Reviews of General Eyewear. (Optician) in London (London).

General Eyewear

98 Reviews

91 Comments

Optician

Optician

Arch 67 The Stables Market, Chalk Farm Rd, London NW1 8AH, United Kingdom

Description

Information of General Eyewear, Optician in London (London)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

Map

Open hours of General Eyewear

Popular times

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Reviews of General Eyewear

J. C. Y. &. M.

Absolutely the best place for glasses in London. Fabio has a real eye for frames that suit and they have such a vast range. If you're looking for something a bit different and really special then this is the place for you.

W. P.

This place is a must see if you are a fan of vintage and antique eyewear. They can also custom make pretty much anything you want. I was very surprised by the bombs of eyewear knowledge Fabio dropped on me. Do not miss General Eyewear!!!

N. K.

Pleasant surprise my Ray bans lens fell out whilst shopping in Camden , walked into General eye wear the staff very friendly repaired them , they not only make their own bespoke designer glasses they’ve also got a rare selection of antique designer glasses and sun glasses never used from factory . If you gonna spend good money want great knowledge and friendly help it’s worth a look here , Dave King of East Sussex

S. S.

Mila and the General Eyewear team did an amazing job on a very complex bespoke lens insert for my frames. They look beautiful. Thanks for your attention to detail and craftsmanship!

M.

Easily the best curated selection of eyewear in London, General Eyewear is the place to go when you need to buy a proper pair of adult glasses. Their selection of sunglasses is on point too, and it’s always worth having a look at any new arrivals if you’re in the area. Customer service is also excellent!

J. H.

Always such a brilliant service - so patient and helpful (and I was being very indecisive!) and I'm really happy with new glasses and sunglasses! Great range of options, quick turnaround for new glasses and overall such high quality. Highly recommend!

J. E.

I had a great experience at the shop! I found the team all very well mannered and had a great understanding of their products. I highly recommend a visit just to look around if not to begin your own vintage journey!

V. D.

Fabio and the crew at General Eyewear are stellar. Top notch. The best in the business. My husband and I were in London on business and stopped in to browse the extensive variety of specs that General Eyewear had in store. We each left with a pair of glasses - 1 pair of prescription ordered and 1 pair of sunnies in hand. The customer service was tremendous - and didn't stop when we left. 2 months later - my glasses had an accident, and I emailed the store for help. I mailed my glasses to Fabio (I am in Philadelphia, PA), and General Eyewear had my glasses repaired for just the cost of mailing them. I couldn't believe it! They are good as new. I am so happy with our experience - then whenever we have friends visiting London - we recommend they make a stop at the shop. We look forward to making our way back and thanking Fabio in person!

J. M.

I have been shopping at General Eyewear for many years and definitely my favorite glasses store in London. The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. The choice is vast from classic vintage frames to more unusual rare designs. I could spend hours looking through the extensive curated collection. On my last visit I noticed that the shop has now been extended to include a workshop where custom frames can be made to order. The best frames, the best service and at a very competitive price.

D. S.

Fabio was extremely helpful and nice , plus the selection of glasses is unmatched! Great store and great people

H. B.

It is impossible not to fall in love with General Eyewear. Very reasonably priced (prescription lenses included in the price of the frames) and overall a unique and special shopping experience. If their vast selection of beautiful frames was not enough, they also have the best customer service in London. Fabio selected a few different styles for me to try and helped me choose my perfect pair. He told me about the tiny region in Italy where my vintage glasses came from, I highly doubt you'd find the same passion and attentiveness in any other opticians. Returned with my mum for us both to get a new pair of sunglasses, and despite her speculativeness of the vintage style, Fabio found her frames that she instantly fell in love with.

A. C. -. C.

Their staff understand exactly what you are looking for! I went to General Eyewear several times and I think 2 out of 3 times I actually purchased something. For someone who always looks for something unique and worth "the investment" this shop definitely is the right place. The staff there also add value, know their stuff and can "read" your personal preference in terms style. Price for the frames includes the lenses and they will have the finished product within a week. I've been impressed so far and look forward to more quality frames!

