Cocktail
What does your business do?
It sells quirky, original one-off gifts and pieces of furniture. It is unpredictable with some vintage, some modern and some homemade items. Lots of things are beautiful, some have a sense of humour and none are boring.
What motivated you to do what you do?
A sunny day last March. This road needed a shop like mine.
What is your Unique Selling Point?
My shop is dog-friendly and child-friendly, with an area for children to play. I also have an extensive range of cards. We don’t write letters anymore but we do send cards to people we care about. It is our chance to put something on paper. Cards are small things but they do matter. Research has shown that if a card says something special we tend to keep them forever.
Who is your ideal customer/client?
People who enjoy giving. And who love colour.
Do you have a particular service or product you’d like to flag up here?
Our furniture. Our pieces are all one-offs – really well-made antique furniture which we have brought to life. Often narrow to suit London houses each piece is unique, beautiful and functional. The right piece of furniture can solve storage issues and give you immense satisfaction. You live with furniture every day – it might as well be well-made and look wonderful. And we deliver it for free.
How do people get in touch with you?
katechetwood@me.com, or best pop in to the shop.
What is your biggest challenge in the current climate?
Keeping warm! Stopping my trellis “doorway” from blowing over…It has been so windy all winter.
Where do you think your business will be in 5 years time?
Hopefully still here. Part of the fabric of the street and with a reputation for being a fun, original and happy place to shop.
Has being a member of ABN helped your business?
It is nice to be part of a group and I love the area. I have lived here for 16 years.
What do you like about the Askew Road?
What a mix of people and what a lot of local talent. I stock quite a few items that are made by local people. Most people are incredibly friendly. It is great fun.
What do you think Askew Road will be like in 5 years time?
Hopefully pretty similar – I like it the way it is.
What are your favourite shops and businesses in Askew Road?
Lavelli for coffee and soup, the Japanese Bakery Happy Sky for upmarket hot dogs and Monkey Temple for truly delicious curries.
What shops and businesses do you think Askew Road lacks?
A family friendly eat in pizza place. A bank.
Kate Chetwood
Cocktail
11 Askew Road, W12 9AS
www.thecocktail.co.uk
07967800430