AnnieHall's Qype reviews
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397 St. John Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1V 4LD
AnnieHall
wrote on 3 March 2011
I've been longing to visit the seemingly female friendly Bobbin Bicycles for a long time. I had visions of investing in a second bike from BB which would offer a feminine alternative to my existing sporty, roadbike look, so imagine my disappointment when my customer experience was decidedly underwhelming.
I entered this small, boutique style cycle shop in Islington and was ignored by both fifties styled sales assistants. Not even a friendly smile was enough to warrant a customary 'hello' or 'let us know if we can help' attitude. The atmosphere was more than a little muted and the only warmth I derived was from the lime green Pashley I had my beady eye on. You'd have thought even the acknowledgement I'd sidled over to view bikes rather than just accessories and may be in the market to spend a few quid would solicit a little enthusiasm from the assistants, but no.
The shop is indeed a treasure trove of all things designed to be 'cycle chic' from BB's contemporary flowery/spotty/striped oil cloth paniers to the subtle forest green canvas over-shoulder cycle bags. There's fun added to every day bike accessories like the 'I love my bike' cycle bells and rainbow choice of rainy day ponchos, but this concept shop has a major flaw. Women now get excellent customer service for their pound from bike shops like the extremely loveable Cycle Surgery. No longer do you feel like a flailing female walking into a testosterone fuelled, elitist, male boys toys shop. Women are treated as equally knowledgable about bikes as men and to be ignored by staff in a bike shop now-a-days is the biggest no-no a retailer can make.
Treat women cyclists with respect and regard, and they will be long time supporters and customers. Dismiss them and be it at your business' peril. I shan't be back and when I do invest in another bike, it won't be from Bobbins Bicylces. They are simply bobbins at the basics.
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69 Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4RL
AnnieHall
wrote on 28 November 2009
I went along to The Wilmington (just off from Exmouth Market) last night to see a friend's band play. We initially walked into the main bar and were instantly struck by how warm, cosy and buzzy the bar was. A very warm welcome to two cold punters on a fairly miserable, dark, rainy November evening!
We asked at the bar where the band were playing and were directed out of the bar and to a side door where The Wilmington has a back room with a small stage and bar.
Both main bar and back room have pretty good service, although it did get really busy (Friday night etc). Strikes me that this place is pretty popular with people going out straight from work or like us, seeking it out when there's a small, unknown band playing (I notice on their website they lay claim to some pretty impressive recent bands playing - The Guillemots, VV Brown and Mumford & Sons to name but a few!).
Toilets are pretty basic (no lock on either female toilets) but a hundred times better than venues like The Enterprise or Barfly!
10-15mins walk from Kings Cross or Farringdon. 341 + 19 buses stop just down the road as you leave the pub on the left handside of Rosebery Ave. If you're in the area, pop-in for one or check out the list of bands playing any week night. From my "one night" experience the main bar music appears to have improved since Sian visited in Oct '08!
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AnnieHall Hello BobbinBicycles, I appreciate your right to reply and however puzzled or upset by my comments, unfortunately this IS the experience I had when I visited your shop. Although you mention many happy customers, after a quick search, I don't appear to be the only one who's had an unhappy shopping experience with you recently - http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/sports-stores/bobbin-bicycles/153...
I am more than happy to give the shop another try and will post my findings as an update here in due course.
23 March 2011
AnnieHall Update on my second visit to Bobbin Bicycles; I’m pleased to say I popped-in last week and had a much improved experience. There was a guy behind the counter this time who acknowledged me straight away, said hello and if there was anything I needed advice on, to give him a shout. How very pleasant given my last experience. Bobbin Bicycles, whoever this chap is, he should be given a slap on the back for great customer service.
21 August 2011