What to do on long winter evenings #5

Part of my recent peregrinations have involved an extended walk around central London on a particularly cold and un-pleasant Sunday afternoon. So I was pleased to discover Arthur Beale's chandlery were still open.

For those who don't know, Arthur Beales operate a rather traditional chandlery from rather restricted premises on Shaftesbury Avenue. If not actually able to go sailing, a visit will lighten the soul and warm the heart.

Choose your bottle screws from this magngificent display 

It is my contention that they always have something for me, and this time it turned out to be a pair of small stand up blocks for the main sheet traveller. I do also have my eye on their lovely spirit lanterns though. Long may they continue to thrive. Just to note also, they didn't ask me to do this, but the link to their web site is https://www.arthurbeale.co.uk/ .  

Arthur Beale

Its very hard to pass through central London without spending some time at Arthur Beale's yacht chandlers on  Shaftsbury Avenue.

I was introduced to AB''s over 20 years ago when I worked nearby, and its refreshing to still find an independent shop in Covent Garden that hasn't been forced out by global trainer outlet or coffee chain.
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(Quite) a few years ago I innocently asked the chap behind the counter how they managed to find enough trade, being so far from the coast. He gave me a kind of look and pointed out that they may be quite far from the coast, but they were right in the middle of about 5 million people, some of whom must have boats.
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 You can usually rely on AB's having top quality gear and as usual I spent more than I meant-to, but it's balm for the soul as well as good for the boat. Long may they prosper
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You don't usually look in chandlerys for metaphors, but the significance of the life belt in the window just dawned on me !