Forum Topic

Top Hat cleaners

After 30+ years in Devonshire Rd., the dry cleaners Top Hat are closing their doors. According to the staff, there are two reasons: (1) The ill-thought out traffic restrictions imposed without consultation on Devonshire Road at the commercial end  (2) Changes in work patters with fewer people working in offices and the number of shirts cleaned each week falling 75%.The closure is doubly ironic and unfortunate because the proprietor of Top Hat has played a leading role in developing the community spirit among Devonshire Rd businesses in recent years. Chalk this up as another "win" for the far-sighted council in far-away Hounslow.

Robin Knight ● 2204d50 Comments

Certain cycle campaigners have previously posted that its not their fault some businesses suffer during COVID. But knowing the problems, the last thing we should do is make their lives harder. This is a great shame and also condemns the lack of consultation from Hounslow before restricting traffic on DR. I never saw a problem with traffic there and as with TGT have no real idea what the point was.

Paul Green ● 2204d

Sad to see this business close . Hounslow Council simply have not thought out the implications of ceasing traffic access to a variety of business types .

John Martin ● 2204d

This may or not have been inevitable, but there can be no doubt that making it hard for customer to visit with larger items/ or at all was a real problem. But it makes it even more distasteful that the lobbyists saw fit to send a very public letter to the government claiming that the High Road was booming. They should be utterly ashamed of themselves.

Paul Green ● 2204d

Hounslow Council is not solely to blame. Blame the local campaigners. Blame those who refuse to engage with businesses especially now.Blame Mark Frost who ignores any business concern.Blame Ruth Cadbury who promises to address business concerns but then fails to deliver.Blame Steve Curran who promises to hold a brainstorming session with residents and businesses but then fails to do so.Blame people like Karen who say things like "small price to pay" when these issues are raised.Blame Paul Campbell for using a prominent trader's words out of context and copying it in to all of Hounslow Cabinet as evidence without consent.Blame Michael Robinson who can't provide evidence (because there is none) on the High Street boon of late.Blame Ruth Mayorcas for posting rubbish on Next Door about businesses flourishing on TGT and Devonshire Road.Blame all the ones who are happy to "other" people and not sit down as a single community without politic to set an agenda that will work for all during a global crisis.Blame all who accept these empty promises.The blood, such as it is, is on their hands.And I wholeheartedly agree, for someone who has done an incredible amount of work supporting his micro-community of Devonshire Road and the broader community beyond, Mike Moran deserved better from the people he and his family have served.Shame on us for letting him down.

David Lesniak ● 2204d

This is indeed a great shame. They offered an excellent service, and will be sorely missed.As I have posted a few times before, these ridiculous traffic restrictions have definitely had a huge impact on local businesses. I know, because I am someone who used to shop locally all the time, but now doesn't because it is such a stressful and time consuming business just getting to the High Street.And, unfortunately, when doing a family shop or picking up bulky items, I can't walk or cycle as I would not be able to bring said items/shopping back home with me.Surely if we all complain long and loud enough something must be done?

Mark Edwards ● 2204d

We are very sad and angry at this announcement of the closure of this wonderful dry cleaners. We are also very sad and angry at all the schemes that are choking and disfiguring our lovely Chiswick. Yesterday, I nearly clapped the lonely cyclist enjoying the partly finished cycle lane on CHR while the cars were at a standstill. My eyes were sore because of the pollution and I have suffered a lot lately, walking along the High Road. If I suffer from the pollution while walking, it cannot be healthy for cyclists either!!! I know, the cars will evaporate...I don’t cycle, I have always hated cycling, but I do walk. I also rely on public transport but I have given up buses as they are too slow, being stuck in the traffic concentrated on a few main roads.Now, Hounslow has many more schemes for us, 7 other LTNs, according to the newsletter, meaning the whole of W4 would be in a LTN if implemented.What about the rest of the borough? Have they got as many schemes imposed on them?Why don’t we all write to the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps about his letter sent to Councils on Friday? We should point out that Hounslow Council ticks  all the boxes in what not to do and beg him to stop the money financing these schemes. Time for a pause and rethink the whole thing with businesses and residents.

Martine Dismore ● 2204d

Well said David and very true, especially the references to Mark Frost, Ruth Cadbury, Steve Curran, Karen Liebreich, Michael Robinson, Ruth Mayorcas and Paul Campbell, all of whom are culpable and told untruths to some degree and were economical with the factsThe restrictions to Devonshire Road were completely unnecessary and Mike's excellent service to the community is the first casualty and I stress 'first's...Now about the business/shopping boom in Chiswick... any of the above named got any proof ?

