Labour and Wait — Local services in London

The name of this shop is taken from the last line of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem 'A Psalm of Life':

Let us, then, be up and doing, With a heart for any fate; Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labour and to wait.

And that pretty much sums up their whole attitude to selling things that won’t go out of fashion. Labour and Wait specialises in timeless homewares, traditional and simple, right down to the enamel lampshades and unbleached cotton oven gloves. But rest assured, the shop comes with all the mod cons of an East London establishment like being served by a gentleman with a well-kept moustache.

Tired of buying cheap disposable items destined for the garbage after only a few uses, the owners decided to compile and sell everything you need for your home – useful things that will last, probably outlasting you. So cast aside those B&Q household items that won’t last longer than a fizzy cola bottle in a fat kid's mouth. And stock up on the real stuff, everyday classics that aren’t retro or nostalgic but just sustainable and honest.

With a cool calm atmosphere and shelves stacked with an art gallery minimalist aesthetic, from enamel coffee pots and bread tins to horsehair brooms, linen dishtowels and old-fashioned school notebooks you can come back time and again, safe in the knowledge that you will always find what you saw last time you were there. Bear in mind though that it's only open Saturdays and Sundays (and on Fridays by appointment) so you might just have to do exactly as the shop's...

A beautifully curated store – timeless and inspiring

I visited Labour and Wait a few weeks ago and absolutely loved the experience. The shop has a unique charm – everything feels thoughtfully selected, with a focus on quality, simplicity, and timeless design.

From traditional household items to well-made tools and stationery, every corner of the store invites curiosity. It's not just a place to shop, but a place to slow down and appreciate craftsmanship.

The staff were welcoming and helpful without being intrusive, and the whole space had a calm, almost nostalgic atmosphere.

A must-visit if you're in London and appreciate honest, functional design. I’ll...

Labour and Wait sell traditional bits and bobs for the home at fairly reasonable prices. Expect enamel milk saucepans, elaborate watering cans, brown paper labels, aluminium dustpans and more in an attractive, dinky shop. Obviously don't expect to go and find a bargain. Labour and Wait may not be over-priced, but it isn't cheap. And the retro tweeness does get a bit tiresome at times (who needs a rotary apple peeler or iron nutcracker in 2011?). But I can't deny that they sell some very attractive pieces - I'm still dreaming of the mint green...