Footes drum store in central London to close after 90 years – but swiftly reopens in Store Street W1!

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. (Update: the store reopens in Store Street, Jan 2013)

 

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.