Local traders

The following tradespeople have been used and rated by FARA members, so if you’re looking to get some work done why not give them a try?*

If you are a FARA member and would like to review a local business, please email us info@fara-leytonstone.org.uk. Please note, we only publish reviews by FARA members on this page.

We are considering adding a page for FARA members who want to advertise their own businesses. If you are interested in this free service contact info@fara-leytonstone.org.uk

Window Cleaners

JMG

Call John – 07795 078281.

  • When used: 2007 – present
  • Job type: exterior window cleaning, guttering clearing
  • Punctuality/reliability: 8/10
  • Quality of work: 10/10
  • “John and an assistant clean my windows once a month, to a high standard, at a very good price. They will also clean out guttering, but this needs to be pre-arranged so they can bring longer ladders. I am very happy with the service they provide, however obviously their job is weather-dependent so you don’t know exactly when they will turn up. This is fine if you just want the fronts doing (you can leave the money on an upstairs windowsill or somewhere else safe) but if you want the backs doing as well it can be annoying if you are out when they call, which is why I only scored them 8 for reliability. However I think they provide a great and affordable service. They are always very considerate about putting my plants etc. back exactly where they found them.”

Hairdressers

Artistry Loyal

9 Church Lane, London E11 1HG. Tel: 020 8556 4348.

  • When used: January 2009
  • Job type: woman’s haircut and restyle
  • Punctuality/reliability: 10/10
  • Quality of work: 10/10
  • “I needed my long hair cut, and went into Artistry Loyal to see if they could help. A stylist (Carla) spoke to me, and as well as listening to my comments and suggestions, gave me ideas of her own that would best suit me. It was slightly longer than I had considered, but I decided to go for what she thought (as she said, better too long and you can take some more off, rather than too short)! In fact she was right and the cut she gave me really suited me. I was very happy with the experience – it was better than I’ve had from some big name chains in town, and at £27 for wash, cut and blow dry it was also cheaper than the alternatives I’d considered.”

Florists

Bumblebee Flowers

Unit 2, 829-837 High Road, London E11 1HH. Tel: 020 8558 2227.

  • When used: 2008 – present
  • Job type: flowers for everyday, birthdays and thank yous.
  • Punctuality/reliability: 10/10
  • Quality of work: 10/10
  • “I have been buying flowers from Bumblebee since they opened, and every week they are put together by hand for me, with a different colour scheme from the week before. The flowers are hand tied. I have also used them for birthdays and thank yous, and each time I’ve described the person they are for and had an appropriate bunch put together, whether it’s “she doesn’t like chrysanthemums” or “she’s funky and different” – the flowers have always matched what I asked for! They are good value and good quality too.”

Builders/Decorators

Mark Bonham Interior Designer

77 Thorpe Road,Forest Gate, London E7 9EA. Tel: 020 08519 9168 or 07973 443148. Email: Mark.Bonham@ukgateway.net

  • When used: October 2008
  • Job type:Renovate and paint the front of my Victorian end of terrace house.
  • Punctuality/reliability: 10/10
  • Quality of work: 10/10
  • “I epecially wanted to get the original sash windows back in working order. Mark has adjusted all the counterweights so that they are balanced, taken out the window frames to strip them right back for painting, and replaced one sash that had some rot. He has taken great pains with everything and has paid attention to every detail. He has created a minimum of mess and fuss, clearing up at the end of every day. Not the person to call if you want a quick and cheap lick of paint but definitely someone to call if you respect the integrity of your building and want to employ a genuine craftsman. He was recommended to me by a friend.”

Plumbers

Proline Services

6 Gateway Business Park, 210 Church Road, London E10 7JQ. Tel: 07831 179278

  • When used: 2005 – 2007
  • Job type: boiler repairs and cooker plumbing (CORGI registered)
  • Punctuality / reliability 8/10
  • Quality of work 10/10
  • “I found Ian in yellow pages, he was the only person who didn’t charge an extortionate call-out for the minor work I needed. I was very happy with what he did and he’s been back a few times for work on my heating system and also to plumb-in my cooker. He’s CORGI registered, friendly and competent. He’s often very busy so he’s sometimes a little late, but it’s never deliberate and he’s worth waiting for!”

