For a long time it was a case of "if you know, you know". One of London's best-kept secrets, Lambs Conduit Street was always enough of a stone's throw from Oxford Street to be hidden from the meandering central London shopper, but right on the radar for a discerning Bloomsbury local. Oliver Spencer moved in way back in 2008 when the street's main characters were a funeral directors, green grocer, florist, Italian restaurant, trophy shop, a boozy wine bar for lawyers, and the irrepressible Maggie Owen, the life and nurturing soul of Lambs Conduit Street! While many remain, a bunch of new faces have taken root over the years to create a panoply of buzzing menswear names, restaurants, cafes, and lifestyle brands. It all adds up to a unique shopping destination, full of characters, in a beautiful and lesser-walked part of central London.
So to celebrate reopening up the store and the street this week, we thought we'd give you a whistle-stop tour of some of our neighbours. There's a fantastic community spirit here, exemplified by Chris Ward, founder of Huckle the barber - a brilliant barbers that's just across the street from Oliver Spencer - who was kind enough to offer 'a little off the top' to some of our mutual friends, so we took the opportunity to catch up with them and find out what's what... (shout out to Kenneth Lam for the excellent portraits!)
Chris, Huckle the Barber
What have you been looking forward to most about reopening?
There is a whole host of reasons for opening but the main one is looking after my staffs well being! It has been tough for all of them especially when they're used to a really social busy workplace.
How did you keep yourself busy during this latest lockdown?
I have 2 kids under 5 with my youngest born right at the start of the first lockdown so that has been a testing but rewarding time for me and my wife. I've learned the art of colouring and building a remote control car!
What have you missed most about Lambs Conduit Street?
The traders and customers. It is such an amazing street that is unique to anywhere else in London. It has an understated coolness without any pretentiousness. Perfect for Huckle clients. Being able to walk into ANY of the shops/pubs and restaurants knowing that they are all there with a passion for their trade you don’t get that very often in one street.
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
My wife helps run a Festival called Black Deer, i’m keeping my fingers crossed that all the music venues festivals and clubs can open for the love of humanity!
What are your two favourite pieces from the current Oliver Spencer collection?
I am a sucker for jackets and love the Ryde Bomber jacket in Falke Cream, my previous cream jacket is filthy so I have my eyes on that for an upgrade. I'm the proud owner of this season's Blenheim Jumper in Magna Ochre. The organic cotton is lush and can’t wait to wear that out to the pub at the weekend!
RYDE BOMBER JACKET |
BLENHEIM JUMPER |
Max, Grenson
What have you been looking forward to most about reopening?
I was looking forward reopening as I missed the contact with people. It was also a step forward to some sort of normality and relief to my frustration of not being able to enjoy the simple things we used to do. I hope being open will help give the best experience to shoppers and people visiting our street.
How did you keep yourself busy during this latest lockdown?
As we spent so much time at home during lockdown, I’m pretty sure I did the same thing as many people did. I kept myself busy redoing my interior.
What have you missed most about Lambs Conduit Street?
What i missed the most about Lamb’s Conduit Street is the community and people making this street amazing. The best thing about being on Lambs Conduit Street is the fact that it is an all in one shopping destination. From clothing to footwear, accessories, skincare or looking for a gift, Lamb’s Conduit Street has it all. You can then relax on on the street’s cafes or have dinner at some great restaurants.
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I’am looking forward for Lamb’s Conduit Street to come back to normal this summer as it is the time when the street really shows its beauty.
What are your two favourite pieces from the current Oliver Spencer collection?
Best pieces for me are the loose trousers, especially the Judo trousers, and the Hunston Gilet Fleece.
JUDO TROUSERS |
HUNSTON GILET |
Max, Redemption Roasters
What have you been looking forward to most about reopening?
The visibility and vibe of having tables out with customers sat on them. Takeaway businesses are a bit like microwave meals: efficient but much less enjoyable and usually less social. Half the joy of going for a coffee is the chat that usually goes with it!
How did you keep yourself busy during this latest lockdown?
Our shops have been busy serving takeaway coffee throughout lockdown so I (un)fortunately did not have the time to experiment with sourdough baking and gardening this time round!
What have you missed most about Lambs Conduit Street?
Other than Oliver Spencer, you mean? I've missed everyone! It genuinely feels like a village in the centre of London. I haven't found anywhere quite like it in central.
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
Definitely being allowed to travel and see family again. Hard to know if I'll recognise them.
What are your two favourite pieces from the current Oliver Spencer collection?
I'm a great fan of the Blenheim jumper and the Ryde bomber jacket. Already saving up!
BLENHEIM JUMPER |
RYDE BOMBER JACKET |
Luca, La Fromagerie
What have you been looking forward to most about reopening?
A concert! Or basically any kind of live music event. Nothing is like the ambiance of live music with friends and drinks.
How did you keep yourself busy during this latest lockdown?
As I work at La Fromagerie as a Cheesemonger, I had only little time spent home. During that period, I started experiencing with clay and I made some candleholders and tiny sculptures.
What have you missed most about Lambs Conduit Street?
It was obviously weird not having tourists around. I missed getting to know new customers and people from the area who are into food. The whole street is just really cute and the surrounding shops give a classy vibe to it.
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
Travelling, of course! Most importantly I’ll visit my family, and I’m also planning to go for a summer holiday on the seaside.
Portraits by Kenneth Lam (@kenlams)