Loraine Pemberton ● 2204d

One of our local councillors recently posted asking us to support the 19 dry cleaners in Chiswick (she actually missed out a few, I reckon the number is closer to the mid-20s). Given the work-from-home invocation and given 'dress down' in offices it's inevitable that the call on dry cleaning services has shrunk. An over-provision of dry-cleaning outlets and a reduction in demand can only have one result, the closure of some outlets. ICI was Britain's biggest business when I was a boy. Blockbuster was a major chain. Woolworths went. Jaeger has just hit the wall. Debenhams is in administration. Who has eaten a Vesta beef curry lately? Triumph once made loads of cars. Every high street had a haberdashery. Disruption - a buzz word - of existing industries is admired by financial journalists and business schools. Change is the only constant.Some here will accuse me of heartlessness or lack of empathy, but running no business has a guarantee of an eternal corporate life. PS - whatever happened to Sketchley?

Ken Munn ● 2203d

"Some here will accuse me of heartlessness or lack of empathy"No Ken, that's  already been said about you, and your chums - on numerous occasions  👍

Loraine Pemberton ● 2203d

Points taken - except for Vesta. OK, I haven't eaten one lately but for nostalgia value I worked my way through the range available when I discovered they still exist a couple of years ago. Sadly the range is not as extensive as it once was, but they are available in several places e.g. Tescos.

Allan Cousens ● 2203d

Yes -And it's always very sad to lose a wonderful and  established business.  But Ken's analysis seems to me pretty damned accurate.  The relationship between Covid and any dry-cleaning business in an area like Chiswick:- hundreds and hundreds of clean suits left hanging in wardrobes with owners (both male and female) working from home and dressing casual.  Freshly ironed shirts and blouses the same.One can and should empathise – but events happen and change is change

Stuart Kerr ● 2203d

I haven't worn a suit or a jacket since March.

Carl Wynne ● 2203d

StuartMany people would disagree with you and Ken, have you actually spoken to Mike ?

Loraine Pemberton ● 2203d

Here here - couldn't agree more.

Mark Edwards ● 2203d

Stuart, and the pet shop? Not because people are working from home ?

Janice Evans ● 2203d

If he can, I would like to see a list of these 19 dry cleaning businesses in Chiswick.Mr. Munn clearly has no idea of the hard work that Mike Moran and Top Hat has put in to making a success not only of his business but also of Devonshire Road as a location to shop. To compare the closure of Top Hat (entirely preventable) to the demise of ICI is puerile left wing nonsense.

Robin Knight ● 2203d

Cllr Biddolph listed 19 here.I'm aware of 5 more not on this list so the actual number of dry cleaners in Chiswick is likely to be at least 25 or so.2/2 We have 19 drycleaners in #Chiswick. In alpha order Ariana CHR, Ariana Sth Pde, Chiswick Pk, Clean Box, Four Star, Lapels, Dry Clean Chiswick, MC, Mr Clean & Mrs Stitch, Nil, Royal, Superclean, Thames Tailoring, Press Gang, @tophatw4, Turn'em Clean, UK Premier, Wheelium, 2000— Joanna Biddolph (@JoannaBiddolph) October 9, 2020

Michael Robinson ● 2203d

RobinBrilliantly put 👍In any event Top Hat are / were not a 'corporate' business ! Some people are supremely stupid, and stupidity can't be cured, unless someone knows differently  ?

Loraine Pemberton ● 2203d

Michael, as always, you're being truly spiteful, obnoxious and also manipulating the context ! After the Covid-19 lockdown you really think longstanding businesses could survive another 'hit' ? And do remember that's  exactly what you supported. You really are a piece of work- absolutely disgusting. Also bear in mind the people Mike employed who've now lost their jobs and thus ZERO income - great work - NOT

Loraine Pemberton ● 2203d

'Michael, as always, you're being truly spiteful, obnoxious and also manipulating the context !'Sorry Loraine, I just don't see how Michael's previous post justified your reply - were you meaning to reply to a different post?Michael posted up a copy of a tweet mentioning 19 businesses, and said he personally knew of a few more. He did this in response to someone asking whether there really were 20+ similar businesses in Chiswick.How exactly is that being spiteful? Or obnoxious?

Andrew Jones ● 2203d

Agree Andrew,  Robin Knight asked to see the list,  Michaela obliged and has been harshly criticised for doing so.  I too noticed some local dry cleaners were missing including one I have used in the past albeit most of our households business goes to Top hat.

