I first came across Labour and Wait in London on Instagram but it took me a while before I could finally visit in person. In essence, Labour and Wait is a hardware shop in Shoreditch that sells good-looking home goods that are timeless and functional.
Located in an old Truman pub that was once called the Dolphin, the shop has kept the shiny dark green tiles that were once popular with Victorian era pubs. Inside, the store is stylish and simple selling well-designed functional tools.
Labour and Wait was first started by Rachel Wythe-Moran and Simon Watkins in 2000 based on the idea that if something is well-designed, it doesn’t need to be changed. Similarly, if something is well made, it doesn’t need to be replaced.
This is why you’ll find Labour and Wait stocked with all manner of timeless products from hardware to clothing. You’ll find trowels and brooms, buckets and thermos flasks, linen towels and heavy cotton canvas aprons. Today, the shop is one of London’s leading independent stores.
Related posts:
All the best food to eat at Borough Market
The 23 best souvenirs to buy in London
London’s best shops: Marby & Elm
London’s best shops: Tatty Devine
London’s best shops: The Urban Flower Co.
There’s a definite sense of nostalgia and yesteryear in the Labour and Wait shop. Where else can you pick up an ostrich-feather duster or the type of dry-goods measuring jug that I remember seeing in my nana’s kitchen?
And, in our throwaway culture, there is something really pleasing about seeing a proper metal dustpan and brush that you know will actually work.
[author] [author_info]Don’t forget to join our London with Kids Facebook group for more ideas on things to do in the capital. [/author_info] [/author]
The owners take great care curating their wares; they recently took stock of some grey felt German slippers, a process which apparently took five years because they wanted to make sure they got precisely the right ones.
Some of their most popular items include their enamelware, their traditional Welsh blankets and the incredible number and variations of string that they stock. Apparently the owners first bonded over their shared passion for simple every day items such as beautiful string.
Other favourites include the colourful enamel milk pots and cups, the polka-dot handkerchiefs, their functional but stylish notebooks, and more.
It’s a small store but it ranks highly among independent London shops and you can easily spend a lot of time here looking over every item. It’s also a great place to come for gifts and you know that anything bought from here is guaranteed to last.
Where you’ll find Labour and Wait
Labour and Wait can be found at 85 Redchurch Street, Shoreditch, London, E2 7DJ. They also have a concession at Dover Street Market.