Garages

GNR Motors

1 Lister Road (in Pastures Path), E11 3DS

Review (1)

  • When used: 2005 – present
  • Job type: routine car repairs and service
  • Punctuality / reliability: 9/10
  • Quality of work: 10/10
  • “George and his team provide a good local service at GNR Motors, simply drop in and let them know what you need doing, and they will give you a time (often “tomorrow morning”). If you are very local or your car is broken down, they will come and collect. They perform regular repairs at very reasonable prices (far cheaper than dealerships), as well as regular services, all above boardas they will stamp your logbook. They don’t perform MOTs in-house, but will arrange it and check your car over, take it for the MOT and return it to you with the job done.”

Review (2)

  • When used: n/a (see below)
  • “I did not have the best experience at this garage. When I arrived to drop off my car for a pre-arranged MOT the man proceeded to leave me waiting outside while he answered the phone. I was then told it would take a ‘long time’ due to a backlog – I tried asking three times in different ways for a rough timescale but it didn’t help. I had already explained that this was the first time I had had to visit a garage for an MOT. However when I asked for a receipt before leaving the car there, the man seemed to take offence and was so dismissive and discourteous that I decided to take my car away. I thought I ought to share this experience, as it differed so much from that of the first reviewer.”

Fencing

Leyton Fencing & Sheds

139 Francis Rd, London, E10 6NT Tel: 020 8556 3310

  • When used: May 2006
  • Job type: Fence replacement, clearance and gardening
  • Punctuality / reliability: 10/10
  • Quality of work: 10/10
  • “I called Leyton Fencing to replace our fence, and to take away the rubbish built up behind it by our neighbour. They happily did the work, at the time and price specified, and worked to a very high standard, quickly bringing in a larger truck when they realised it was necessary. Where one fence panel had to be adjusted, they called me over and explained why rather than just doing it. They also tidied up after themselves and were polite and friendly. As for the gardening, one of their workmen was willing to do some extra work, turning the soil so a lawn could be laid, just ask and see if they can help if you have a job which goes beyond fencing!”

Flooring

DC Interiors

725 High Rd Leytonstone, London E11 4RD Tel: 020 8539 2647

Review (1)

  • When used: October 2007
  • Job type: Fitting new stair carpet
  • Punctuality / reliability: 9/10
  • Quality of work: 10/10
  • “I wanted to fit a carpet on our stairs and landings where previously it had been bare board. A neighbour recommended DC Interiors so I popped in to see them. Within a few days they’d been round to measure up, and then I simply returned to the shop, chose a carpet and received a price there and then. They were round to fit the new carpet in less than a week and their cheerful fitter did an excellent job, and was friendly to my dog into the bargain! I’m very happy with the carpet, and the price was better than the big stores.”

Review (2)

  • When used: January 2010
  • Job type: New carpet for lounge, stairs, hall and landing
  • Punctuality / reliability: 10/10
  • Quality of work: 10/10
  • “The chaps at DC Interiors were very friendly and patient with us as we borrowed various samples to match with our existing furnishings. Having finally made our choice they came round on the appointed day to do the fitting, which took a few hours as there was a lot to do. We liked the fact that they quoted an all-in price per square metre for carpet, underlay and fitting, so we knew exactly what we were being charged. A nice shop and good service.”

*Disclaimer: These reviews are published as a free service to the community, and are based on the experiences of individual reviewers. Neither Ferndale Area Residents Association nor the editor of this website accepts any legal responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from dealings with the businesses or tradespeople reviewed on this website. It is up to readers to make their own assessment of the skills and trustworthiness of the business or person concerned, before entering into any contract with them.