R. S.

I used to think that Camden market only offered gaudy cyber-punk apparel and overpriced street food. That is until I discovered it's also home to General Eyewear, the best opticians I've ever been to and one of London's great hidden gems. The company is known for its beautiful custom frames, many of which have graced the silver screen, but for me the real appeal of the place is its unrivalled collection of vintage frames. These are housed in beautiful art-deco display cabinets that you can browse at your leisure. The incredibly knowledgeable staff will help you at length if you want a second opinion, but if you'd rather pick-out your new specs in peace, you can try on as many frames as you like uninterrupted. This is in stark contrast to most high-end opticians, where you have to sign a disclaimer to even look at their frames. Most of the vintage frames are around the £200 mark, incredibly good value given their quality. But the best bit of the shopping experience? No hidden fees! Basic lenses come at no extra cost, with thinner lenses at £25 increments depending on just how thin you need them. So if you're looking to buy some awesome glasses without having to remortgage your house, you'd be a fool not to head down to General Eyewear.

S. S.

Highly recommended. Anything but general! General eyewear is a great store in Camden stables, a bit hard to find but if you persist you will be rewarded! I really enjoyed my shopping experience there from the excellent customer service from Fabio to the huge selection of vintage frames. The lighting and classical music are great too. There is something for everyone and the best part is the uniqueness, you are very unlikely to see another person wearing a similar pair!

M. C.

Situated in a corner of Camden Stables in a Victorian railway arch sits General Eyewear, a vintage inspired and beautifully designed opticians. Unlike other glasses shops, General Eyewear provides customers with glasses which are not only practical, but are also wonderfully individual and remind buyers that glasses are an important investment in your personal identity. An incredible variety of glasses makes the store stand out from others, and the shopping experience is boosted even more by the excellent service. The staff are passionate and extremely helpful in finding the right style to suit your face. They also encourage you to explore and don't hesitate to let you try on as many glasses as you like. I have bought two pairs of unique glasses from here now and will definitely be back in the future to buy more!

N. T.

Brilliant! Was taken down to Camden Town for a new pair of spectacles and found myself pleasantly surprised by the diverse selection of frames. There is just so much to look at, and I'm certain that they have something to suit just about everybody. Vintage to contemporary to downright eccentric. Customer service was friendly; unlike the pretentious vibe you get in other eyewear shops, General Eyewear felt welcoming and pressure-free. The staff appear to have excellent taste and will gladly recommend a suitable pair if you ask. The frames + lenses pricing is extremely sensible. I'm tempted to return for another pair one of these days!

Z. S.

Just bought my first pair of glasses from General Eyewear and it was such a pleasure. The staff were friendly, tremendously knowledgable and very quickly picked out great frames that suited my face for me to try on. Within minutes I had found a couple of frames that I really liked. The most time consuming part was choosing between my favourite frames. Additionally, I never felt rushed or pressured to buy, as I have found to be the case in some other shops. General Eyewear have a fantastic selection of frames so you are spoilt for choice and they are priced competitively. They were quick to respond to emails and within a couple of days I had my glasses ready to wear. I need some prescription sunglasses for summer and I will definitely be going to General Eyewear. I highly recommend them.

H. K.

Eyewear is just as much of an important aspect to fashion and style as clothing, cosmetics or other accessories. If you are looking for excellent service when choosing a new pair of frames, look no further. General Eyewear has it all! From vintage to custom - the team at General Eyewear have the knowledge and expertise to select the frames and styles most suited to your features and bone structure. Not only is the service both fantastic and friendly, the actual aesthetic of the shop is similar to that of a museum - displaying the range of frames which are all beautifully lit. My experience time and time again has never disappointed and I look forward to my next visit.

