Shopping

Beauty
Eyebrows | Foot treatments and pedicures | Hairdressers | Hair extensions | Make-up artists | Nails | Home treatments | Waxing

Entertaining
Cake-makers | Caterers | Fancy dress | Flowers | Flower design | Marquee hire | Music and entertainers | Party organisers | Party supplies | Photographers | Suit hire | Wedding dresses

Ethical living
Eco travel | Green supplies | Home | Recycling services

Health
Acupuncture | Dentists | Dentists - emergencies | Doctors | Helplines | Hypnotherapy | Late-night chemists | Massage | Mental health | Mole screenings | Opticians | Personal training | Physiotherapists | Pregnancy and birth | Reflexology | Sexual health | Walk-in centres

Holiday planning
Airlines | Grown-up gap years | Insurance | Information sites | Passport and visas | Travel companies | Travel tips | Vehicle hire

House and garden
Architects and interior designers | Builders | Carpenters | Chimney sweeps | Curtains and blinds | Directories | Door stripping | Electricians | Emergencies | Glaziers | Infestation | Gardeners and landscaping | Painters-decorators | Plumbers | Tree surgeon | Tool hire | Upholstery | Window-cleaners

Moving home
Conveyancing | Estate agents | House doctoring | Mortgage brokers | Post redirection | Removals | Surveyors | Removals

Personal services
Accounting and financial | Bicycle repairs | Childminders | Clutterbusting | Cobblers | Computer troubleshooters | Dry-cleaners & launderers | Food delivery | Jewellery | Legal matters | Mechanics and body repairs | Musical instument repair | Music tuition | Personal assistant services | Personal shoppers | Repairs and alterations | Specialist services | Tailors

Travel and transport
Car services and taxis | Coach travel | Local cabs | Rail travel | Transport information

Eyebrows
Apsara Herbal
What this Indian beauty salon lacks in customer service (staff have been known to be sharp and sullen) it more than makes up for in value. Deft eyebrow threading costs between £4 and £5.
249 Whitechapel Rd, E1 (020 7377 2004) Whitechapel tube.

Blink at Selfridges
If you can’t get into the unrivalled Vaishaly Facialist Clinic, this is a reasonable alternative. The girls are skilled at threading, and include a forehead massage that leaves you feeling relaxed rather than tortured.
Selfridges, 400 Oxford St, W1 (020 7629 9161/ www.selfridges.com) Bond St tube.

Shavata
This queen of threading sells DIY kits through M&S. Enjoy the skills of the lady herself at Harrods, from £29
Urban Retreat @ Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Rd, SW1 (020 7893 8333) Knightsbridge tube.

Foot treatments & pedicures
The Foot Pad Ltd
So much more than the usual spit and polish dispensed by other pedicure firms. This medical treatment sorts out corns, calluses, verrucae, in-grown toenails and other gross stuff. Converted our tester’s ‘putrid hooves’ into ‘dainty footsies’. Perfect for sandal exposure.
30 Lamb’s Conduit St, WC1 (020 7404 6942 ) Holborn or Russell Square tube.

Sophy Robson
Sophy Robson does the toes of the stars, and combines a room at the Berkely’s spa with the odd home visit. She works miracles on nasty feet.
The Berkeley, Wilton Place, SW1 (020 720 1699/ www.theberkeley.co.uk) Hyde Park Corner tube.

Hairdressers
Cello
Reasonably priced unisex hairdressers.
92 York St, W1 (020 7723 7447) Marylebone tube.

Fedro
Good with all types of hair, but particularly excellent at giving Afro hair cutting-edge styles. Prices from £30 and he will come to you.
(07956 953459).

Fordham White
Despite being hairdressers to the stars, Sean Fordham and Ben White are unintimidating, friendly and funny. They do great cuts and colour, with excellent beauty treatments in the spa below.
47 Greek St, W1 (020 7287 8484) Tottenham Court Rd tube.

Jack’s Haircuts
With more than 15 years’ experience, this Soho salon has a laid-back feel and great style.
25a Old Compton St, W1 (020 7734 2954) Leicester Square tube.

Richard Ward Hair & Metro Spa
If you have an event to go to but no time to prepare an updo, book a 30-minute blow dry for £40 in this super-luxe salon.
82 Duke of York Square, SW3 (020 8299 8882) Tottenham Court Rd tube.

Stamp
Cut and blow-drys from £37.
139 Bethnal Green Rd, E2 (020 7613 3097) Liverpool St tube/rail.

Tailor Tailor
Anne and Luca are colour-whizzes, and create great super-glossy shades that really last. Semi-permanent from £24.
137 Commercial St, E1 (020 7377 2737) Liverpool St tube/rail.

Ten
For many years, Greg and Fiona ran Konrads in Covent Garden as a hairdresser and wellness centre, but two years ago downsized to this stylish, simple and very calm space in the heart of Soho.
First floor, 10 Greek St, W1 (020 7734 6333) Tottenham Court Rd tube.

Topshop/Hershesons BlowDry Bar
Seven different, immaculate styles offered for £19 – choose from the Bardot, the Super Straight and a range of ponytails. No appointment necessary.
216 Oxford St, W1 (0207 636 7700) Oxford Circus tube.

Unruly Studio
Michael specialises in dealing with curls – creating them, cutting them, getting rid of them, and transforming them from frizz to sleek, Dita-style waves. He’s also good at teaching you how to do it yourself. The salon is open until 10pm on weekdays for those who can’t duck out of work.
100 Westbourne Studios, 242 Acklam Rd, W10 (0208 964 9200/ www.unrulystudio.co.uk) Ladbroke Grove tube.

Hair extensions
Antenna
Simon Forbes has 20 years’ experience in extensions, and was one of the pioneers of the trend. He uses chemical-free colour and monofibres.
27a Kensington Church St, W8 (020 7938 1866/ www.antennahairsalon.co.uk) High St Kensington tube.

Daniel Hersheson
Brazilian maestro Gil Concalves is on many an A-lister’s speed dial. He sources suitable hair after a consultation to assess your natural type, and then finds a couture match. The detachable, everlasting extensions start at £400.
Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1 (020 7201 8797/ www.danielhersheson.com) Knightsbridge tube.

Nyumba
A massive range of extensions are on offer, ranging in price from £200 up to £2000. One tester said her extensions were intact for more than four months.
6-7 Mount St, W1 (020 7408 1489) Bond St tube.

Make-up artists
Amanda Harrington
One half of slick beauty duo Harrington and White, Angela does wonderful occasion make-up, and ultra-realistic spray tans.
(07713210098/ www.harringtonandwhite.co.uk).

Charlotte Cromer
Lovely freelance make-up artist who works on fashion shows, films, and tired complexions.
(07859 946 212).

Natasha Devedaka Price
Natasha has lots of experience working on television, films and shoots, but you’d never know it from her friendly and approachable manner. She is able to create a range of looks and make-overs, but crucially is equally willing to do low-key radiance for an interview or Friday-night date. Also happy to give away her secrets at her cheap make-up lessons (£25).
Unruly Studio, details as before.

Nails
Bonnie’s
Chris does a lovely manicure or pedicure for just £10 to £15 – and eyebrows too. 271 South Norwood Hill, SE25
(020 8771 6119) South Norwood rail.

Heavenly Beauty
The pedicures here are much talked about in East Dulwich – also recommended are the nail extensions and manicures.
503 Lordship Lane, SE22 (020 8299 8882) East Dulwich rail.

Leighton Denny
The Nicky Clarke of the nail world.
Urban Retreat at Harrods, details as before.

Home treatments
Design Room
Bargain haircuts in the comfort of your own home – from £10, or extensions from £150. Covers central, east and north London.
(020 8525 9258).

New Touch
Get £15 haircuts in SE19 and SE22.
(07956 461 771).

Return to Glory
Affordable, city-wide service that costs £45 an hour; £60 for 45 minutes; and £70 for two whole hours of at-home beauty bliss. The most popular 90 minute slot gets you a wax, a manicure and a facial.
(020 7993 8063/ www.returntoglory.co.uk).

Tracey @ Tranquility
A friendly, mobile beauty therapist who offers the works: facials (from £37), manicures/pedicures (from £20) and electrolysis (from £10), She also has a lovely treatment room in Bow.
(020 8983 1458/ www.tranquil-beauty.co.uk).

