London doesn't need another bike shop!

What do I want from a bike shop?

Someone whom can actually fix a feckin' bike would help!

I gave up using bike shops a long time ago because they are 99% shit. I remember taking my pride and joy to the LBS and when I went to pick it up, it was thrown in a pile with a load of other people's repairs. After I had checked the bike (thankfully there were no scratches) the bike shop owner found himself upside down amidst the pile of said bikes.

Stack customer's bikes correctly, out of view and don't leave them in the shop. Also, clean the bike before giving it back. Believe me, it works wonders for customers returning.

Fuck coffee. I like coffee, but I go to a coffee shop for that. I want my bike fixed, end of. If you have coffee drinkers hanging around the shop all day talking bollocks, then you will sell fuck all and will soon close.

That's a cafe not a bike shop. >>>

This and this. Fuck coffee. If someone is coming for a fitting or something then offer them some, but generally don't bother - it will most likely just intimidate some customers. The coffee-drinking, Rapha-buying crowd is already well catered for.

I think that you'll find that the average forum user is not going to be that similar to the average punter you'll get through the door. Generally people like bike shops that are reasonably priced, staffed by friendly people who know their shit and smell like fresh tyres (this is important).