Foster & Son

Popped into Fosters today and think this is now the best in the area. They seem to have a new manager and a very dapper assistant who was knowledgeable. The walls and carpet are still shabby and they don't spend anything on display but the window is brighter, the shop less cluttered and I was pleased to see that they still have craftsmen upstairs making their shoes. (They send a nice leathery smell down the stairs!) They have updated their ready to wear collection and have put some real flair into the new styles.
So overall I think they are quite unique as a genuine independent and I wish them luck in today's world of high budget multinational brands.

The other thing is that they really do care about traditional leather goods and they will be my first stop when I need my attache case repaired or something made specially.

Maybe one day their quirky management will buy a new carpet and put a lick of paint on the walls!

I am a real shoe lover! I usually visit Jermyn street a few times a year and buy at least one pair from Edward Green, Trickers etc. Today I had the misfortune of visiting Foster & son. What a terrible place! As soon as I opened the door an alarm sounded and a young lady came out from the back of the shop. She was french I think. I asked her a few questions to which she gave one word po-faced answers, never once smiling or expanding on anything. For the 5 minutes I was there she just stood two feet away from me staring at me intently as I moved around the shop and nearly died a death when I picked up one of the various shoes dotted around the shop. Completely unhelpful and ignorant! I was made to feel so unwelcome that I promptly left and she quickly scurried to the back again. I must mention that I was well dressed and wearing a pair of Edward Green's finest. No wonder british business is in the toilet! Moreover, the shop layout and presentation was just awful no form or function.