Matthew Swain ● 2203d

David forgot to blame China in his pathetic deflection post of what's really going on.It's a real shame about Top Hat. Have always found Mike to be very pleasant and they do a good job. Robin clearly has his 1 and 2 the wrong way round though. Let's not pretend this is anything more that Covid.There are certain businesses that were always going to struggle if we all work from home and it's horrible.I actually think its very cheap trying to use Top Hat to fuel your ridiculous arguments. Some businesses are thriving and others are struggling. We are in strange times and all we can do is try and support our businesses.Enough with your agenda. Make the points where they are real because if you don't think this is all because of covid you have your head up your arse.

Tony Smart ● 2203d

Dear MikeI’m very sorry to hear this. Many a bride have had their wedding dresses cleaned and vacuum packed at yr shop on the strong advice of my dress making stepmother - my best friend included.You shall be sorely missed.Take care and all the very best for the future,Georgie x

Georgina Flint ● 2203d

Hopefully Mike (maybe distantly related?:) won't give up his entrepreneurial spirit which has benefited Chiswick and proved successful for him and will go on to build another enterprise that suits our new way of living. I remember Steve Clean of the carpet cleaner company told me he was diversifying into window blinds...there is always something for someone who has been a successful entrepreneur.  It's a shame to have to almost start again but millions of people ere having to learn new skills and try new things, and I am sure Mike, with his entrepreneurial skills, business nouse and deep community engagement will flourish at whatever he turns his hand to in the future.  Would be great to get together with other entrepreneurs.  I've been lucky, have survived the pandenmic with fewer problems than many, it seems, but I adopted a flexible business model 20 years ago (working from home with a network of other freelancers in the creative industries) which now seems to be becoming mainstream, but it would be lovely if there were a local group for professional freelancers.

Claire Moran ● 2203d

Just to re-adjust downwards the figure for the number of dry cleaners in the W4 area, Mr.Clean and Mrs.Stitch on the now barely accessible Turnham Green Terrace is now closed for business.

Caroline Webb ● 2203d

Tony, generally one of the more rational cyclists posters but:'I actually think its very cheap trying to use Top Hat to fuel your ridiculous arguments'Wow, this is really poor. If a business is already struggling, why make it very difficult for many of their customers to visit, who will go elsewhere. Who knows if the closure of DR was 10% to blame or 30%, but lets be clear it did not help. To paraphrase your post, 'if you dont think this is in part because of DR closure you have your head up your arse'. Indeed, it seems you do.As for 'ridiculous arguments', the idea we just close lots of roads and the appalling congestion that has blighted part of Chiswick for 20 years plus just evaporates. That takes the prize.

Paul Green ● 2203d

And all so unnecessary:

Michael Brown ● 2203d

Morning all,We have no plans to close WE WILL STAY OPEN!We are for sale if anyone is interested, something I had looked to do three years ago after talking it through with the founders of Top Hat back in 1967 - my parents.Things have been very tough since the middle of February and closing on March the 23rd,but I have had great support from staff and both Land Lords as well as customers (after chatting about the down turn two guys went home and emptied their wardrobes so give us a helping hand!)Trade has been effected by the virus due to less work clothing coming in but we are adapting to that as all good businesses do BUT the, imho, ridiculous new road restriction and very poor communications from Hounslow re who is allowed down DR have had a very detrimental effect on trade for us, no consultation at all - just because you don't have to consult doesn't mean you can't.All of which has happened at the worst time for the High Road that any of us have suffered.Thank you for all the kind words of support don't forget to pop along on Saturday 12th of December for our annual Thank You drink and cake.Mike

Michael Moran ● 2203d

It is quite an outburst from Loraine. She has started another thread, however.

Stewart Jones ● 2203d

Blame the looney liberal aggressive cyclists along with their cohort left-wing liberals in the council offices in Hounslow who had as much foresight in this whole mess as a rotten egg.

c james ● 2203d

Blame 'the looney liberal aggressive cyclists along with their cohort left-wing liberals in the council offices in Hounslow' for what - the work from home invocation that's left office clothes hanging in wardrobes?

Ken Munn ● 2203d

MikeSo pleased to hear that you're going to be providing your excellent service for a while longer. See you this week  and on 12th December.Stay safe

Loraine Pemberton ● 2203d

It's just what Loraine does.The point is that Cllr Biddolph's list highlights the very large number of dry cleaners in Chiswick.  19 plus 5 or 6 missing from the list means there are about 25 or so.  That seems to be a very large number for what appears to be a declining market.  Business wear was getting increasingly casual even before lockdown and WFH.