Unlisted London
An agency covering a huge range of hair and beauty therapists, who it will send to your office, home or hotel room.
(0870 225 5007/ www.unlistedlondon.com)

Waxing
Fordham White
The delightful Rosie Stratford delivers top waxing, manicures and pedicures. Personal and affordable. Good for hair upstairs too (see page 147).
47 Greek St, W1 (020 7287 8484/ www.fordhamwhite.com) Tottenham Court Rd tube.

Katie Young’s
This cheap-and-cheerful salon in Hoxton offers bargain but good-quality waxing, with half a leg at £12.
Unit 12, Hoxton Walk, Hoxton St, N1 (020 7739 9271) Old St tube.

Otylia Roberts
Pricey but extremely good, Otylia now offers Ellipse hair removal as well as her super-smooth waxing services.
142 Wigmore St, W1 (0207486 5537/ www.otyliaroberts.co.uk) Bond St tube.


Entertaining

Cake-makers
Daisy Cakes Bake Shop
This family run business creates beautifully made cupcakes and occasion cakes to order, and can accommodate food fads and allergies.
Daisy Cakes Bake Shop, 11 Turnpin Lane (Off Greenwich Market), SE10 (020 3248 3047/ www.daisycakesbakeshop.com) Cutty Sark DLR.

Hummingbird Bakery on Portobello Rd
133 Portobello Rd, W11 (020 7229 6446/ www.hummingbirdbakery.com) Ladbroke Grove tube.

Treacle
110 Columbia Rd, E2 (020 7729 5657/email shop@treacleworld.com/ www.treacleworld.com) Bus 26, 48, 55.

Caterers
Andrea Adjei
Andrea Adjei creates delicious food for private parties when she’s not managing her North Cross Road (SE22) market stall. She can accommodate any dietary requirements and food needs and is renowned for her freshly made fishcakes, falafels, salads and fishcakes.
(07916 262576).

At Home
This company provides catering and a full party planning service. It takes care of theme, food, music, lighting, staff and its three-course menu starts from £40 a head, or if preferable, canapés are also available.
(www.athomecatering.co.uk).

Hand Made Food
This well known and friendly Blackheath deli caters for private
parties.40 Tranquil Vale, SE3 (020 8297 9966).

Table Talk
Table Talk’s chefs can literally cater to your every need for a large or small dinner party. Used by many of the city’s top restaurants and museums. From £20 per head for canapés, and £80 per head for a private dinner.
(020 7401 3200/ www.tabletalk.co.uk).

Fancy dress
Angels
The original fancy dress hire shop in London, Angels has everything you could ever need, whether you want to be Henry VIII or a drag queen for the night. Prices for a top-to-toe outfit cost around the £80 mark (allow an hour for fitting) but cheaper, packet costumes are for sale on its growing website.
119 Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2 (020 7836 5678/0845 054 8854/ www.fancydress.com) Leicester Square tube. Open Mon, Tue, Thur 9.30am-5.30pm, Wed 10.30am-7pm.

The Costume Studio
Lots of big TV companies get their costumes from the impressive 40,000 on offer at The Costume Studio. A week’s hire will cost you £65 (plus VAT).
Montgomery House, 159-161 Balls Pond Rd, N1 (020 7275 9614/ www.thecostumestudio.co.uk) Dalston Kingsland rail. Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm.

Escapade
The place to go if you want to give fellow partygoers nightmares, Escapade stocks a range of ghoulish masks including garish film characters like Chucky.
150 Camden High St, NW1 (020 7485 7384/ www.escapade.co.uk). Camden Town tube. Open Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12noon-5pm.

Madworld
It stocks over 35,000 costumes, from a ‘wolf with attitude’ to the complete cast of ‘The Flintstones’, plus a great range of famous Oscars acceptance-speech gowns. Ludicrous choice and great value.
Mad World Fancy Dress, 69-85 Tabernacle St, EC2 (0800 783 6582) Old St tube/rail. Open Mon-Fri 9.30am- 6.45pm, Thur 9.30am-7.45pm, Sat 10am-4.45pm.

Prangsta Costumiers
Based near Goldsmiths University, this decadent vintage and fancy dress hire shop is often frequented by arty students and partygoers alike.
340 New Cross Rd, SE14 (020 8694 9869/ www.prangssta.com) New Cross Gate tube. Open Mon-Sat 11am-7pm.

Flowers
Angel Flowers
The bold and bright bouquets from this Islington florist are popular for presents and wedding displays.
60 Upper St, N1 (020 7704 6312/ www.angel-flowers.co.uk) Angel tube. Open Mon-Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm.

Sam Curlewis
A flower designer who tries to source everything seasonally and from the UK and be as ethically sound as possible. Amazing wedding arrangements.
(www.chocolatecosmos.co.uk).

Wild at Heart
This chic Notting Hill florist with a concession at the Great Eastern Hotel is known for its fine English blooms such as sweet peas and roses arranged in natural, easy styles.
49a Ledbury Rd, W11 (020 7727 3095/ www.wildatheart.com) Notting Hill Gate tube. Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm.

Flower design
Capel Manor College
This horticultural college based in Enfield offers a floristry course; the programmes have a reputation for exceptional design skill and cutting-edge creativity.
Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, Middx EN1 4RQ (08456 122122/ www.capel.ac.uk).

In Water
Learn contemporary flower arranging from Robert Hornsby, known for his elegant arrangements immersed in water.
In Water, 70-76 Bell St, NW1 (0207724 9985/ www.inwater.uk.com). Next courses June 20, 21 and Sept 19, 20. One-day course £225, two-day course £395.

Marquee hire
LPM Bohemia
Handmade marquee structures to suit all occasions, from private parties to the Glastonbury festival. All design and fitting bespoke.
(07920 528921/ www.lpmbohemia.com).

London Marquee Company
These guys have been in business for almost 20 years now and as well as providing high quality marquees they can tackle the logistics of your event, including posh built-in loos, temporary roads, power supply and mobile kitchens.
(020 7610 1770/ www.londonmarqueeco.co.uk).

Field & Lawn Marquees
Whether you want a two-metre cover for your back garden or a huge 30-metre one for you and thousands of friends, this company will deliver the goods to a superior standard.
(020 8944 9633/ www.fieldandlawn.com).

Music & entertainers
Dave Bonsall
A talented close-up magician, Bonsall will combine charisma and with sleight of hand and mind tricks to leave your guests astounded and impressed.
(07733 010912/ www.fingertipmiracles.co.uk).

Jazz Moods
Get your party swinging with some live music from Jazz Moods. It can provide everything from a Jazz Moods trio (around £600) to the Piccadilly Dance Orchestra: up to 14 musicians belting out your favourite Hollywood show tunes (from £1,100).
(014 4286 3429/ www.jazzmoods.co.uk).

King Tut and the Magic Marker
DJ duo that supplies music for events, working with LPM Bohemia, and catering for all types of events.
(07968 805571).

London Music Agency
This company can provide you with flamenco dancers, fire eaters, after- dinner speakers, comedians, mime artists and, for an extra cost, celebrities.
(01277 633030/ www.londonmusicagency.co.uk).

Music for London
This marketing company provides you with a wide choice of live music, including jazz bands, classical, covers bands, plus DJs, magicians and cabaret shows.
(0845 226 2971/ www.musicforlondon.co.uk).

Party organisers
Cellar Society
Chic private parties organised to request.
(www.cellarsociety.com).

City Bash
Party planner and free venue-finding service. All you need to do is enter a few details on the online form and it’ll search for the best venue.
(0870 2421 235/www.citybash.com).

Party planners
All events covered from tea parties to weddings.
(www.party-planners.co.uk).

Party supplies
CB Party
Supplying anything from helium balloons, piñatas and tableware to arts and crafts, party bags and fancy dress.
(07951 782043/ 020 8637 9610/ www.cbparty.co.uk).

Oscar’s Den
Balloons, fireworks, fancy castles and costumes aside, this specialist shop will also plan and arrange everything from party packs to invitations.
127-129 Abbey Rd, NW6 (020 7328 6683/ www.oscarsden.com) Swiss Cottage tube. Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-6pm, Sat 9.30am-5.30pm,
Sun 10am-2pm.

