What East Dulwich needs is a cobbler...

[Jennys]

We have had shoes, handbags etc mended by Merrifields and I also had arch supports made there. Would recommend this shop

[prickle]

I've not had such happy experience with Merryfields. He is rather picky and will only do jobs that he wants to do. I asked him to mend a zip on a pair of still serviceable boots but he refused as he didn't think they were worthwhile.

[TillieTrotter]

I think he's great. I asked him to stitch the front of my sons kickers and he said he'd have to charge me a good hours work (?40ish quid). He then proceeded to give me a heavy duty needle, some strong white thread and showed me how to do it myself. He wouldn't take a penny!!

[Sue]

He did the same with me, with some sandals, gave me the thread and showed me how to do it, didn't charge!

It was just to sew on a buckle, I still haven't done it though :-$ :))

ETA: Prickle, I think refusing to mend your boots shows integrity, if he didn't think it was worth doing.

Most people would have taken your money regardless.

[kabekay]

Hmm, I'm with Prickle- he refused to mend some sandals for me, as they were not apparently worthwhile. I took them to a guy on the Walworth road instead, who did them (for very cheap, too). They lasted a good two more summers of heavy use, and only eventually succumbed because I tripped on a grate and pulled them apart by accident.

That said, the repairs Merryfield has done for me have all been very good, if a bit dear.

[steveo]

A recent Merryfields' quote for bespoke shoes is a grand but I am an eleven and a half. Maybe sevens are cheaper. Or just get one made at a time?

[toast]

I had been looking for someone to repair two well loved pairs of boots that had the sort of heal you cant just replace. No Dulwich cobbler would touch them, over the years i have asked about 20 cobblers who all said they were beyond repair. A friend recommended the cobblers on Selhurst road, by the memorial, Norwood Junction, saying he could fix anything........

and by-Jove he can! He's a bit far out from LL but 8 pound a pair, they are now like new.