Replacing wheels on a 1980s Dawes Road Bike

I have an old Dawes Road Bike from the 80s, but it needs new wheels. Braking is so slow, and I'm told I need new wheels to get the most out of my brakes.

Does anyone know any good workshops around Old Street, Farringdon or Peckham?

Any idea the types of wheels and prices I'd be looking at? Any info you've got is a big help; I'm just a novice cyclist at the moment.

Unless you have chrome rims, very unlikely for an 80's bike, I would look at your brake set up before changing wheels.
If you perchance you do have chrome rims, they are also likely to be 27" as opposed to modern 700c.
By any chance they are 700c , decathlon do reasonable wheels at reasonable prices.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/C-755629-bike-wheels-and-accessories

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll take it to a new workshop for a second opinion on the brake set-up first and foremost, cheers.

Sick a magnet on your rims: if they're steel, replace with aluminium.

Otherwise, new brake pads and compressionless outer cable are cheap and effective.

Thanks for the tip, I'll have to get my hands on a magnate.

I would also like to get my hands on a magnate. !!!

80's bikes had aluminium rims.
If your brake pads have been in place for a few decades you should try to change them,
assuming your brakes are decent.

On a Mafac set ,
the braking was ok unloaded on dry roads.
I'm lightweigh.
Once loaded in the wet,
I was struggling to brush off speed on long downhills.

As a follow up to previous replies, your best option is probably to replace your single pivot calipers with modern dual pivot type.
Most modern frames use a recessed nut style I am pretty sure your frame will not be suitable for these. There is an option by Tektro who make a dual pivot style for tradional frames. These are the R539 but note they com in two versions. Here is a link to the "nutted" style which are suitable for older frames.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tektro-R539-Bike-Caliper-Brake-Set-47-57mm-W-QR-Nut-Mount-Black/192412006420?hash=item2ccca63814:g:EDEAAOSwz~paRPw1

regarding good workshops in peckham - seabass in camberwell / ratrace in nunhead. can't think of anywhere decent in peckham itself but both these are worth the short walk.