Party Party
Three floors of cheap and cheerful party gear, whether you’re after fancy dress, cake-decorating equipment or glitter.
9-13 Ridley Rd, E8 (020 7254 5168) Dalston Kingsland rail. Open Mon-Thur 9am-5.30pm, Fri and Sat 9an-6.30pm.

Party Plus
A huge shop; one of the biggest and best value suppliers in the party business.
4 Acton Lane, Chiswick Park W4 ,(020 8987 8404/ www.partyplus.co.uk) Harlesden tube/rail. Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm, Sat 9am-5pm.

Party Superstore
A fantastic stock of everything and anything for a children’s themed party. From fake moustaches to feather boas and body parts. Dancewear, too.
270 Lavender Hill, SW1 (020 7924 3210/ www.partysuperstores.co.uk) Clapham Junction rail. Open Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Thur 9am-7pm, Sun 10.30am-4.30pm.

Photographers
Amanda Clay
Specialist in wedding and civil partnership photography across London and south England. Her pictures have an informal style, capturing incidental moments throughout the day.
(07810 616 104/ www.clayphotography.co.uk).

David & Nick’s Weddings
These two London based photographers work as a team and specialise in providing a stylish and modern document of your wedding. £1,300 for the whole day, including all prints, fees and expenses.
(07881 527388/ 07760 225699).

Sharron Wallace
A versatile photographer who snaps anything from family portraits to pop stars.
(07956 959433/ www.sharronwallace.com).

Suit hire
Lipman & Sons
Come here for reasonably priced, classic men’s suits – £44.95 for a morning suit with shirt and tie.
23 Charing Cross Rd, WC2 (020 7240 2310/ www.lipmanandsons.co.uk) Leicester Square tube. Open Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Thur until 8pm.

Moss Bros Hire
A comprehensive range of formalwear and accessory hire.
27-28 King St, WC2 (020 7632 9700/ www.mossbross.com) Covent Garden tube. Open Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 9am-6pm, Thur 9am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm.

Wedding dresses
Browns Bride
Although expensive (from £1,000 to £7,000), this is a good starting place for inspiration as you will find all the big names in wedding frocks from Vera Wang to Roland Mouret and Alexander McQueen.
59 Brook St, W1 (020 7514 0056/www.brownsfashion.com) Bond St tube. Open Mon-Sat 11am-6pm, by appointment.

Morgan Davies
Classic, stylish bridal gowns from designers including Forget me not Designs and Rosa Clara.
62 Cross St, N1 (202 7354 3414/ www.morgandavieslondon.co.uk) Angel tube. Open Mon-Sat 9am-6pm


Ethical Living

Eco travel
www.carbonfootprint.com
Calculate your carbon footprint by using this site’s calculator. This family company divides your energy usage into household fuel bills and annual travel. The website also has a carbon offset quotation tool where you enter how much you would like to offset and are then presented with a list of options and prices.

www.climatecare.org
Allows you to calculate your emissions and pay towards offsetting them.

www.green-business.co.uk
A scheme working in conjunction with tour operators to lower emissions. Good resource for holidays in the UK.

www.greenglobe.org
Includes a Green Travel Planner to help you minimise the environmental impact of every aspect of your holiday.

www.planeta.com
Invaluable resource for those wanting to travel with minimal environmental impact. It lists green schemes, travel companies and resorts.

Green supplies
www.bags2riches.co.uk
Offers a colourful array of lights and jewellery made from recycled bags. Designer Anna Roebuck encourages people to send their used bags to her so that they can be used for her designs.

www.bambino.co.uk
Bambino Mio offers environmentally friendly cotton nappies, waterproof nappy covers and biodegradable nappy liners for newborn babies up to two-and-a-half-year-olds.

www.beunpackaged.com
Sells organic wholefoods (such as rice, cereals and grains) and eco-cleaners without any packaging. You are asked to bring your own containers to fill with food and if you forget, it offers you a reusable container that you are asked to bring back with you next time. See website for where to buy Unpackaged products.

www.bynature.co.uk
An online store offering a range of organic and recycled products, including clothes for men, women and children. The environmentally friendly service also offers a wedding-list option, and donates 10 per cent of the total amount bought from the list to a charity of your choice.

www.equaclothing.com
The boutique is located in Islington’s Camden Passage, but you can purchase Equa’s fair trade and organic clothing for women and children on the website. New collections include Edum jeans.

www.faithinnature.com
Manufactures skincare products and cosmetics. All of its products are natural and are made in the UK. They are preservative-free, cruelty-free, aromatherapy, vegetarian and vegan (excluding the Neem & Propolis range). All products are approved by the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection.

www.petitartisan.com
Offers a range of creative-craft kits, party bags and party kits for children aged three and older. Its products are based on safe, natural and recyclable materials and are designed to stimulate children’s imagination and manual skills.

Home
www.auroorganic.co.uk
Auro decorating products are made almost entirely of natural raw materials which come from environmentally managed sources. It also makes a point of not using petrochemicals in its products. Voted Ethical Consumer magazine’s ‘Best Buy’ in 2006.

www.chestofdrawers.co.uk
Chest of Drawers primarily sells solid-wood furniture imported from around the world. It has environmental grading for all its products, which fall into three main categories (wood source and sustainability, workshop practices and ‘furniture miles’) before summarising with a mark out of ten stars.

Recycling services
www.computeraid.org
Donate old, unwanted computers to schools in deprived areas overseas.

www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Official resource of environmental services offered by the government and local councils.

www.ethicalconsumer.org
A buyer’s guide to keeping your shopping trolley’s contents green.

www.fonebak.com
Offers to recycle mobile phones and accessories. It works with clients such as Orange and T-Mobile to generate financial returns while supporting environmental and corporate responsibility policies. You can send it phones under various schemes and choose what specific cause the phone goes towards.

www.freecycle.org
‘Waste not, want not’ is the premise of the cult of Freecycle. Offer anything from your worn-out mattress to an odd shoe – and someone in your local area may well relieve you of it.

www.icer.org.uk
Very informative site offering tips on disposing of electrical appliances as well as a directory of salvage companies throughout the UK.

www.morph.org.uk
Works with the council to collect unwanted furniture which it then restores beautifully and sells on cheaply in its Kingsland Road store. The three branches’ (Camberwell and Cambridgeshire, as well as Hackney) products are listed online or you can call 020 7168 2531 for the Hackney shop (www.morphhackney.org.uk).

www.officegreen.co.uk
Collects and recycles toner and inkjet-printer cartridges, mobile phones, computer equipment and fluorescent tubes. It is fully compliant with the WEEE Directive and Hazardous Waste Regulations.

www.recycleforlondon.co.uk
With a schedule of events, such as electronic equipment amnesties, and info about local services, this is a good place to start reducing your carbon footprint.

www.recyclingappeal.com
A charitable organisation that recycles old phones and electronic equipment and donates proceeds to good causes.

www.respondnetwork.org.uk
Respond Furniture Centre is a charity based in Thamesmead and specialises in recycling and reusing electrical goods and furniture to support those most in need in the community, including young people leaving care and homeless youths. Depending on the condition of your furniture, the charity will take it away for free.

www.reuze.co.uk
Easier to use than Freecycle, and the good stuff doesn’t disappear so quickly.

www.solarcentury.com
Offers tips on converting your home and life to solar energy.


Health

Acupunture
Frances Newman
Bow-based Frances Newman combines spiritual healing with acupunture. She is willing to take on a variety of health issues but has an excellent track record of helping women with menstruation and conception issues as well as alleviating stress. She stresses that the list of symptoms that acupuncture can relieve is ‘bottomless’.
(020 8980 0219).

Gerard Kite
The charismatic and highly regarded Gerard Kite, who has been practising acupuncture for more than 20 years, specialises in fertility problems and – according to our sources – has had many success stories. He is also known for helping clients overcome stress
and anxiety.
The Kite Clinic, 73 New Bond St, W1 (020 7408 0341/ www.kiteclinic.co.uk) Bond St tube.

