It’s Wanstead’s oldest shop – it’s been there for more than 50 years – but Andrews’ Builders’ Merchants in Woodbine Place, Wanstead, is to close. If tributes come they’ll be posted here.
Tag: wansteadhighstreet
Horsfall and Wright to leave Wanstead
Exclusive: Trendy gift shop Horsfall and Wright is moving out of Wanstead, Wansteadium understands. It is planning to relocate in bigger premises in a busier High Street, though it is not yet clear where that will be. The move is expected within the month.
The shop, which came to Wanstead High Street three years ago, has been opening less frequently lately as preparations are made for its move.
Last year its minimalist chic earned it a nomination in the Wanstead Society’s best shop front competition, when it was commended for a “well thought-out design” and for being a “smart injection into less-favoured end of the High Street”.
The news will come as a blow to shoppers as well as other retailers, and comes just a few weeks after it was revealed that delicatessen The Olive Branch had been put up for sale. Hardened Horsfall and Wright fans will still be able to buy online.
UPDATE: Tweet from Mark Bentley: Andrews Builders Merchants to close in Wanstead. Too many people coming in for just a washer, it would seem. Sad though, been there forever.
(To get in touch with Wansteadium, e-mail us at wansteadium[at]googlemail.com.)
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Wanstead’s new ‘village’ signs – the cost
Gradually Wanstead’s new ‘village’ signs are being noticed, with some people alarmed that Wanstead seems to be officially a village. In fact the Wanstead Village Conservation Area status dates back to 1970.
And now the Wanstead Guardian has revealed the cost of the two wooden signs: £7,000.
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Wanstead’s Olive Branch ‘for sale’
It’s mysterious, but it seems that the Olive Branch, one of Wanstead’s popular coffee shops, is up for sale. An advert posted at Christie & Co describes the cafe as offering a “prime location in an affluent area”, with “good day and night footfall”, a “covered pavement area with seats”, and with “scope to improve trade”. The quoted price for the lease is £95,000, though it’s not stated how long this has to run.
There would be plenty of people in Wanstead who would be sorry to see the end of the Olive Branch, if that’s what this advert portends. It’s especially appreciated for being roomy and capable of accommodating families. But competition has seriously increased in the past year with Wanstead’s new Starbucks being rarely less than buzzing.
Any more information welcome at wansteadium[at]googlemail.com or via comments below.