Last weekend I went to Stoke Newington Books and was thrilled to find a book of watercolour paintings of small businesses in hackney. I swelled with pride to see my neighborhood hardware shop—in operation since 1954–featured on its pages. So this weekend I decided to go with my partner to the shop. Imagine my disappointment when her intelligent and precise questions, aimed at both members of staff, were met with rudeness and condescension. While we figured out our questions on our own (they didn’t give any helpful feedback) we overheard them being chummy with other customers...mostly complaining about how you won’t be able to get certain things any more because the times they are a changing. Yes they are indeed, KAC. Have good customer service or you will not last until 2054. My girlfriend felt singled out and left saying she has never felt so bad in a shop. I would advise you to stay away and take your custom to another local shop such as KTS in Dalston. And to the shop owner who leaves disrespectful comments on negative reviews: you should be ashamed of yourself.

Expensive, dishonest and rude shop manager (the one who would not stand from his seat) - which is too bad because some of the shop staff is otherwose very nice. I think the feedbacks from the owner to other posts show that he simply cannot acknowedge issues and criticisms. Went there to buy a latch for a bathroom door. Was advised one item which was overpriced (but I didn't want to bother and go further away) and which broke after 48h. Instead of trying to help, the person who I believe to be the shop manager became very aggressive and refused to acknowledge the issue, saying in essence that I was an imbecile trying to fit a cabinet latch onto a door (remember: he was the one advising me to buy the item). Had to insist to get a partial refund. Shop manager refused to apologise and instead said he was hoping I would never come back again. I always want to support local shops but my advice: instead of him just go to B&Q or Homebase, you will be better served for less.

Very rude! Went to buy cupboard fixing for a rail. When I asked how to fit the fixing, the member of staff responded in a very condescending tone then concluded with “you shouldn’t have really asked that question”. After the purchase was completed I told the person behind the counter in a polite way that if you make your customers feel stupid for asking questions they won’t return. At which point another member of staff go involved in the conversation. I said the same thing to him and his response was to shrug his shoulders like they don’t care. Really bad customer service, they really don’t care about the customer and do not value feedback.

If this shop is anything to go by, the high street of the past is doomed. Everything is double the price and the shop owner is incredibly rude and patronizing but still refrains from giving any solid or helpful advice. He speaks as though he doesn't even want you in there which is a shock considering it hardly has a queue outside. On the contrary, Decor 8 down the street is a much better stocked and friendly shop. Reading these reviews has made me feel better that I was not the only one who had a terrible experience.

WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE - SO RUDE! Rang up to see if they sold a 5/10l of white matt emulsion, the bloke picked up didnt even say hello, asked if he had any said no and hung up! Having worked in a DIY shop i would never have answered a customer this way. Take your business elsewhere!

If you don’t know your way around anything DIY, the fella here is a handy dandy problem-solver. I’ll never forget the time I was to head abroad to snowy Finland and I hadn’t protected my DMs from damage. Didn’t have to fret or nothin’ because here’s the dubbin. Thank you!

Overpriced. Cut a key there for £4.50. They said it was a special type of key. A week later needed another one and cut it around the corner for £2.50. (It's just a usual key they said.) The screws, and nuts, and other items seem on the expensive side too.

Excellent DIY store, Go there to ask for advice. Very good on pest control and gardening tools. The man who runs it is very no-nonsense but I find that gets me straight to the point and the exactly the right tool/remedy. I've been coming here for years.

This place is great. It's a locally owned little shop which will help you out with whatever you need. The owner in there is lovely if you are polite! I've gone in there plenty of times and never had an issue finding anything I needed.

Lovely family business. Please support them. This is one of my favourite shops in Stoke Newington. They are so friendly and helpful. The sort of people that brighten your day and make you feel like you are part of a proper community.

Been a family run business for many, many years. Happily it has seen off a lot of the 'here today, gone tomorrow - needless shops' and it's great to have a business that we really need. Fantastic and may it be here for years to come.

Hugely overpriced. Poor stock levels. This shop is aimed more at the inexperienced DIY'er who doesnt know what materials really cost. Been a tradesman for 35 years yet I was spoken to in quite a patronising tone. Hilarious!

Chose the place to support a local business - bought two items, paid almost double the price of what they would’ve cost elsewhere. It’s my own fault for not checking, but I never would have imagined such a huge difference.

A corner stone in Stoke Newington Church Street, this family run building merchants shop have been helping locals out for years, and are happy to advise on the best way to solve any DIY issues you might have.

I absolutely despise this small dingy shop i stopped going there years ago due to the despicable attitude of the guys who think they are funny. I would not recommend anyone to go to this shop

Went in yesterday and got slagged off for being an idiot which I deserved. Decent enough place and fair play for them to being open in times of Amazon best of luck KAC ! …

I love this shop- it’s a treasure trove of everything I ever need. Always willing to offer advice. There aren’t many shops like this left. I will make sure I keep on supporting it.

Tried to ring to ask if they sell building materials, the man was disgracefully rude. 'we do but I don't have time to talk to you' Then hung up.

Local shop that stocks all the bits that I need. Always helpful and friendly. Great to still have a family run shop in the area

Always friendly, always helpful, even if its not the answer you wanted. Happy to support a local, family-run, small business

Great shop! Has saved me many trips out of the area for those little bits that are always missing when doing diy

One of the worst hardware shops I have ever been in. Poorly stocked, unhelpful and rude staff.

Always so happy to help and really approachable. Love this little gem.

They sad open at 9:30 I was here 3 times not even one time was open.

Dealing with Grant for over 15 years always helpful and good stock

Great place got everything you need no matter how small or big

Great service, very friendly. Solid community hardware shop.

Great shop and polite and friendly customer service

Excellent advice and has everything

Great shop ! Good prices and stock

staff were rude and unhelpful

Needs new management

Friendly & helpful!