. 020 7729 6253
Nearest tube: Liverpool Street
Click here for a Wee Birdy map.
Opening hours:
Saturday 1pm-5pm
Sunday 10am-5pm
Friday 11am-5pm by appointment
Images courtesy of Labour and Wait.
For more shops on Cheshire Street, click here.
* Please bear with me - I'm flying back to my Sydney nest so I'm digging into the Wee Birdy archives for a couple of weeks. Normal posting (and ace new London shops) will resume shortly. xx
Totally with you on the smell thing! I LOVE Labour and Wait...nostalgia, practicality, good design and a nice smell.
Posted by: kate erbe | March 05, 2010 at 11:22 AM
I adore this shop, I always find something to buy there.
Posted by: Sneakymagpie | March 05, 2010 at 11:39 AM
ah it's perfection! you really were busy before you went!
on scents- love all things scented obviously but agree some shops are totally over powering- especially lush but quite a lot are offensive
Posted by: Rose | March 05, 2010 at 02:37 PM
Love this shop! I wish I had one like it near my hometown.
Posted by: Chaucee | March 05, 2010 at 02:40 PM
I love the look of this store. It seems so relaxing and interesting. I'd love to just wander around in it. I don't like the stores that assault your sense of smell either. They become quickly overwhelming.
-FringeGirl
Posted by: the domestic fringe | March 06, 2010 at 01:51 PM
Love Labour & Wait, the only problem is I always want to buy everything, but end up coming away with nothing. What can I do?
Posted by: That's Not My Age | March 06, 2010 at 05:43 PM
Lovely store.
And I do so know what you mean about Lush.
Posted by: Pamela | March 08, 2010 at 04:16 PM
Kitchenware is so good looking! This is a great store ... and I know what you mean about Lush. I'd cross the street to avoid the pong emanating from there!
Posted by: Valerie | March 11, 2010 at 07:52 PM
I love this store, it is one of my all time favorite places.
Posted by: Mandy | March 15, 2010 at 03:01 PM