Dentists
Finding a NHS dentist
Unless you meet the exemption criteria (typically under-18s, pregnant women, those on income support) you will need to contribute towards dental care. However, National Health Treatment helps pay for procedures, and you can find your nearest NHS dentist taking on new patients at www.nhs.uk/england/dentists

At the time of press, the following were accepting new NHS patients:

Chater
305 Borough High St, SE1 (020 7407 3883) Borough tube.

Earl’s Court Dental Practice
121 Earl’s Court Rd, SW5 (020 7373 4846) Earl’s Court tube.

Petrie Tucker & Partners
344 Old St, EC1 (020 7739 9545) Old St tube/rail.

Soho Centre for Health and Care
Second floor, 1 Frith St, W1 (020 7534 6622) Tottenham Court Rd tube.

These clinics have been recommended for their NHS service:

Cambridge Park Dental Practice
Friendly, very clean and an excellent level of treatment with pricing options clearly discussed.
19 Cambridge Park, E11 (020 8532 9990) Wanstead tube.

Camden Dental Centre
Good, professional and very friendly.
77 Camden High St, NW1 (020 7380 0768) Camden Town tube.

Dulwich Dental Clinic
In-demand National Health Service dentist which also does private cosmetic work, Swedish cleaning, and cosmetic teeth-straightening.
78 Lordship Lane, SE22 (020 8299 1334) East Dulwich rail.

Kennington Dental Surgery
Surroundings are cramped (it’s in an old terraced house), but this is a perfectly charming practice.
234 Kennington Park Rd, SE1 (020 7735 4579) Oval tube.

Shaftsbury Dental Care
Recommended by two Time Out staffers for its ‘consistently good’ NHS treatment.
158 Kentish Town Rd, NW5 (020 7485 3711) Kentish Town tube.

This private clinic also came recommended:

Whitecross Dental Care
Specialists in dealing with people suffering a phobia of going to the dentist. Also offers full range of cosmetic work
6 Farringdon Rd, EC1 (020 7251 2222) Farringdon tube/rail.

Dentists – emergencies
Guy’s Hospital Dental Services
Provides free walk-in treatment and pain relief in emergency cases only. The clinic opens at 8.45am but it is highly advisable to get there as early as 8am to ensure a slot.
Guy’s Hospital, St Thomas St, SE1 (020 7915 1000) London Bridge tube/rail.

Guy’s Hospital Emergency Care Service
Guy’s also offers this phone line which can direct you to your nearest emergency dental-care provider
(020 7188 0512).

King’s College Hospital
Morning clinic opens at 8am, but phone ahead for availability.
Denmark Hill, SE5 (020 7346 3894/ 020 7346 3052) Denmark Hill rail.

Royal London Hospital
Free emergency dental treatment.
Whitechapel Rd, E1 (020 7377 7000 ext 2131 or 2054) Whitechapel tube. Open Mon-Fri 8am-1.30pm, 7-11pm.

Doctors
Find-a doctor helpline
NHS service to help you track down a doctor still accepting new patients.
(020 8335 1330).

www.nhs.uk/england/doctors
Allows you to search for your nearest clinic but you will need to call for availability before turning up.

Helplines
Alcoholics Anonymous
(0845 769 7555/ www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk).

Association of Post-Natal Illness
(020 7386 0868/ www.apni.org).

Cancerbackup
(0800 800 1234/ www.cancerbackup. org.uk).

Frank
Drugs advice and help for young people.
(0800 776 600/ www.talktofrank.com).

Gamblers Anonymous
(08700 508 880/ www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk).

NHS DIrect
(0845 4647/ www.nhsdirect.co.uk).

Samaritans
(08457 909 090/ www.samaritans.org.uk).

Terence Higgins Trust
(0845 1221 200/ www.tht.org.uk).

Hypnotherapy
Adeline Kam
North London-based hynotherapist Adeline Kam can help people control emotions, lose weight, give up smoking and in the case of our tester, pass their driving test. Kam incorporates NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) and psychotherapy into her hypnosis.
(020 8883 3282/ www.adelinekam.com).

Liz Hogon
A hypnotherapist helping clients to stop smoking, lose weight, relieve stress, cope with traumas and deal with various other issues. She also offers intensive, weekend weight-loss workshops, is a licensed trainer in meridian therapy, and she operates out of lovely treatment rooms in Clapham Common and Crouch End. Stop smoking from £150 for a two-hour, one-off session.
(www.lizhogon.co.uk).

Late-night chemists
Bliss Pharmacy
5-6 Marble Arch, W1 (020 7723 6116) Marble Arch tube. Open daily 9am-midnight.

Boots
75 Queensway, W2 (020 7229 9266) Queensway tube. Open Mon-Sat 9am-10pm, Sun 2pm-10pm.

Westbury Chemists
84-92 Streatham High Rd, SW16 (020 8769 1919) Streatham rail. Open daily 9am-midnight.

Zafash
235 Old Brompton Rd, SW5 (020 7373 2798) Gloucester Rd or South Kensington tube. Open 24 hours.

Massage
Anita Cox Salon
Specialising in the spine-crunching school of massage – amazing results. An hour will cost £50.
40 Battersea Rise, SW11 (020 7223 8888) Clapham Junction rail.

Elemis Day Spa
A gentle touch in blissful and tranquil surroundings.
2-3 Lancaster Court, W1 (0870 410 4201/ www.elemis.com) Bond St tube.

Glenn Sontag
An expert in all manner of specialised massage – from Swedish to Thai, from sports to deep. Comes highly recommended by Time Out staff, and will visit you in your office or home for £70 per hour.
(020 7423 9506/www.blue-eye.co.uk).

Human Nature
Nari Sudram carries out his intense deep-tissue massage below his health-food shop. He will also do home visits. Some claim his results to be be miraculous. Prices start at £75 for an hour.
13 Malvern Rd, NW6, (020 7328 5452/ www.thismassageworks.co.uk) Queen’s Park tube/rail.

Nicole Davies
A fantastic naturopath specialising in men’s consultations on-site at WholeMan.
(020 7629 6659).

Mental health
Mind
Info line manned by a team of specialists.
(0845 766 0163/ www.mind.org.uk).

Sane
Advice for those experiencing mental-health problems.
(0845 767 8000/ www.sane.org.uk).

Samaritans
24 hour help for those in need.
(08457 909090/ www.samaritans.org.uk).

Mole screenings
The Mole Clinic
The UK’s leading independent diagnostic centre for skin cancer, offering a complete skin check for £115 and a single mole check for £45, with the price rising £15 for each additional mole.
9 Argyll St, W1 (020 7734 1177) Oxford Circus tube. Also at these Superdrug branches: 213 Oxford St, W1 (020 7439 0793); 232 High Holborn, WC1 (020 7404 6912); 49-50 Strand, WC1 (020 7930 2210).

Opticians
Better Specs
Friendly, efficient, independent practice with a nice range of spectacles.
210 Kentish Town Rd, NW5 (020 7482 3859) Kentish Town rail.

The London Centrefor Refractive EyeSurgery
A small, family-run surgery refusing to use lasers to correct vision. It claims to use safer methods and customers have reported dazzling, almost painless results.
15 Harley St, W1 (020 7580 9010/ www.lcrs.co.uk) Regent’s Park tube.

Nigel Burnett Hodd
Mr Hodd is the top contact-lens specialist in the country, and if he can’t sort you out with lenses that you like and suit your needs, it can’t be done. State-of-the-art eye care is offered and the very latest equipment is used to check your eye health. His practice also dispenses spectacles.
(www.nfburnetthodd.com).

P Shah Opticians
The optician of choice for Moorfields eye hospital, Shah runs a small shop, offering a very personal service.
152 City Rd, EC1(020 7253 1309) Old St tube/rail. Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm.

Personal training
Move Your Butt
Tailor-made fitness programme with nutritional advice and holistic therapies.
(0700 340 1379/ www.moveyourbutt.com).

Rhys Hamer
This National Academy of Sports Medicine-qualified personal trainer covers mainly Fulham, Wimbledon and Wandsworth but can travel further.
(07738 835864/email Rhyshamerpt@hotmail.co.uk).

Steve Agyei
An ex-dancer who has trained the England Cricket team and Tony Blair. Works with tailor-made fitness programmes, nutrition and spices things up with lively activities such as caporeira.
(07956 138557/agyei@beyond.uk.com).