T. M.

Stumbled across this shop 5-6 years ago while I was still living in London. Felt I had found a hidden gem in the far end corner of Camden Market. Not like your mainstream boring high-street shop but one that finally does cool and unique vintage frames as well as their not mass produced own range. If you are 'doomed' to wear glasses, like I am, then this is a must shop to visit. It will make your friends wish they needed glasses just to get their hands on a pair and strangers in the street commenting on your cool specs. The service is great from both Fraser and Fabio. Relaxed, friendly and very helpful. Have now got 10 pairs of specs/sunglasses from these lads and still coming back for more as they are more than happy to ship them over seas to my new home.

L. F.

By far the best selection of new, vintage and antique frames I've come across, in London, or anywhere else. Super friendly and knowledgable staff helped me make the decision of which pair to buy easy, digging out hidden pairs of spectacles based on my preferences! And they are always very tolerable of my indecision. It's also worth noting that they fit lenses and do repairs, quickly, and at very reasonable cost. Bless ya GE, I wouldn't go anywhere else!

A. A.

General eyewear offers a delightful shopping experience, with an extremely vast array of vintage glasses, and staff that are passionate about finding you the perfect pair of glasses, and more than willing to spend time suggesting different frames and offering their opinions. Make sure you do ask for staff assistance, they really do know what they’re talking about! You’re bound to leave a happy customer with a unique pair of glasses for a reasonable price. I’ve been recommending general eyewear ever since I went and wouldn’t think twice about where to go when I want to buy glasses again.

G. A.

Best service, frames & prices! Recommended by a friend who regularly purchases her amazing specs from there. It totally lived up to my high expectations. After being told by another optician around the corner that only Johnny Depp could wear round glasses(..??), it was a nice surprise to find a store that stocked more than the average cutler and gross frame and had genuinely helpful staff. If like me it takes you a long time to track down the right frame, General Eyewear is the place to go. Fabio listened to everything I said and patiently waited whilst I tried on most of the frames. He gave really good suggestions and even told the occasional background story. And if that doesn't sum it up, my boyfriend - who doesn't even need glasses - purchased a pair of his own with a clear and a coloured lens option. We left with 3 pairs, says it all.

R. K.

General Eyewear is entirely one of a kind. I have been going to the shop for a long while now for my frames. Not once have I been disappointed with the service or the products. The stock of vintage frames is like nothing I have ever seen before. Occasionally I go into the store just to look around. The staff in the shop are incredibly helpful and extremely knowledgable. They have gone out of their way to make sure I am happy every time I have been in the store. I really recommend anyone who is looking for frames to go into archive. Even if you don't find something you want, which is pretty much impossible, it is a joy to look around and talk to the staff. And to top it off the prices are very reasonable!

M.

A diverse collection of vintage designer frames – likely to cater to any tastes, specially if you're prepared to go digging. Staff are helpful, knowledgeable and patient when trying to pick out options from the thousands (!) available. Despite the large selection, the space is well merchandised and not too overwhelming; key styles are displayed in cabinets supported by drawers full of frames to search through. I'm sometimes wary of buying vintage frames for potential condition & fit issues, but here everything is in good shape and they're all set to adjust frames to the wearer, plus complete repairs if need be. They also do bespoke in-house designs and produce interesting collections of their own… a mixture of classic and experimental shapes, all with nice detailing. Next time you need new glasses and want the opportunity to find something unique, pay this place a visit.

G. D. B.

General Eyewear is a great place to find a set of unique frames of a variety of tastes. The staff are fantastic. They let me try on about every pair in the shop and were really helpful. The quality of their lenses are also top notch. If you are the type of person that finds high street opticians extremely bland and depressing you should check GE out. Can't say enough good things about them.

D. B.

I would thoroughly recommend a trip to General Eye Wear. This shop epitomises what Camden Market should be - quirky, inventive, stylish and individual. Initially one is drawn in by the fantastic array of frames, enticed by the great displays and antique fittings and fixtures set within an old railway arch. I was met with a friendly smile and told that I was welcome to try on anything I liked and encouraged to search through the many drawers of frames. The staff were very knowledgeable and helped me to find the perfect frame. I'm very happy that I stumbled upon General Eye Wear.

