Robert Dyas has loads of stuff. Stuff is the only way i can describe the range of things they sell…read more From cups and kitchen accessories to sand paper and staple guns to light bulbs and ironmongery. They have everything! It's the first place i go when i need a 'thing' and i'm not sure where to find it because they usually have it and if they don't they tend to know somewhere that does sell that 'thing' i'm after. There are always plenty of staff knocking about re-stocking so if you have any questions you'll easily find someone to ask. The prices are very reasonable and it's just a very handy store.

As so ably articulated in Amy M's review, Robert Dyas is a great shop to look for 'things'. They…read morehave some stuff for DIY to gardening tools to electrical connections to kitchen countertop gadgets. I have an addiction to kitchen gadgets and their big bold sales signs for kitchen gadgets usually draw me in. However, I've developed a good rule in not buying something immediately but coming back after an hour and usually the Chinese thrift gene has kicked in to save me buying something I don't really need. However, do look in here for simple gadgets, which may well cost less than elsewhere.

This is a throw back to the days when your independent local store was the hub of the community…read more The general knowledge and advise the proprietor Malcolm gives to you is second to none. The shop seems to sell everything in the hardware line and if they have not got it in stock they will order it for you. Also does lawn mower repairs and servicing. It is just wonderful to get the helpful service and knowledge that is not always apparent in some others hardware stores.The prices are reasonably competitive as well. This is a case of supporting and serving the local community.

This hardware shop is like Aladdin's Cave. Although it is only small but it stocks everything in…read morethe hardware line, and if it is not in stock they will get it for you. It is old fashioned family business where Malcolm the owner gives real personal service. He is the fountain of all knowledge and always gives good sound advise. The prices on most items are very competitive with the major DIY stores. This shop has been is existence for umpteen years serving the local community of Ham and North Kingston. M and J Hardware also undertake lawnmower repairs. we have been using this little shop for years and have yet to find fault with either the service or goods. Wonderful and we give it top marks. This is a case of Support your local store.

Due to a busy spring, I didn't have time to plant my usual crop of vegetables and fruit for the…read moreyear. Then, I read that the weather was about to turn wet last weekend, so I decided to do some quick planting and let Mother Nature do the hard job of watering for me! Homebase does a lot of home improvement and DIY supplies but they also have a decent gardening section. It's located out of the back of the shop and I lucked out as they were having a sale - I guess it's getting quite late in the season for planting. To complement my existing raspberry, strawberry plants and herb garden, I was able to put in a blueberry plant and add tomatoes, sweetcorn and courgettes. I have to hold up my hand as a sad foodie geek - I planted the courgettes mainly to get courgette flowers to try out a recipe - they're impossible to buy in the markets! You can also collect Nectar points here.

If you are a passionate hobby interior designer - go to the Fulham DIY shop.Going there most of…read morethere customers are electricians, builders etc. who go there as a regular to order wholesale. Before the smoking ban they even were allowed to enter in with their light cigarettes - that is how easy going this place is. From the bottom to the top there are shelving with anything from nails, toolboxes, tubes, window handles etc. I once made my way there as my window screw broke. They had several versions of my broken example and I could close my window in a couple of hours again. That was a relieve. They also have more stock in the backrooms, therefore whatever you need, ask - they might have it. What I appreciate, even though there is a counter where you get served, you are allowed to have a look around. The service is very polite even when you only buy 4 screws.

Have you got a drip that needs fixing? Maybe a picture that needs hanging? Perhaps you just like…read morethe sound and feel of power tools and the sense of do-it-yourself manliness that they provide. Whatever your reason, A. Gatto and Sons is your best option if you're shopping for tools, tips and other construction materials in Earlsfield. And aside from their mean collection of tools that go "BZZZ" in the night also keep the tamer items you might need around the house, like screws, glues, hammers and safety gear. Service is friendly throughout and you're welcome to ask one of the chaps behind the counter for advice on what you're trying to fix or build.

The biggest shopping area to my home without traipsing into Central London is Kingston, which has a…read moregood selection of shops, a small market on Saturdays and the river with some good eating options with a view. The Bentall Centre is the large shopping centre in Kingston with Bentalls, unsurprisingly, being the anchor department store and backed up with a good selection of 80 chain stores. These are mainly your medium level high street stores. There is a food court, again with chain eateries but I would recommend eating out of the centre as there is a nice variety of eating places in Kingston town. Similarly, I would suggest parking outside as there are cheaper options though they may not be as convenient. I love their super-escalators where you go up 2 floors rather than 1 and there are frequently events taking place in the main foyer area. Also watch out for some good buskers just outside the centre's main entrance.

Kingston upon Thames. I grew up here, by the time I turned 16 I was sick of it. Sick of the same…read moreshops, bumping into the same people, the same routine. I was ready to start my next journey and chapter of my life, where the grass was greener. So when I was 18 I moved to Brighton for university.... This review has a point !!!! Now I'm a bit older, better looking and wiser. I have fallen back in love with Kingston and what it has to offer. It's rich with culture and the shopping is really, really good! The Bental centre being a excellent hub for highstreet fashion and gifts, not to mention the variety of cuisines it has to offer. Although, it's south west London and slightly on the border. It's a got a lot to offer and many people near and far will come to Kingston to shop.