Forum Topic

Another shop closing on the High St.

ACE office supplies is closing down, expected to do so within the next three weeks.  Managed to get a 2013 diary at knocked down price.How many more businesses will be finding it difficult to survive?  The bakers has gone, along with a chemist, the shoe shop is closing, but, there again, they tend to keep doing it.  Is there any future for businesses in Acton?  Looks like we will have to go to Chiswick and, pay Chiswick prices.

Nicola Howard ● 5091d23 Comments

Ace are redeveloping the flats above as they can make more money that way. they may continue to do supplies to businesses apparently but say its not worth keeping the shop open.It always had this strange pricing policy of everything looking extortionate but then being knocked down as soon as you queried it. Very odd!

Sara Nathan ● 5091d

Yes I have noticed that on the pricing.  Always seemed to be the RRP inc VAT, then the VAT added again.  I remember I wanted a Canon ink cartridge, which they had to order.  The price quoted was double, then when they were told the correct price, they claimed to be reading another column.  Very strange.

Nicola Howard ● 5091d

As a new resident and one amongst a few friend who have bough houses in the area  apart from the bakery pearls cleaners the paint shop and the Indian we spend no money  in Acton . All money is spent in Chiswick . We want to spend in Acton but lack of good environment stops us . Shops  need to appeal to what people want and with on line sales provide good customer service or that bit extra . No future for Acton unless they adapt . We need a flag ship store like m and s to attract sales and others will follow . Twickenham is a prime example . We need restaurants for families to go out to . Not even a basic pizza place here . Sounds crass but from that builds other things. How great would it be to want o choose Acton to go out to for a night with the kids or family or just the two of you ...

Peter Truesdale ● 5091d

Have you tried Bombay Bistro, Anokha, the Rocket, L'Oriental, or North China yet? Estoril for coffee and fab pastries too.People come from some distance to those.Look at Angela Malik, Lavelli, Village Trading Store, Habbakuk, the butchers (try the sausages - can't find as good in Chiswick).Heart and Soul, Pro-hans (Sorry, doesnt do men!)I now prefer Morrisons to Sainsbury as the produce, bread and fish are all better and cheaper.We could do with more but we haven't got nothing

Sara Nathan ● 5091d

By the Indian I meant Anokha . It's great ... Also tried the Rocket and ill be back . Others will try . Thanks for tips Will pass onto 4 families who have bought in area but ll like me go to Chiswick and avoid Acton

Peter Truesdale ● 5091d

Sara, you forget the abominable tower block they want to build in the heart of Acton, that's enough to put anyone off.  We have even been promised an up market supermarket, so that only leaves two choices, Marcus and Spencius or Waitrose. (Force the developers to name the supermarket.)Certainly can recommend Tim the butcher, Village  Trading and Pro Hands.  We could do with a wet fish shop on Churchfied Rd, it's a bit of a drag going to Chiswick.

Nicola Howard ● 5091d

Peter do try North China I'm sure you'll like it.  And Tiffin & Fresco for Pizza.I also luxury shop more in Chiswick (and Ealing) but my flat would cost double if it was there.  I guess that's why you moved to Acton as well.

Rupert Picken ● 5090d

I second North China Rupert. I have been using the North China off and on for 30+ yrs and it's always been very good.Same people managing too.Definitely book first because it's not a huge place and is popular.

Keith Iddon ● 5090d

Another graet butcher is to be found on Askew Rd near where it meets Goldhawk Rd, S'bush I suppose but not far out of the parish.It's called the Ginger Pig and the quality of the produce is very good.Bangers are excellent as is the bacon.

Keith Iddon ● 5090d

There is a fish shop at the other end but I haven't tried it. I think Morrisons Fish is excellent and they are helpful on cooking tips.I go to Chiswick for dentist, Trompette (high days and holidays) Mortimer and Bennett for luxury cheese on a second mortgage. Umm... That's it. Why else?

Sara Nathan ● 5090d

Crab and lobster from Chiswick.  Looks like we all shop other than dreary Acton High St.How many more pawn shops can we fit in?

Nicola Howard ● 5090d

Good cheeses shop on Northfield Ave not too far .Called the Cheddar Deli.Parker's bakery in the area too.

Keith Iddon ● 5090d

I'd just like to third the North China. Been going there for 30 years also. A family restaurant, it is very well known across West London and you should book on busy evenings certainly. I buy bread and cakes from Lavelli just by Acton Central that are eaten greedily by all in my house. Don't buy much in the giant Morrisons, but point to the little new Sainsbury in Churchfield Road which has the added bonus of a place to bump into neighbours. Hi again Gill! Nice to catch up.

Maire Lowe ● 5090d

So we have pawn shops - and betting shops too. But no more than chiswick has phone shops and estate agents!

Sara Nathan ● 5090d

I get salady bits (cucumbers, peppers etc.) and fruit (cherries, watermelon) and herbs from Hakikat Food Centre! And flatbreads and other yummies.  It's a shame we lost the corner bakery; the far end of Churchfield Road is a bit far for those of us who live the wrong side of the Uxbridge Road to go for fresh bread.  As I have no car I usually pick up bits and pieces of shopping on my walk to work (from Acton to Barons Court).

Olga Sidoryk ● 5090d

I do quite a lot of my food shopping in Acton. As Sara has said, Morrison's is good for fresh veg/fruit/fish, and I find all the basics are ok too - cheaper and more choice than the Sainsbury's local. As someone who doesn't drive, I don't want to keep treking to Chiswick by foot or bus!

Amanda Knights ● 5090d

Have you tried the Station House for pizza? If you go upstairs there's usually room. Pizzas are very good!

Clare Gittins ● 5090d

I agree the pizzas are excellent. Can I just make a plug for the best restaurant on the High Street, Pintos the Thai. Unbeatable lunch value, £4.95 for 2 courses, fab!

Chris Hurley ● 5090d

The Station House is very child friendly. The pizzas are some of the best I've ever tried. And if you want an amazing, huge English breakfast at a great price - get yourself to Frank's Cafe.

Mark Bird ● 5086d

Shopping on Chiswick High Road is very limited in my experience.Morrisons is better and cheaper than the Chiswick stores and the Oaks is just brilliant for value shopping.As for restaurants/cafes L'Orientale, Rocket, Station House, Anokha, Bombay Bistro, North China, Pintos are all better than their Chiswick equivalent. Churchfield Cafe offers the best fry ups.

Andy Jones ● 5082d

My builders just loved Frank's cafe. They offer their unsolicited opinion that it is best to stick to the fry ups. There are other things on the menu which are good, but a bit more expensive. Fussy people so you can rely on their opinion.

Maire Lowe ● 5082d

It's hard to walk through Acton without getting a haircut these days

John Pollastrini ● 5081d

That's why there are so many pawn/money shops around, you need to sell or hock things just to get a haircut.  Are Actonians so poor?

Nicola Howard ● 5081d