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daver Elite user Jupiter, FL 436 Posts |
I'm going to London on business in 2 weeks, and have a day to do what I like, and of course, I like to visit magic shops wherever I can. I've seen some mention of Davenport's and International Magic. Not sure which one (or others?) I should visit to spend my limited time and funds. Recommendations? Advice on which is better for what? I'd like to spend time there chatting and not just buy-this-thanks-buh-bye...
An while we're on it, anyone have any good recommendations for shops in Dublin and/or Paris? I've got like half a day to kill in each of those places too... Thanks...
Dave
What's the difference between a magician and a deck of cards? A deck of cards has FOUR suits... |
Lord Freddie Inner circle 1093 Posts |
My last experience at Davenports was like the cheese shop sketch from Monty Python, there were out of stock of practically everything I asked for that was in their catalogue.
International Magic, however, was a great experience. They were helpful, knowledgable and had everything I needed (plus a few things I never intended to buy but did anyway!). Very nice and helpful staff. |
daver Elite user Jupiter, FL 436 Posts |
Good info. Thanks! Quite candidly, I wondered about a shop that was in a tube station shopping arcade, unless it was like a Diagon Alley, hence the query. Thanks for the info.
Dave
What's the difference between a magician and a deck of cards? A deck of cards has FOUR suits... |
feifei Regular user United Kingdom 186 Posts |
There's a mix review from people on both of them.
I personally prefer Davenports as they are friendly everytime I went, they have most of the stuffs I wanted, although true sometimes some are out of stock, but usually back in stock after a few days. They are happy to demo everything I want to see to me. Price are resonable and it's in charing cross central london, near Chinatown/Tafalgar Square, so easy to reach. I been to International Magic a few times, but now stop going because each time I go, the owner (Mark I think, forgot his name) is friendly, and sometimes demo stuffs to me, but there's another guy that keeps starring at me and doesn't look happy at all. The main reason I don't go there anymore is also because I find that their stuffs are mostly much much more expensive than davenport or online shops, and it's a bit far away, and takes about 15mins walk away from the nearest tube station. |
fotballski Regular user Norway 183 Posts |
I found some of Davenport's staff to be a bit rude, but that may be because I was a novice when I visited the shop.
"Someone creates a trick, many people perfect it, but its final success in front of an audience depends on the person who presents it"
René Lavand |
AznSAmagic New user Toronto, Canada 93 Posts |
When I visited London back in 2001 I went to both. Davenports was very dark, like a magic cave. They were very busy and a little helpful. Later went to International. They werent as busy and the guy there was very helpful.
Cerca Trova
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Chris H Inner circle Melbourne, Australia 1364 Posts |
I attempted to visit both of these shops on a recent trip into London. Here's how it went...
Davenports was first stop, because I was walking from Waterloo to Leicester Square, and it is apparently quite easy to get to. I found Charing Cross station, navigated my way through the urine and vomit soaked labyrinth that is the Charing Cross Underground Arcade, and still couldn't find it. I wandered back to the station, and asked the bloke at the "i" desk if I was in the right spot. He assured me I was, and sent me back down the stairs, past the vomit, past the urine, until finally I came across the store. Sadly, it wasn't worth the effort. Without thinking for a second, I would have purchased the new "Houdini Laid Bare" set on display in the window (65 pounds), a magazine or two (around 10 pounds), and probably the copy of Guy Hollingworths "Quartet" that was also on display (20 pounds). Close to 100 quid in sales, for no effort whatsoever. Sadly, the young bloke behind the counter was far to interested in chatting to his mates, and never even acknowledged my presence. I waited close to the counter for well over 15 minutes, not wanting to be rude and interrupt, and then finally gave up and left. In that time, the lady that was wandering around the back of the store must have walked out half a dozen times, and ignored my presence totally. Thanks for that. Next stop, International Magic. I arrived at International Magic around midday, and found a sign on the door that said back in 5 minutes. So I waited for 20. Sign was still up. I wasn't in London for long and probably wouldn't get a chance to go back to the shop before heading back to Australia, so I decided to go and grab some lunch, and try my luck after that. By the time I got back to the store, the sign had gone, but the door was still locked. I knocked, and stood outside, but went unanswered. So I waited off to the side to see if anyone else attempted to go in. Someone did, and they were let straight in. I went straight up to the door, but again, could not get in. My advice? They're probably both the same as every other magic shop in the world. Don't waste your time. Go and see Phantom instead. Cheers, Chris |
Sybilmagic Loyal user England 275 Posts |
Depends on how much time you have.