Physiotherapists
Richard Bolton
A qualified physiotherapist, Pilates instructor and Gyrotonics trainer with a very professional manner (he’s the director and founder of Performance Physio and also runs www.physiobase.com).
A detailed, one-hour assessment is £70. 11 Harley St, W1 (020 7221 6992/ www.performancephysio.net) Bond St tube.

Pregnancy & birth
Active Birth Centre
Offers yoga, workshops, health clinic, advice and a good stock of useful books. It can also help you hire a birthing pool.
25 Bickerton Rd, N19 (020 781 6760/ www.activebirthcentre.com) Archway tube.

National Childbirth Trust
Support, advice and tips on parenting.
(0870 770 3236/ www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com).

Reflexology
Rosanna Bikerton
A member of the Association of Reflexologists, Rosanna Birkerton specialises in Chinese reflexology which can help people combat stress, high blood pressure, insomnia, migraines and poor circulation. A session with Bikerton leaves you feeling soothed and serene.
(020 7318 6177/ www.handsonfeet.com).

Sexual health
British Pregnancy Advisory Service
Dispenses contraceptives, emergency contraception, pregnancy tests and referrals for abortions.
(08457 304030/ www.bpas.org).

Brook
Long-established nationwide provider of sexual health advice and contraception. It runs clinics across London, for under-25s only.
(020 7284 6040/ www.brook.org.uk).

Highbury Health Centre
Sympathetic and discreet staff work at the walk-in
centre.
Highbury Grange, N5 (020 7530 2888/ 2929) Highbury & Islington tube/rail. Open Mon, Tue, Thur 5-6.30pm.

Finsbury Health Centre
Clean, friendly place providing contraception. It’s worth arriving before 5pm to make sure you’re seen.
Pine St, EC1 (020 7530 4200/4221) Farringdon tube/rail. Open Mon, Tue, Thur 5-6.30pm.

River Place Health Centre
Walk-in clinic offering contraception
Essex Rd, N1 (020 7530 2990/2901) Angel tube. Open Tue, Thur 5-6.30pm, Sat 9.30am-11am.

Walk-in centres
Medical Express
A private service offering health checks, blood tests, body MOTs and HIV testing.
117a Harley St, W1 (020 499 1991) Regent’s Park tube.

Newham Walk-In Centre
Glen Rd, E13 (020 7363 9200) Plaistow tube. Open Mon-Fri 7am-10pm, Sat-Sun 9am-10pm.

North Middlesex Walk-In Centre
Sterling Way, N18 (020 887 2680) Silver St rail. Open Mon-Fri 8am-9.30pm, Sat-Sun 8.30am-9.30pm.

Parsons GreenWalk-in Centre
Open during the weekend for all ailments; weekends for dressing, stitches and earache only.
5-7 Parsons Green, SW6 (020 8846 6758) Parsons Green tube. Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat, Sun 9am-1.30pm.

Soho Walk In-Centre
1 Frith St, W1 (020 7534 6500) Tottenham Court Rd tube. Open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm.

Tooting Walk-In Centre
Clare House, St George’s Hospital, Blackshaw Rd, SW17 (020 8700 0505) Haydons Rd rail. Open daily 7am-10pm.

Whitechapel Walk-In Centre
174 Whitechapel Rd, E1 (next to the Royal London Hospital A&E department) Whitechapel tube. Open Mon-Fri 7am-10pm, Sat-Sun 9am-10pm.


Holiday Planning

Airlines
Aer Lingus
(0870 976 5000/ www.aerlingus.com).

BMI
(0870 607 0555/ www.flybmi.com).

BMI Baby
(0870 264 2229/ www.bmibaby.com).

British Airways
(0870 850 9850/ www.ba.com).

Cheap Flights
(www.cheapflights.co.uk).

Easyjet
(0905 821 0905/ www.easyjet.com).

Ryanair
(0871 246 000/ www.ryanair.com).

Virgin Atlantic
(0870 380 2007/ www.virginatlantic.com).

Grown-up gap years
Gap Advice
An indispensable independent website that offers heaps of sensible, impartial tips for prospective gappers, whether they plan to go on their own or pay to go with a group. Features a useful downloadable budget calculator.
(www.gapadvice.org).

Gap Guru
Specialises in volunteer trips to India. It aims to ‘create placement opportunities where they will do most good’, matching individuals with projects.
(www.gapguru.com).

Gap Work
A sensible advice site with plenty of links to resources explaining how to apply for jobs or get visas. The emphasis is on turning your trip to your CV’s best advantage.
(www.gapwork.com/careerbreak).

Gap Year
A comprehensive site that says it’s a ‘one-stop shop’ and the ‘UK’s largest gap-year community’. Buy round-the-world tickets, rucksacks, travel guides, as well as tracking down potential travel mates .
(www.gapyear.com).

Gap Year for Grown-ups
Linked to Real Gap Year, this site for older travellers (that is, non-students) tells you where you can go and what you can do. The company’s team of 20 experienced travellers are on hand to get booking for you.
(www.gapyearforgrownups.com).

Insurance
Columbus Direct
Often comes up with the most competitive quotes.
(0870 033 9988/ www.columbusdirect.com).

Endsleigh
Cheap suppliers of insurance for students.
(0800 028 3571/ www.endsleigh.co.uk).

Worldwide Travel Insurance
(0870 112 1100/ www.worldwideinsure.com).

Information sites
Association of National Tourist Offices
(www.antor.com).

Foreign & Commonwealth Office Travel
(www.fco.gov.uk/travel).

XE.com
International currency converter.

Weather sites
(www.bbc.co.uk/weather/ www.weather2travel.com/ www.wunderground.com).

Passports & visas
Passport Office Applications
Renews and issues passports for British Nationals.
(0870 521 0410/www.ukpa.gov.uk).

Post Office
Provides EHIC (the new E111 for European Healthcare). Also come here for Passport application forms and commission free currency, and foreign driving permits.
(08457 22 33 44/www.postoffice.co.uk).

Travcour
Arranges visas for worldwide travel.
(020 7223 5295/www.travcour.com).

Travel companies
Ebookers
(0870 821 4000/www.ebookers.com).

LastMinute
(www.lastminute.com).

Opodo
(www.opodo.co.uk).

STA Travel
Cheap travel for under-26s.
(0870 160 0599/www.statravel.co.uk).

Trailfinders
Trailfinders is an independent travel company with 35 years of experience that will help you tailor-make your ideal trip and then book it all for you.
(www.trailfinders.co.uk).

Wellbeing Escapes
Online company specialising in pampering holidays from yoga retreats to spa breaks across the globe
(www.wellbeingescapes.co.uk).

Travel tips
Barcelona Week
Written by expats living in Barcelona, this is an informative, weekly updated cultural guide to the city.
(www.bcnweek.com).

Chowhound
Guide to eating in the five boroughs of New York.
(www.chowhound.com).

Hostel World
Excellent resource for finding budget accommodation.
(www.hostelworld.com).

Just Off the Fast Track
Lists places to stay near UK motorways and main routes if you need to bed down mid-journey.
(www.justoffthefasttrack.co.uk).

National Geographic
For serious travellers, this has some exciting blogs about amazing trips.
(www.nationalgeographic.com).

Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride specialises in surfing gap experiences. Like Patrick Swayze in ‘Point Break’, you get to follow the waves – and gain a teaching qualification.
(www.ttride.co.uk).

Villarama
Rent villas directly from owners worldwide for cheap rates.
(www.villarama.com).

Vehicle hire
Car Rentals
Online booking discounts and price comparison service
(0845 225 0845/ www.carrentals.co.uk).

Easy Car
No-frills hire service.
(0906 333 3333/ www.easycar.com).

R&A Van Hire
Self-drive vehicles, starting at £35.25 for 24 hours.
111 Shakespeare Rd, SE24 (020 7737 4737) Herne Hill rail.


House and Garden
Architects & interior designers
Found Associates
A full internal-refurbishment and/or extension service is offered at this reliable and highly recommended firm. which is known for its stylish work.
14-16 Great Pulteney St, W1 (020 7734 8400/ www.foundassociates.com).

