Cotham Hardware

Like stepping back in time to 1950, you feel like Gary Sparrow (IMDb it), just don’t go thinking if you get two different woman pregnant it’s not cheating just because they are in two different decades…
Anyway, where was I… pretty classic, brilliant hardware store, where the staff (owners?) are always willing to help you, however DIY disabled you might be.
I went in looking for a mop and after a long and thrilling discussion about whether to go for the ‘Ferrari’ of mops, made from cloth, or the ‘Old-​world’ mop, made from string… I bought a sponge.
The point of that story is, just imagine trying to have a conversation with the staff in a larger cooperate hardware store; some 16 year old moped driving rude boy would be as much use as a wet fart on laundry day.
But it’s not just mops and mop chat, oh no, I don’t think any shop could pack more stock into a space this size. Spray paint, brass door knobs, hinges and a key cutting service all delivered by a fatherly bearded man. Perfect.

Now, before you read this review i would like to let you know i am a tight fisted student.
I popped in here to get a light switch for my kitchen after i broke the one in my house. I went in having already found one for 35 p over the road in Denhams electrical, but thought it might be worth seeing what price they were. They were way more expensive by like a pound or something. So I asked if they might do a price match for me. No. SO back to Denhams i went.
That was the last time i went in. I am sure the guy that works there is a nice guy, however we are both clearly pretty stubborn, and as i result i wont be rushing back.

Cotham Hardware sits ever so slightly awkwardly next to Naff Clothing. The traditional, and masculine atmosphere contrasts heavily with the bright pink and fluorescent yellows of next door, but this is all a part of the hardware shop’s charm. Inside I have bought one very reasonably priced desk lamp, a small desk fan and even an ornamental ‘number’ for our student house after some drunken w***ker ripped the number one off our door. This led to much postal confusion: we are not house number 3, we’re 31. Alas I digress, the hardware store, despite its size, is home to a number of idiosyncratic delights that may be able to solve your most unusual problems!

This is one of those shops where although the stock is modern and up-​to-​date you really get a feel of a time gone by. Complete with old style writing of the name on the frontage, this place takes things at a more traditional place.
It is your guaranteed one stop in the area for all your DIY and gardening desires. From light bulbs, to compost to gardening gloves it’s all down here. As you can imagine it’s been here a while so it’s not just seeds and slug pellets you can get here — but valuable knowledge and advice too!
A wonderful little shop.

Walking past the window of metal, wood and lead, I was slightly anxious to walk in to ‘man’s domain’ but there was an elderly man there to greet me with a friendly face and warm smile, which made me feel right at ease. I was only looking for Henry Hoover parts but I was intrigued by everything else they had on display. Any electrical or mechanical piece of apparatus I’m sure they have. DIY veterans and newbies alike will find Cotham Hardware a great place to start their next home adventure.

I’m always a little bit fascinated how shops like this, which are really quite small, manage to pack in SO many things. Floor to ceiling, Cotham Hardware is full to the brim with electrical and general DIY items. There’s always two elderly gentleman behind the counter when I’ve been in, who I assume own the shop. They’re both knowledgeable and friendly, and with each problem I’ve presented them they’ve either had the solution, or pointed me in the direction of a shop that will have one. As independent hardware stores go, they’re fairly cheap as well, with everything a good deal cheaper than you’d be able to find in B&Q or such corporate rivals. Sustain the small guys, give Cotham Hardware a go.

Very Knowledgable & friendly people. A huge stock of hardware items for the house. I love it! If you need a light bulb or some glue or maybe a widget of some sort, chances are they will have one. Highly Recommended.