Published: 7 March, 2014
EXCLUSIVE by DAN CARRIER

THE shutters will roll down on more than 100 years of Kentish Town history tomorrow (Saturday) as the Chamberlaine bike shop closes for the last time in its current form.

Owner Steve Chamberlaine has ended the family connection with the shop in Kentish Town Road shop by selling it on to a long-serving employee, Nick Freilichi, who has worked there for 22 years.

It will be re-branded as Giant store, a franchise of one of the major names in cycling, and re-opened later this month.

The Chamberlaine story started in 1889, with current owner Steve Chamberlaine's great-grandfather Edward running an iron mongers. 

“He used to make and repair flat irons,” says Steve.

They were based in near-by Camden Street and had a blacksmith's forge. They moved in 1912 to the current home of the Chamberlaine shop, where they started manufacturing their own bicycles on the premises.

In the 1920s, you could buy a Primrose bike – named after Primrose Hill – built in Kentish Town Road. The anvil and forge inside was only removed in the 1970s. 

The founder's son – also called Edward – had fought in the First World War and was at the Battle of the Somme. He was lucky to survive after he was caught in a mustard has attack.

“When Edward was discharged due to his injuries, he was given £39,” says Steve.

“He went back to making bikes and it paid the rent for the shop for a year.”

The Second World War also had a huge effect on the business. The Chamberlaine shop was blown to pieces during the Blitz – but gave the family the chance to build a purpose-built bike shop, which they believe is the only one of its type in London. 

The Chamberlaines eventually ran three shops in the parade, and older readers of the New Journal will recall their toy shop and their pram sales area too.

They also branched out into selling Honda motorbikes – providing many London cabbies with transport as they completed 'the knowledge'.

Steve added: “I get into the back of a cab still and the Cabbie will tell me they bought a motorbike from me decades ago before they qualified.”

For Steve, closing the doors for the last time represents the end of nearly 200 years of family history. He said: “My family have worked in Camden Town since the 1800s: before the bikes, we were coal merchants, steeple jacks and painters and decorators. It's sad to go, but I know I'm leaving the shop in expert hands.”