George ShoeRepairs

George Shoe Repairs has worked from 35 Tottenham Street since 1970, repairing and restoring shoes, boots and bags for the Fitzrovia trade. The business passed from its founder to his son, referred to by customers simply as George, who combines the original hand skills of resoling, heel replacement, zip and lining repairs, stitching and patching, with newer materials and machinery bought since taking over the counter. Alongside repairs the narrow shop sells shoe care products: polishes, creams, brushes, laces and insoles, and offers a key-cutting service at the till. Its opening hours are limited to four days a week and it closes for several weeks each January, reflecting a small operation run without extra staff. The shopfront and workbench, visible from the street, have remained largely unchanged through the changeover between generations, and the business continues to serve customers in person rather than by post or courier.