This week’s episode is the first of four produced in partnership with Portman Marylebone (@portmanmarylebone). We sit down with Rachel Wythe-Moran and Simon Watkins, the co founders of cult design store Labour & Wait.

Rachel and Simon began their careers in men’s style before opening what they call ‘their ideal general store’ in 2000. We talk to them both about why they left the seasonal world of fashion to move at their own pace, what they look for in a well-designed product, and why a slow, guarded approach to growth has served them well for all these years. We really enjoyed this conversation, and hope you’ll enjoy an interview with a slightly different kind of business this week.

If you enjoy listening, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @handcutradio, and get involved in the conversation. Please do rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or subscribe to HCR on Spotify, either action helps to boost us up the podcast charts.

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HandCut Radio is produced by Birch, the London based creative office of James Allen. Our theme music is by Joe Boyd.

This episode is produced in partnership with Portman Marylebone, an elegant central London retail destination that is home to many of the city’s most characterful restaurants, galleries and independent fashion brands. Portman Marylebone has been meticulously maintained by the Portman Estate for just under 500 years.

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Show Notes:
Labour & Wait — Instagram | Website
Portman Marylebone — Instagram | Website

[10:00] TOAST Circle
[13:38] Edward Sexton
[13:39] Tommy Nutter
[17:08] ‘A Psalm of Life’ poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
[28:50] Dover Street Market
[31:50] Chiltern Street Deli
[31:58] Shreeji Newsagents, Chiltern Street
[33:57] HandCut Live with David Hieatt
[35:49] Enamel Lidded Bin