Knott Architects
A family business run by brothers George and Tom, offering domestic new-build and conversion jobs, plus extensions and redesigns, in what it terms a ‘crafted modernism’ style.
98b Tollington Park, N4 (020 7263 8844/ www.knottarchitects.co.uk).

The Pike Practice
Battersea-based architectural practice specialising in elegant extensions and refurbishment projects.
Unit 1, Crombie Mews, 11a Abercrombie St, SW11 (020 7924 6257/ www.thepikepractice.com).

Royal Institute of British Architechts
Search RIBA’s database and find a registered firm near you.
(www.ribafind.org).

Builders
All Done Design
This award-winning builder covers the whole of London and undertakes all manner of jobs from kitchen conversions to commercial developments.
(020 8442 0465/ www.alldonedesign.co.uk).

Ashley Adams
Luxury bathroom and kitchen fitter, across north London and St Albans.
(01442 216302).

B&K Builders
Highly recommended, experienced builders, with numerous immaculate conversions, extensions and carpentry jobs under their belts.
(07976 668654).

Federation of Master Builders Organisation
Regulates small to medium-sized building firms, including an online database of registered companies. The website also features useful building contracts you can print off and use in order to safeguard your rights.
(www.findabuilder.co.uk).

Jackson Construction Services
Covering London, Surrey and Kent, this reliable firm installs kitchens, bathrooms and studies.
(07885 2948660).

New City Builders
John Wilson prides himself on his reasonable rates and reliable service. He works within the south-west area of the city, but is happy to recommend tradesmen if he can’t take on your job himself.
(07973 378316).

R Brooks Construction
Surrey-based Rowly Brooks runs a friendly and efficient business specialising in extensions and loft conversions in west and south-west London.
(08000 217212/ 07951 982944/ www.rbrooksconstruction.co.uk).

Stephen Cashman
A reliable builder and decorator, with reasonable rates and a 24-hour call-out service.
(07887 800023).

Stephen Deering Design& Build Company Ltd
Deering regards tricky building problems as an intellectual challenge to get his teeth into rather than an occasion for negative teeth-sucking. Excellent at design aspects as well as structural matters.
(07973 871031/email info@stephendeering.co.uk).

Wyndham Projects
Mike Du Toit is an exceptional kitchen and bathroom planner-fitter who will also take on larger projects for regular clients.
(020 8399 0707/07779 242580/ www.wyndhamprojects.com/ email mike@wyndhamprojects.com).

Carpenters
Barnaby Stone
Designs elegant, modern carpentry as well as reproducing older pieces. Makes beds, tables, cupboards and more to order. Based in south London.
(07768 395203/ www.barnabystone.co.uk).

Cupboards by Design
Fiona Duckworth makes storage solutions for tricky spaces such as alcoves, as well as shelving and kitchens, using your specifications. She covers all of London and typically takes six to eight weeks to fulfil an order.
(020 7556 1424/ 07956 493408).

James Whitehall
Swift, professional and good value for money, Whitehall makes beautiful, fitted and free-standing furniture to any style and does joinery work. He’s based in east London, but travels everywhere – yes, even south ofthe river.
(07786 513936/ 020 8809 3155).

Matthew Dover
Matthew Dover is very personable and offers meticulous service, with custom carpentry work ranging from shelves to sheds and much more in between. He charges reasonable rates too.
(07736 229244/email matthewdover@hotmail.com).

Melanie Woods
Based in Greenwich, Melanie Woods takes on custom work for cupboards, shelves, kitchens and joinery. She has very satisfied customers.
(07957 347168/ www.melaniewoods.co.uk).

Paul Bromfield
North London-based carpenter specialising in bespoke wardrobes, cupboards and fitted kitchens.
(020 8881 5111/ www.paulbromfield.co.uk).

Pete Glessing
Old-style trained carpenter, who made one reader a fantastic console table from railway sleepers exactly to specification for half the prices quoted elsewhere. Particularly good at banisters, kitchens and bathrooms.
(07855 667760).

Chimney sweeps
Apex Chimney Sweeps& Consultants
A useful company for anyone with an open fire – annual sweeping is recommended.
(www.apexchimneysweeps.co.uk).

National Association of Chimney Sweeps
Register of practising sweeps including those in London. All three of them.
(01785 811 1732/ 0800 833464/ www.chimneyworks.co.uk).

Curtains & blinds
Emma Jeffs
This award-winning designer produces adhesive window film in a range of contemporary, cut-out patterns. Lasting around three years, the film affords privacy in a really stylish way, and negates the need for blinds or curtains.
(020 8671 3383/ www.surfacematerialdesign.co.uk).

The Final Curtain
Book an appointment and this family of craftspeople will visit you in your home with samples and designs. They cover the whole of London and an order takes three to four weeks to put together.
(020 8699 3626/finalcurtain@gmail.com).

John Lewis
Ever-reliable and professional service from everyone’s favourite department store. Choose from the ‘Express’ service, completed in seven days but in a limited range of sizes, or ‘Bespoke’, which takes four to six weeks.
(020 7629 7711/ www.johnlewis.co.uk).

Peter the Pleater
Established in 1893, this traditional company has earned itself a brilliant reputation within the industry and among its customer base. Blinds, curtains and drapes come made to order and to an excellent but reasonably priced standard.
17-19 Great Eastern St, EC2 (020 7375 1053).

Directories
www.020London.co.uk
Lists hundreds of reputable services and tradespeople in London.

www.problemsolved.co.uk
A website made up of personal recommendations, complete with an efficient search engine that can team you up with all manner of tradesmen.

www.thetradesmensdirectory.co.uk
Lists a wide range of tradespeople recommended by members of the public.

www.upmystreet.com
Gives you local information according to your postcode, from good schools and reputable plumbers to the price of houses in your road.

www.wamt.org
Women and Manual Trades publishes an annual directory of recommended London tradeswoman.

Door-stripping
Phil Jackson
If you have grotty Victorian doors ripe for a makeover, Phil Jackson will restore them beautifully for around £15 a door. He comes highly recommended.
(020 8761 3961/ 07956 466849).

Electricians
Electrical Contractors’ Association
Search for contractors in your area.
(020 7313 4800/ www.eca.co.uk).

National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting
An invaluable resource – the NICEIC is a regulatory body issuing strict rules to its 10,500 members.
(0870 013 0431/ www.niceic.org.uk).

RJ Electrical
A general electrician who knows his stuff, returns your calls, and whose previous clients wave to him (and not with their fists). Does rewiring, call-outs and cooker repairs, and is based in north-east London.
(020 8599 2841/ 07836 677836).

Emergencies
Blocked drains and plumbers
Aqua-Care
(0800 389 2238/ www.24hrlondonplumber.co.uk).

AD Environmental Services
(0800 093 0015/ www.adsel.co.uk).

Emergency Plumbers
(0800 458 3082/ www.emergencyplumbers.net).

Dyno Rod
(0800 000999/ www.dyno.com).

Gas
Transco
(0800 111999/ www.transco.uk.com).

Locksmiths
Master Locksmiths Association
(0800 783 1498/ non-emergencies 01327 262255/ www.locksmiths.co.uk).

Water leaks
Thames Water
(0800 714614/ non-emergencies 0845 920 0800).

Glaziers
Absolute Glass
Unit 6, Gemini Project, Landmann Way, SE14 (020 7394 9324/ www.absoluteglass.net).

Express Glazing Contractors
Unit 3 Acorn Centre, 105 Blundell St, N7 (020 7619 6900/ www.expressglazingcontractors.co.uk).

Frazer Glaze
70 Druid St, SE1 (020 7252 0011/ frazerglazer@hotmail.com).

The Glass & Glazing Federation
This organisation provides a useful directory of local glaziers.
(0870 042 4255/ www.ggf.org.uk).

Kirby Glass
Happy to take on small domestic jobs such as broken windows.
Kirby Glass, 151 Hackney Rd, E2 (020 7729 4727).

Infestation
The British Pest Control Association
If the service being offered by your local council – which deals with rats and wasp nests, among other pests – doesn’t satisfy you, contact the BPCA. It can recommend a private contractor.
(0870 609 2687/ www.bpca.org.uk).

