La Cuisiniere Post Reply

[emmakl]

I was so sad to see a big Closing Down sign in the windows of both of their wonderful shops this morning .. So much so that I had to dash across the road and go in to see if it really is true - and very sadly it is.

I was told by one of the staff that they will probably close at some point in August - they aren't moving to a new spot but will be disappearing for good.

I will certainly be continuing to support them until the sad day comes, but it is heart breaking to see yet another highly valued independent shop disappearing from Northcote Road. My 9 year old son was with me and remarked sadly that he hopes we don't end up with yet another Estate Agent on this very special street..... As do I.

I wanted to flag this up in the hope that fellow nappy valley bakers can also support the shop in the next few months while it is still with us.

A very sad day in our house!

[BettyBoo]

Oh that is terrible news. I love the shops and having lived in this area for over 10years I have always shopped there for myself and for gifts.

So sad, I definately will make sure I visit before they leave.

[ZannaW]

That is a shame! Does anybody know if there has been a dramatic rise in rents on the Northcote road? I noticed that Pretty Pregnant has closed and that JoJo have reduced to one shop.

It will not be good for traders if there are empty shops around. But I agree that it would be worse if they are filled with estate agents

Trinity Stores in Balham also closed yesterday. Times are obviously still tough for independent shops.

[Wheresmyschool?]

Two other closures.

1) Trinity Stores in Balham, yes really

2) Phase Eight Belleview Road

[schoolgatesmum]

The only way to help is by using the independent shops regularly (and that means more than once a year!). Rather than ordering online think whether you can get it on Northcote Road first (same day delivery!). If everyone in nappy valley did this, local shops would be thriving.

[ZannaW]

I agree, I think click and collect etc are making it really tough for local high streets.

It is very much more enjoyable to leave the house or office to shop. It is a chance to meet local shop keepers and to realise that they are a vital part of the community.

Interestingly, there have been three or four recent openings on the Abbeville Road. These are all good food and drink shops/restaurants which doesn't mix it up much but more vibrant than estate agents at least!

[battflowerstation]

So sad to hear about this - and especially Trinity Stores. Loved it there.

Support your local independent stores or weep..

Definitely agree though that independent stores have to offer something different to counter the (very convenient) click and collect. That doesn't apply to coffee though - maybe that one was about the rents.

Either way, really sad and know personally how much work and toil and love (not to mention money) goes into trying to make a business work on the high street (or just off it, as we are).

[supergirl]

I wonder whether she is retiring.

She opened La Cuisiniere about 20yrs ago. She practically live now in France most of her time and is in London a few months a year.

She could have sold her business or not?

There may have a rent factor in choosing to close now but i think it is more about her wanting to be done and start properly the next chapter of her life.

The ladies who own Braemar Antiques, Dandelion, and La Cuisiniere all opened at the same time. The lady who used to own Boiled Eggs and Soldiers (now Tamra) too.

[yummygranny]

I went to Trinity Stores on Saturday and was also sad to hear the news. A fantastic little café. However, I got the impression from the staff that the owner was selling rather than closing down due to inability to continue. I might be wrong. It would be interesting to find out. It is next door but one to the second hand book shop that also recently closed down, so maybe someone has big plans????

[Jen66]

you just know these sites are going to end up as yet more estate agents.

[erinisle22]

Trinity stores have another cafe in Dulwich (Dulwich Bakery, I think) and are going to continue catering. They said things were tough for independents, when asked on Twitter.

[Geegee007]

It is really sad to hear. Particularly Trinity Stores. They featured in the Sunday Times the other weekend.

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[Jen66]

The guys at the cab office next door to Trinity say an Indian restaurant is moving in there - not sure if that's true, seems quite a small space for a restaurant

[boonkoh]

Does anyone know what is happening to the second hand bookstore a few doors down from Trinity? It was meant to me an estate agent but has been empty and dormant for months...

[juliantenniscoach]

Retail is just so hard these days. Selling tennis equipment has gone from a steady flow to a trickle. Online retailers have killed it no question. But we the customer have created that situation and I include myself in this criticism.

We're happy to go and check the item in a store and order it for less online. Eventually the obvious happens. In our case that means a Northcote Road of estate agents, coffee shops and restaurants. Sad but we get the street we deserve from our own actions.