I think I have discovered retail heaven.
The place is called You Don't Bring Me Flowers and it is found in south London right near to Hither Green train station.
I had to meet my friend Gauti Sigthorssen to discuss our on-going research project on the rise of DIY culture in music (you can find more on this over at the citizensound blog).
He insisted I made the trip to Hither Green ('where?' was my first response).
The place is fabulous. Flowers on sales outside.
Inside the walls covered in an eclectic mix of fair trade jewellery and interesting objects. They serve all sorts of tea, coffee and cakes. Cups and saucers don't match. Chairs and tables are a stunning mix of tastes and eras.
For me though the icing on the retail cake so to speak is the 1950's dansette on top of the old fridge. With a rack of LPs to choose from (Ella, Nina Simone amongst others) you can just go ahead, choose a record, and put it on the dansette yourself. I sat back and enjoyed my tea and toast listening to Ella Live in Berlin.
Oh and no wifi.
If you live in London, please make the trek there. It is truly an oasis.
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