Gardeners & landscaping
Jay Osma
‘A brilliant landscape gardener who does everything from design to construction to maintenance. He operates as a company called Origin Landscapes and as well as being a consummate professional is one of the wittiest people you’ll meet.’
(07815 465445/info@originlandscapes.com).

Lucy Somers
Stoke Newington-based Somers trained at Caple Manor in Essex, and applies her talents to gardens in north London.
(020 8800 3163).

Noushine Nozari
Inventive garden designer who is based in north London.
(07818 064557/ 020 7254 1107/ email noushinegardendesign@btinternet.com).

Rob Bratby Gardens
Full landscaping, design and planting to suit any style of garden. Covers London and the south-east.
(07847 582152).

Sybil Caines
This talented garden designer is based in Stoke Newington.
(sybil.caines@blueyonder.co.uk).

Will Nash
Nash will take on any size of garden in north London. Adept at fencing, ponds and patios as well as flora and fauna.
(07961 171406).

Painter-decorators
Christopher Morley & Trevor Wade
Painters and decorators covering west and central London.
(07722 587209).

Home Jane
From handywomen to plasterers, painters and plumbers, this is a handy group of meticulous female home helpers, or ‘Janes’. Very trustworthy and personable.
(0845 832 3639/ www.home-jane.co.uk).

John Scudamore
A trustworthy decorator who specialises in doing a fast and immaculate makeover job while you’re on holiday, meaning you come back to a finished home.
(020 8673 3500/ 07768 094659).

Jonathan Whitcombe
Reliable, trustworthy and good-value painter and decorator. Registered by Mile End Old Town Residents’ Association.
(07802 945174/ email jonathanwhitcombe1950@yahoo.co.uk).

Karen Yarnell
South London-based decorator specialising in marbling and woodgraining.
(020 7793 9172/ 07769 940381).

A Woman’s Touch
You will be allocated one of an army of female decorators, who will take pains to ensure minimum mess and maximum result. Project management and a large range of home services are also offered.
(020 7515 9604/ 07796 938310).

Plumbers
All Go Plumbing
Alan Good and his team cover a wide range of plumbing jobs from bespoke bathrooms to a humble blocked loo.
(0800 083 2215/ www.allgoplumbing.co.uk).

Association of Plumbing & Heating
Dispenses details of certified contractors throughout London.
(020 7647 0626/ www.aphc.co.uk).

Institute of Plumbing & Heating engineering
(www.plumbers.org.uk).

John Gregory
Highly recommended plumber operating in south-east London.
(020 7639 4144/ 07967 557480).

Leakbusters
A plumber whose work comes in at less than their original quote due to unexpected savings is hard to find. We’ve saved you searching if you you live in north London.
(0800 328 8125).

Mainbreak Plumbing
Craig and Simon are Corgi-registered to do gas boiler work, but also do tiling and complete bathroom refits.
(07940 167590/ 07917 108876).

Rosie Riley
Covers south-east London for all types of plumbing work, but will cover the whole city for major work.
(020 8692 3375/ 07932 566039).

Tree surgeons
Roger Davis Tree Surgery
Fast and reliable, based in south-west London and specialising in large and difficult jobs. Happy to tackle
extra-large trees.
(020 8874 8529).

Tool hire
Tool Chest
This tool and plant hire company based in Hammersmith will deliver or you can go along to the shop. Prices here are competitive: a cordless drill costs just a tenner to use for a 24-hour period.
68 Iffley Rd, W6 (020 8748 7912/ www.toolchesthire.co.uk) Hammersmith tube.

Upholstery
Hossack & Gray
Re-upholstery, antique restoration, expert leather-staining, wood-turning and gilding. Most jobs take one week.
Studio 10, 9e Queensyard, White Post Lane, E9 (020 8986 3345).

JE Norris
Upholstering East End furniture since 1945, this is a reliable and authentic family business which does on-site consultations and free estimates.
7a Tranquil Passage, SE3 (020 8852 8725/ 01424 812 129).

William Fountain & Co
East London family business, offering upholstery and re-upholstery, loose covers, and furniture and antique repairs.
(020 8558 3464/ www.williamfountain.com).

Window-cleaners
A2B
John Quigley offers a window-cleaning service throughout south-east London.
(079567 980604).

Andy Smith
Based in north London, Andy Smith is quick, efficient and reasonably priced. If he has other jobs on in your neighbourhood, he will charge £25 for the inner and outer windows of a small terraced house.
(07980 674630).

Shine
This company, often used by lettings agents, also does carpets and spring cleans as well as windows.
(0800 0371035/ www.shine-ltd.com).

Moving home

Conveyancing
Always ask for a fixed fee so that you don’t end up with extra payments for every phone call made.

Bruce M Lewin
(020 8446 4000/lawyers@sylvan.co.uk).

Green Williamson Solicitors
(01924 291400).

Law Society Helpline
Will put you in touch with a solicitor in your area.
(0870 606 6575/ www.solicitors-online.com/ www.shop4law.co.uk).

Margaret James
Frighteningly efficient, but also sympathetic to the housebuyer’s plight Offers fixed fee to help you budget.
11 Eccleston Square, SW1 (020 7834 3447).

Martin Elliot & Co
11 Church St, Colchester CO1 1NF (01206 767112).

Estate agents
www.edingtons.co.uk
This website has a detailed questionnaire which enables the company’s searchers to find a closely matching property for you if you don’t have time to look yourself. It will then try to negotiate good prices on your behalf.
(020 8875 1022/ 07703 532955).

www.findaproperty.co.uk
Sources estate agents and properties.

www.hotproperty.co.uk
Search for properties by postcode.

www.primelocation.com
As well as a big search engine for properties in the UK and abroad, this site offers advice on many aspects of buying homes.

www.sell4less.co.uk
This site aims to cut out the middle man, photographing, valuing and advertising your home for a one-off payment of £99. A vast saving on estate agents’ commission fees.

House doctoring
Homestagers
This company specialises in TV makeover-style home treatments, with a view to getting a speedy sale.
(0800 542 8952/ www.homestagers.co.uk).

Mortgage brokers
www.theadvisory.co.uk
Compiled over the past 18 months, this site offers impartial and well researched advice on a wide spectrum of property-related themes, ranging from tips on home staging to where to find the
best mortgage.

Baigrie Davies & Co Ltd
Ammo Kambo does a great job not only of outlining and explaining the mortgage options available but also negotiating an improved rate once you’ve decided upon the best choice for you.
25 City Rd, EC1 (020 7786 2000).

David Quinn at Charcol
Says one happy customer: ‘My mortgage advisor… and so nice. I’d be living in a box on the Strand without him.’
Direct line 020 7611 7727/ www.charcol.co.uk/ email dvq@charcol.co.uk).

Mortgages and money management
Broker Simon Muir can find you a better deal on not only a mortgage but life, building and contents insurance.
(01920 821333).

Post redirection
www.iammoving.com
Informs, for free, a personal list of companies such as utilities of your new address.

Post Office
Will redirect your mail from the UK to any address in the UK or overseas – priced from £7.10 for redirection to a UK address for one month.
(0845 722 3344/ www.postoffice.co.uk).

Removals
Dulwich Removals
Heartily recommended.
Railway Arch 884, Rosendale Rd, SE24 (020 8678 1774).

Fast Forward
A Time Out favourite, happy to take on a job at very short notice.
(020 8888 1050).

Movers Not Shakers
Caters for all sizes of job, from a simple ‘man-in-a-van’ service from £35 an hour to packing up your entire house contents and transporting them to your new home. Will travel not just to new cities but other countries, and there’s no grumbling at the prospect of four flights of stairs either.
(020 7630 9005/ www.moversnotshakers.co.uk).

Shirley’s Removals
Originally specialising in moving house for the gay community, this small but well-run company promises to treat
your possessions with care, and to move them swiftly.
(020 7254 5580).

Surveyors Countrywide
(0870 600 1500/ www.cwsurveyors.co.uk).

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
Can put you in touch with a reliable and certified surveyor.
(www.rics.org).


Personal

Accounting & financial
Christopher Lunn
Based outside London, but accessible by phone, email or organised sessions in London, this professional and personable firm deals mostly with ‘media and arty types’.
(01892 665311/ email info@christopherlunnandcompany.co.uk).

