talkmagic.co.uk

Hey, I'm spending a month in London studying abroad, and I was wondering which magic shop would be the best for me to go to?

Though, as people who may remember know, I am incredibly into magic and am writing a novel on the topic, I am by no means a skilled/talented/dedicated performer. I enjoy the craft immensely, but am no magician myself.

That being said, I was hoping to pick up a mentalism or fun effect here or there, and I would love to go to a place that I can spend some time at. Basically I'm looking for a friendly, welcoming store that will have a wide-variety of effects: your standard "best magic shop in London."

Any suggestions? Thank you very, very much for any you might offer.

(Also, if you do have some, could you give me instructions from the tube stops: I have an unlimited pass, but little knowledge of the city itself. Thanks again!)

Oh, also, any points of interest for magic, in general, whether it's historic/educational/etc would be great! Thanks again (again)!

The only two shops that I know are Davenports and International Magic; both are worth a visit.

Davenports is in the shopping arcade in Charing Cross underground station. It's not easy to find, though - go right to the end of the arcade and it's next to the steps. The London Society of Magicians meets there on alternate Fridays.

International Magic is in Theobalds Road. The nearest tube station is Chancery Lane. Come out of the North exit, go up Grays Inn Road, and turn right into Theobalds Road. The shop is on the corner of Leather Lane.

If you're a member of a recognised magic society you'll be able to visit The Magic Circle on a Monday night.

Barry

The main places to buy are Davenports Magic (nearest tube Charing Cross) and International Magic (nearest tube Farringdon/ Chancery Lane)

http://davenportsmagic.co.uk/
http://internationalmagic.com/

Lots of people have different opinions on each, some favouring one other the other. To be honest I'd say I favour Davenports.

Davenports have a lot of items on sale, but the more common items are more likley to be out of stock. It is also usually quite busy on Saturdays and you may have to wait a bit to git served. However on weekdays both shops are usually quite quiet.

Thank you very much! Is there anything I should know about either, in terms of ettiquette? As I said, I haven't really frequented magic shops for quite some time, owing both to the relatively small population of my home town and my trend for spectatorship in the past.

What is the polite thing to do, I mean, in terms of a magic dealer? Thank you very much, again, for any help!!

As far as etiquette, in my experience most magic shop staff are happy to talk with you, demonstrate things, answer questions.

The only place I didn't experience that, I have to say, was at Davenport's in the spring. The young chap that day didn't seem terribly interested in helping, and coupled with the dark atmosphere and unappealing location did not leave me with a great impression of the place.

That may have just been a bad day, but I also found International Magic to have a far greater selection of books and when I return to London next month I will only be visiting the latter store.

nice little stall in covent garden as well - talk to Lee and Neil - they'll keep you happy

and see if you can watch Lee's cups and balls routine, and ambitious card - very entertaining!

Thank you all for your tips! I will check these places out next weekend, for sure, during a four-day break from classes, and purchase a few tricks or so while I'm at it.

Thanks again!!!!

When is the best time to go to Covent Garden to catch the stall?

They normally open at about 12pm, so get there for half twelve and your singing.

Go on a Sunday, and you will normally catch either Lee or Neil - unless they changed recently. I haven't been for a couple of months

Just so you know, people have had bad experiences at both International and Davenport's. It very much depends on the day of the week, time, phase of the moon, whether there's an 'r' in the month, etc.

In other words, don't take it personally, if someone is rude to you. Give the shop a second chance before writing it off.

I have found both Davenports and International Magic to be equally helpful and I enjoy visiting both stores.

I was in Davenports last week and the young guy behind the counter was quite enthusiastic and helpful when demonstrating effects and answering questions. I tend to find that once you demonstrate some knowledge of magic, they will open up and talk more frankly with you. I've not had any bad experiences at Davenports (yet) so I guess I've been lucky. The only dowside is that they never seem to have anything I want in stock, which can be frustrating. But I'm always in and out so it's not really a problem. I went in last week for Killer Elite Pro, which they don't stock anymore because, apparently, they "lost the rights to it". Not sure what that means and didn't ask.

I haven't been into IM for a while now, so I must pop in when I next get a chance. I don't know if he still frequents the place, but I used to see Jerry Sadowitz in there a lot. He demonstrated lots of tricks for me in the past and is a very funny, talented guy.

Also, it may or may not interest you to know that the Magic Circle open their doors to the public twice a month for an evening of magic. You get to see the museum, too. I've not been myself, but I intend to at some point. Details here.

My personal magic shop preference is Davenports Magic Shop, Charring Cross Underground.
The staff are friendly and easy to talk to. You can also browse most effects in the cabinets and the staff will help you find what you are looking for or make suggestions.

I used to visit International Magic shop but I dont find it a useful shop to visit unless I have something already in mind to buy.
I find it hard to know what effects they sell and I dont find the staff particularly helpful when Im trying to discover new effects.

Davenports gets my vote and has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that I work there..

International gets my vote and this has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that I worked there 47 years ago.