I always go to Davenports if I am in a hurry. They are nice an helpful although it is best to lead the conversation. International requires a bit of time to get too. They are also good and generally have more stock. |
Yellowcustard Inner circle New Zealand 1334 Posts |
If your about on a week day Dave
If your about on a week day Davenports can be great. No kid but remember it is school holidays. They can be a bit off at times but they do get a lot of awkward people in there. If you put yourself across not as a nutter your be O.K. I am surprised what they run out of times but hay. I find International magic a little to hard on the sell. I have never enjoyed a visit there I stoped going after this happened. The guy showed me a effect once so I though if you feel like showing me stuff I requested to see something I had heard about. He showed me it then to other effect so four in total only one I requested. I then noticed they had fibre optics extend and asked to have a look at the case. His reply was which ones of these do you want all most like I had to agree to buy one of those before I looked at something else. I dint like their vibe so I left went to Davenports they dint have fibre optics in stock so I went had a coffee and ordered it on line and it was delivered the next day. To be honest Davenport is a experience one way or another and your right close to Covent Garden were there some great street acts and magicians. Let us know how you get on.
Enjoy your magic,
and let others enjoy it as well! |
Darius666 Veteran user London 368 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-06-02 22:57, Guerrilla Magic wrote: I always pop in when I am in the Charring Cross area and I think this is a common experience. And the smell is definately not pleasant. Guess it keeps the laymen away I remember one occasion I went in and asked for a Himber Wallet, his reply was "oh, is that one one with the fire that comes out". Surely it isn't unreasonable to exepct even the slightest bit of basic knowlege if you are working in a magic shop. Darius |
Roger Kelly Inner circle Kent, England 3332 Posts |
I can only get to Davenports on a Saturday now but am forever put off by the elitist attitude of the p**** behind the counter. You don't get that at International.
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Brent McLeod Inner circle 1792 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-09-06 10:39, Roger Kelly wrote: Years ago in the 90s when Living in London I had many similar experiences I originally thought it was a bad day but this also happened on numerous occasions I visited the underground toilet before finding the shop>>-The young staff were not helpful and I know this wont please the boss! I had money to spend but moved on.......... I ended up running a graphic studio near International Magic at Farringdon and found the people always very helpful as I went in more than often!! I usually always bought something or more out of courtesy even on times I just poped in as its still a business so you cant just hang around all the time..... Sounds like not a lots changed at Devonports which is sad............. Brent |
David Thiel Inner circle Western Canada...where all that oil is 4005 Posts |
I went to Davenport's on my last trip to London. Found it to be much smaller than I'd expected. The fellow behind the desk (only one) was friendly -- but not up to speed,to demo the latest stuff.
I enjoyed my time there...but unfortunately heard nothing about Int'l until I was home again. David
Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears. Bears will kill you.
My books are here: www.magicpendulums.com www.MidnightMagicAndMentalism.com |
sthielman Regular user North Carolina 129 Posts |
I go to International a lot and love the shop. The guys there are very friendly, approachable, and offer a lot of help. Martin MacMillan is especially knowledgable, but they're all great. Great book selection plenty of stuff, from the moderate priced to expensive. Not a whole lot of cheap magic. All in all, a great place to go. Just take the Tube to Chancery Lane on the Central Line and walk the short distance to the shop.
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brangwinj Regular user 114 Posts |
Go to both ,Davenports is central Leicester Tube underground or charing cross -- International out a bit but not far by bus from Davenports not over 14 minutes by bus
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Coin Nut New user 52 Posts |
I always pop in both but get very different service.
International Magic is helpful and demo's tricks but seems unhappy about finding anything unusual and not in direct view. You also tend to get ignored if they are chatting to someone, even if you wish to buy something in your hand with the money ready. Bloke behind the counter very nice though, funny. Davenports seems to have more age and shows more interesting stock. The kids serving have limited knowledge in my view but Mrs Davenport (?) is lovely and found me a copy of Cylinder and Coins from John Ramsay that has been on the shelf in the back since it was originally delivered. We also chatted for a while about when she met John and saw him dance. Best afternoon I've spent ever in a magic shop. Must say for price and range visit a website (sorry). |
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