Henry Bach & Co
A Covent Garden-based firm which specialises in accounting for small limited companies and individuals.
Suite 2, 15 Broad Court, WC2 (020 7240 2834).

Moneysavingexpert.com
This invaluable website offers professional skinflint Martin Lewis’s tips on anything from getting extra reward card points to reclaiming bank charges.

Bicycle repairs
Bicycle Workshop
Ninon Asuni has been fixing ‘anything without an engine’ for years, attracting cyclists from all over London to All Saints Road for reliable and reasonable repairs.
Bicycle Workshop, 27 All Saints Rd, W11 (020 7229 4850) Ladbroke Grove tube.

Bikefix
Its customers rave about this cycle shop and repair service. Staff are excellent at dealing with specialised, old or interesting bikes, but also take on standard frames for wheel-building, customisation and repairs.
Bikefix, 48 Lamb’s Conduit St, EC1 (020 7405 1218/ www.bikefixco.uk) Russell Square tube.

Cycle Surgery
Despite a rapidly growing chain of stores, Cycle Surgery is still one of the friendliest and most efficient bike repairers in London. The new Spitalfields branch is excellent and repairs, though not the cheapest, are often the best.
Cycle Surgery, 3 Procter St, WC1 (0800 298 8898/ www.cyclesurgery.com) Holborn tube.

Mosquito
A friendly, trustworthy service in north London that deals with everything from puncture repairs to full bike strip-downs.
Mosquito, 123 Essex Rd, N1 (020 7226 8841/ www.mosquito-bikes.co.uk) Essex Rd rail or 73 bus.

Childminders
The London Nanny Company
A firm that offers live-in or out nannies, maternity help with newborns, part-time childcare and holiday cover. Specialises in Antipodeans who ‘aren’t afraid to roll their sleeves up’.
The London Nanny Company, Vicarage House, 58-60 Kensington Church St, W8 (020 7361 0011/ www.londonnannycompany.co.uk).

Night Nannies
A godsend for sleep-deprived parents, Night Nannies provides overnight care for babies, and advice on how to encourage them to sleep through till morning.
(www.nightnannies.com).

Safehands
This babysitting pool has full Ofsted approval and works with the Criminal Records Bureau to ensure that its sitters, all aged over 21, are qualified and registered. Safehands is used by major hotels, such as the Hilton group, for their in-house care. And charges start at
£5 an hour.
(0870 844 6688/ www.safehandsnetwork.com).

Sitters
A well-organised company that has a nationwide pool of nurses, nannies and experienced childminders who have been fully vetted. You pay a monthly subscription to the service (around £4) plus a booking fee on top of the £5.50 hourly charge, then get to enjoy peace
of mind.
(0800 389 0038/ www.sitters.co.uk).

Clutterbusting
Clear Space
This troubleshooting company will re-organise your office, sort out your wardrobe, or even get your home ready to sell. Ruthless when it comes to clutter, but gentle when it comes to sentimental keepsakes, the company has a million tricks up its sleeves for decluttering.
(020 7233 3138/ www.clear-space.co.uk).

Designer Alterations
A circle of 12 tailors carries out alterations from wedding dresses to simple trousers. Also operates valeting and storage services.
Designer Alterations, 220a Queenstown Rd, SW8 (020 7498 4360).

Cobblers
Broadway Shoe Repairs
Take tattered shoes that every other cobbler has given up on to this place, ask for Henry, and watch him perform a minor miracle. Reasonably priced and efficient.
2 Bank Chambers, Tooting High St, SW17 (020 8682 0618) Tooting Broadway tube.

City Cobblers Shoe Makers
Several happy customers have reported their delight with this mending shop.
215 City Rd, EC1 (020 7251 8685) Old St tube/rail.

Jimmy’s Shoes
Family shoe shop with more than 30 years in the trade (and pre-dating Jimmy Choo). Bringing sorry soles back to life is a speciality. It also offers a quick, cheap key-cutting service.
129 Essex Rd, N1 (020 7226 4737) Essex Rd rail or 73 bus.

KG Shoes
Cobbler to the stars (or the Bee Gees and Slade, at any rate) and the first in Britain to make bespoke winklepickers, these boys are masters in the art of the shoe. They can stretch or tighten shoes, make you a bespoke pair, or repair those you already have.
253 Eversholt St, NW1 (020 7387 2234/ www.cobbler.co.uk) Mornington Crescent tube.

Well Heeled
Something of an East End institution, Ken Holmes is a proper cockney craftsman. He uses traditional needle-and-thread methods and shudders at the thought of slapping glue on to peeling soles.
443 Bethnal Green Rd, E2 (020 7739 3608) Bethnal Green tube.

Computer troubleshooters
Beedell Coram
Located under an antiques shop, this Apple repairer comes recommended. Ring to check opening times as they vary.
86 Commercial St, E1 (07981 559601) Liverpool St tube/rail.

Chris Essex-Hill
Does Mac repairs only. Installs soft and hardware, sets up broadband, and troubleshoots operational problems. Has a very friendly and unpatronising approach, and is happy to do evening visits.
(07956 288958).

Home Jane
Approachable IT experts will come to your home and do anything from install new software to set up a new computer, troubleshoot or simply talk you gently through emailing for the first time.
(0845 832 3639/ www.home-jane.co.uk/ email info@home-jane.co.uk).

Mac-Daddy
This excellent north-west London-based company provides to-your-door help with software crashes and internet access, printing and email problems. The Apple certified engineers will also set up your new broadband connection and install upgrades. The initial call-out fee is £35 (for Zones 1and 2, £45 for Zones 3 and 4 ), plus £45 (excluding VAT) per hour.(020 7431 2408/www.mac-daddy.co.uk).

Multi-region DVD upgrade
This innovative establishment sends you a special remote control which you use (carefully following the instructions) and return. In five minutes your system will be multi-region for £24.99.
(0845 890 8070/ www.multi-region.co.uk).

Scooter Computer
Offers an ‘at-home’ IT service, whereby you call, explain your problem and someone will come round on their scooter to fix your computer/laptop, install software, give lessons, sort out a digital camera or iPod etc. A fun and young but professional team of guys.
(www.scootercomputer.co.uk).

Dry-cleaners & launderers
Blossom & Browne’s Sycamore
If they’re good enough for the Queen, they are good enough for us. Services include ‘pet laundry’ (for their beds etc, not the pets themselves) and hypoallergenic wash for their owners, from £11 for a two-piece suit. Free delivery in London.
Blossom & Browne’s Sycamore, 73a Clarendon Rd, W11 (020 7727 2653/ www.blossomandbrowne.com) Holland Park tube.

Celebrity Cleaners
This company caters for West End theatres, so it knows how to shift make-up or sweat stains. Suits dry-cleaned for £10.90.
Celebrity Cleaners, 30 Brewer St, W1 (020 7437 5324) Piccadilly Circus tube.

Fantasy Cleaners
Its distinctive pink vans power around London picking up and dropping off packages of laundry, with deals offered for bulk jobs. Minimum order for free delivery is £15 (suits cost £12.40).
Fantasy Cleaners, 321 Kennington Rd, SE11 (020 7820 8203/ www.fantasy cleaners.com) Kennington tube.

Fresh Collection
Reliable dry-cleaning and laundry service charging £9.99 for a two-piece suit.
Fresh Collection, W1 (020 7631 0847) Great Portland St tube.

James of London
Highly recommended invisible mending service, as well as pristine dry-cleaning.
James of London, 32 Upper Tachbrook St, SW1 (020 7630 6596) Pimlico tube.

Jeeves of Belgravia
The place to take your cherished designerwear and delicates, as well as general dry-cleaning, water-damaged garments and worn-out shoes. Expensive, but top-notch quality, with free pick-up and delivery service.
Jeeves of Belgravia, 8-10 Pont St, SW1 (020 7235 1101/ www.jeevesofbelgravia.co.uk) Knightsbridge tube.

Lagoon Dry Cleaners
Bob, the in-house tailor, offers reasonable cleaning and adjustment services with excellent attention to detail.
Lagoon Dry Cleaners, Ivory House, St, Katharine’s Way, E1 (020 7488 4560) Tower Hill tube.