I was really saddened to hear of the imminent demise of one of London’s longest-serving music stores, Chas E Foote Ltd in Golden Square, London W1.
Founded in 1920 by Charles Ernest Foote and ‘run by musicians for musicians,’ the store has stocked drums, percussion, woodwind brass and string instruments for over 90 years, mainly in the former Premier Drum Company’s premises it took over in the 1930s.
I’ve used the store many years, on and off, and have always found it a friendly place to get the latest drum gear and parts, or just pop in for a chat.
Sadly, rising central London rents and the relentless growth of online sales mean that Foote’s days are numbered, with the shop expected to close for good in the next few months.
Although the famous Foote’s shop will soon be gone, some of the staff are hoping to open up another, smaller shop fairly close by. I wish them good luck.
[Foote's music store]
10 Golden Square, London, W1F 9JA.
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This is very regrettable (as we say in Malawi)
Hi David.. afraid you’ve jumped the gun a bit here… Footes is not closing.. it is relocating. The rent at Golden Square and the squeeze of the recession mean we are moving premises in the Autumn.. still in Soho so we can continue to provide the excellent service we’ve been renowned for since 1920 … if you email us your details sales@footesmusic.com we’ll let you know when and where we’re opening… great to know you rate us!!!
Let me know where your going tooo
We’re please to announce that we (Foote’s) are open again now at 41 Store Street London WC1E 7DB, here’s some recent press form ITV: http://www.itv.com/news/london/2012-12-19/pink-floyds-drummer-steps-in-to-save-his-old-drum-shop/
That’s great news Rob! I’ll try and pop in soon and say hello.