Michael Robinson ● 2203d

90% of our customers are within a mile so the 19 other cleaners aren’t all direct competition.Regardless of the virus problems there are too many of us really AND WE ARE NOT LEAVING

Michael Moran ● 2203d

That is good news Mike - and I hope you find a buyer. You deserve to. For more years than I can recall, Top Hat has offered a great service. It does not deserve to close.Some of the arguments against your business on this thread are simply malicious and ignorant and hostile to private enterprise. For example, in no way can the Top Hat branch on Devonshire Rd be described as a struggling business that deserves to fail. We all know that 2020 has been a unique year. All those who could help business and jobs survive should have done so. Instead, for the Council to do what it has at a time like this is a total disgrace regardless of the anyway previously controversial demands of the cycling lobby. Those on this thread who are arguing against the survival of businesses like Top Hat really need to examine their consciences.

Robin Knight ● 2203d

So no apologies for the misinformation in your first post then?

Michael Robinson ● 2203d

I take it your on about the OP who was Robin knight.

Bernard Allen ● 2203d

I'm sure that was Michael's intention.Pleased to hear that Top Hat isn't closing ... we've been going there for years.

Andrew Jones ● 2203d

Well said David. Mike Moran & his staff are a heroic bunch & Devonshire Road will be so much poorer without them.

Michael Dempsey ● 2203d

Robin, your initial post seems to have been inaccurate and potentially damaging to the Top Hat business in that anyone reading the early part of this thread would assume they are closing and take their business elsewhere. At the very least you owe Mike and his staff an apology.

Richard Greenhough ● 2203d

Best to delete this entire thread.

Georgina Flint ● 2203d

Mike has already made it clear that they are not closing, just selling the business.He has supplied the various reasons and adds:"BUT the, imho, ridiculous new road restriction and very poor communications from Hounslow re who is allowed down DR have had a very detrimental effect on trade for us, no consultation at all - just because you don't have to consult doesn't mean you can't.All of which has happened at the worst time for the High Road that any of us have suffered."I don't think the thread needs to be deleted and I don't believe the OP needs to apologise for bringing this matter to the attention of all. The people supporting the road closures and the ridiculous cycle lanes should hang their heads in shame!

Steve Taylor ● 2203d

Robin doesn’t owe me any apology, happy to share a coffee anytime

Michael Moran ● 2203d

As for apologies on mis-information let's go with the bullshit (sorry) about having consulted local traders.Mike Moran just said he was not consulted with what goes on outside his door.Ditto from me on anything to do with CS9. Still waiting on the latest letter from TfL regarding works schedule. It never came.Your defense of these practices is pathetic.

David Lesniak ● 2203d

Prominent, not pathetic Tony.Paul Campbell said so.As Mike said, you know the one who we are all talking about and defending, it is a combination of factors including the recent traffic measures removing access to his shop. He and his family have been at it for 53 years. So I'd say they know a thing or two about what it takes to succeed. He's a font of knowledge in that respect. And yet still, you all opted not to contact him.Pathetic indeed.

David Lesniak ● 2202d

I am pleased you are not closing but the thread has caused some huge reaction with accusations of spite etc.The OP might not need to apologise but some posters certainly need to explain their comments.

Stewart Jones ● 2202d

Let’s face it: it is terrible publicity for any business let alone one where people are expected to leave expensive and precious personal items with the doubt that they might get them back if there is an imminent closure. What is the character of a man who goes on a public forum to mistakenly advertise the closure of a popular local business? The people jumping on his phantom bandwagon are just more pathetic.

Paul Campbell ● 2202d

Pathetic is the insinuation people would not get their items returned.Pathetic is the attack on someone's character for demonstrating concern over the sustainability of a local business. A business in operation for 53 years.Pathetic is not engaging with businesses at a time of global crisis.Pathetic is not engaging with all the people of Chiswick. All of your neighbors.Pathetic is touting that you embrace the views of others whom you oppose just so long as they're in Redfield.Pathetic. Little. Spiteful. But you do you, Paul. You do you.

David Lesniak ● 2202d

'precious personal items with the doubt that they might get them back if there is an imminent closure'Paul you are right his situation is in fact not unheard of.  I remember reading a few years back of a young lady who lost her wedding dress which had been worn by 3 generations through a dissolved dry cleaners which had closed overnight. Very good to hear Top Hat will remain open

Matthew Swain ● 2202d

"it is terrible publicity for any business"What rubbish. If anything, all decent people who need dry-cleaning will now make more of an effort to support Top Hat  in this hour of need even if it means negotiating the road closures, no parking and dodging cyclists. This is great publicity for Top Hat.

Steve Taylor ● 2202d