We wanted to have a catch up with the Management, see how they’re doing and what they’re looking forward to as the Autumn ’21 collection arrives in the shops. On another note we thought you’d enjoy knowing where it all started. The earliest record of the name, Bloomsbury, is as Blemondisberi in 1281. It is named after a member of the Blemund family who held the manor. Things have changed somewhat since then so let’s hear what our locals have to say.
Jon - Store Manager
With things opening up again are there any new neighbours in and around the shop that you’d like to mention?
Sadly it seems we’ve lost more neighbours than gained. The postcode has however gained 2 new wine places in Noble Rot’s Shrine to the Vine vintners and the new WC bar at the Coram’s field end.
How does your day start and what’s your commute like?
Radio 4, tea, shower, grapes and yoghurt, then if I’m at work I tend to cycle, not the nicest route but it’s quick.
What have you missed the most during these rather strange times, and what have you learnt to appreciate more than ever?
Other than seeing friends and family I don’t think I’ve gone wanting particularly - I could have quite happily gone to live in the middle of Wales during the lockdowns and enjoyed walking and outdoor life more - I’ve learnt to appreciate the company of friends and of myself more than ever.
What star sign are you?
Aquarius.
You’ve picked an outfit from the new Autumn collection can you take us through it? What did you choose and why?
I went for double cord, Brook Shirt in Camden Cord Ginger and Pleat Trousers in Penton Cord Midnight. It’s too warm for the trousers at the moment, I can’t say I’m looking forward to it getting colder but when it does they’ll be a nice wear, they straddle the casual/formal line that Oli’s very good at tapping in to. The shirt’s a very useful layer, a light to mid weight needle cord and a good punchy colour, I really like button downs at the moment too.
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Coniston Belt What are you listening to at the moment that’s got you excited or just making you smile? (Podcast, albums etc...)
At work I’m slowly adding to my ‘21’ playlist which spans from The Zombies to the Curtises Harding and Mayfield, I’m currently in to things with guitars and basses in them. Outside of work it’s whatever my girlfriend’s podcast of the moment is or Radios 4 and 6.
Have you read any books or seen any movies that you can recommend?
Zadie Smith’s Feel Free is shamefully the first book I’ve picked up by her and won’t be the last.
You’ve finished work and you’re off to meet three people for a drink choose three people from anytime from past, present or future. Who would they be and why?
Aside from mates I haven’t been able to see over the last 18 months I’d like to learn more about gardening, painting techniques and world history so probably along the lines of: Monty Don, Mamma Andersson and Simon Jenkins.
Since working at Oliver Spencer is there anything curious or interesting you’ve learnt about the area around the shop?
Great Ormond Street Hospital holds the copyright to Peter Pan in perpetuity in the UK, that’s a cracking fact. I also once read that Oliver Cromwell was eventually buried in Red Lion Square.
Ed - Studio Store Manager
With things opening up again are there any new neighbours in and around the shop that you’d like to mention?
I recently discovered Master Wei a Chinese Restaurant that specialises in Xi’an-style street food, the noodles and service is great!
How does your day start and what’s your commute like?
I quite often start the day with a 6:30am workout, I either do boxing or another class. It keeps me healthy both physically and mentally which is important. I then ride my bike or walk a few times a week also.
What have you missed the most during these rather strange times, and what have you learnt to appreciate more than ever?
I have missed my family as it’s not been possible to see them in the last few years. What I have appreciated is the down time to focus on my passions like photography projects and a scent venture! I am looking forward to launching a candle and incense brand called Tahu which happens to be my sons middle name and translates to ignite in Maori.
What star sign are you?
Sagittarius
You’ve picked an outfit from the new Autumn collection can you take us through it? What did you choose and why?
I chose the Parker Torridon in Calder Black, it has quite a technical feeling and looking cloth with good design for the British winter. I can see this getting a lot of use! I also chose the Pleat Trouser in Kendrick Charcoal as I enjoy wearing wool as it feels quite luxurious and gets better with age! The prince of Wales looking check gives it an interesting texture also. I also grabbed an Eltham Shirt in Murphy Indigo. Indigo to me is quite a mesmerising colour so I am drawn to it like a moth to light. I quite like the double patch pocket also.
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Skye Bomber What are you listening to at the moment that’s got you excited or just making you smile? (Podcast, album etc...)
I recently discovered Chico Hamilton album called El Chico it’s random buts it’s got a good vibe if you are into Jazz.
Have you read any books or seen any movies that you can recommend?
I just watched the Miles Davis documentary Birth Of Cool a few years too late, what a life!
You’ve finished work and your off to meet three people for a drink choose three people from anytime from past, present or future. Who would they be and why?
I would like to meet my grandfather on my dad’s side who immigrated to New Zealand from Denmark. He was influential in mapping lots of the country he sounded like an explorer who would have some good tales to tell.
Bob Marley as I was obsessed as a teenager, also whenever you put on a song you instantly feel good! I feel his aura would translate into a goodnight.
It would be nice to bring along Frank Lloyd Wright so I could sketch out my future home! Dreams are free
Since working at Oliver Spencer is there anything curious or interesting you’ve learnt about the area around the shop?
The street has a good community vibe for instance I recently put my back out and the owner of Bouttals pharmacy next door gave me a lot of stuff to help with the pain on the house. It’s rare to find that caring spirit and luckily no ones become bigger than their community on the street.
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So please head over and have a catch up with the Management and our new Autumn ’21 collection. It will be a pleasure to see you questions at the ready.