J. F.

Where to start?! I guess I should start from the beginning! Being a resident of Leeds, you Londoners might be shocked to hear that the city lacks decent dispensaries of rustic/classic/bespoke/quality frames. The ones that exist follow a very boring rhetoric of which I loathe. My affliction with General Eyewear began with a visit when I undertook an internship in 2014, I got my first pair of frames from them in 2015 of which I have worn - and received numerous compliments on - for 3 years now. Time came to get another pair, and when I found myself in London I stopped by. Ellie and Elliot were very helpful, knowledgeable, and laid back salespeople. I ended up taking a pair of frames which turned out to be a bit small (my fault; as I didn't listen to their advice as I loved them that much) when I sought-after a return their exchange policy was simple enough. Having received my 2nd choice frames I couldnt be happier. I conversed with Fabio via email and his guidance helped avert this 2nd pair from also being too small - which I am thankful for, they could have easily insisted on a visit to store but their attention to detail and willingness to help from my numerous emails, helped avert more money spent on a trip to London. Their selection of frames is mind boggling and every time in the city I have to visit and so should you. There is truly something for everyone whom has a passion of quality frames. Their pricing is more than fair for the quality in product and service you receive. My only issue is: they should come up to Leeds and open up a store, I can only imagine the money they'd make serving us Northern folk. Until my next pair, thank you GE.

D. V.

I stumbled across General Eyewear in The Stables Market quite by accident however I was instantly impressed by their range and the concept glasses on display. I decided to get a pair on the spot and the staff were extremely helpful and competent in facilitating this. When I said what I didn't like about a pair another pair was produced which I liked more and I only had to try on about 5 pairs before I found the perfect ones. Great value also as I didn't even realise at first that the lenses come included in the price!

B. R.

This is truly one of my favourite spots in London. I get endless compliments from strangers on my General Eyewear frames - one offs from a vintage French designer. Fabulous, comfortable and well made - I only wish I hadn't spent years prior going to chain optometrists. The staff here are genuine and knowledgeable and will ensure you walk away with the best glasses to suit you - and you won't look like everyone else!

J. P.

Located in London's famous Camden Town, General Eyewear offers an approach to optics rarely seen on a UK high street - in fact, you won't find an approach to optics on a UK high street quite like General Eyewear. Although quite tricky to find, it's worth the effort. Inside you'll find a plethora of vintage-modern frames, in a variety of shapes, sizes, colours and textures - you're sure to find something you agree with, which is rarely the case for myself when it comes to glasses. As a discerning professional, who requires extreme optical clarity to uphold a medical for my job, I was extremely impressed with the range of lenses and options offered to me by General Eyewear. So don't visit your high street optician next time you're due a pair of glasses or sunglasses, give General Eyewear a visit and come away with something not every Tom, Richard and Harold own, and you'll be pleasantly surprised how easy on your wallet it is too.

D. Y.

***UPDATE BELOW*** 4/9/2020 My 2nd time buying frames from them. First time I bought some custom specs, and a pair of sunnies. The customer service and experience was phenomenonal. This time around, buying has been a nightmare as they don't even respond to social media messages (seen), or my emails. Before handing over payment their replies were exceptionally fast, but since receiving money they've barely responded. In my opinion it's really poor customer service, it's easier to retain customers than find new ones. I've been waiting for 3 months + now. I've asked for a refund, still no reply. I'll keep you posted on the outcome. Denny __________________________________________________________________ ***UPDATE HERE*** I was contacted by their frame maker personally to speed up the process of my frames. I was offered a refund at half the cost, but they also offered a complimentary pair of bespoke glasses too. It was a no brainer - I'm obviously going to choose the latter and another pair of glasses. The first time I bought from GE was because of the craftsmanship of their glasses. I've had loads of specialty brands of glasses (Moscot, Warby Parker, Persol, Tom Ford, Oliver Peoples, and even Oliver Goldsmith) but nothing compare to GE in my opinion. I wore my frames from GE the day of receiving them on a daily basis and they lasted for a good 5-6 year, the only reason they broke was because of an unexpected flying object flying into my face! Anyhow, I received my two pairs of bespoke glasses and it really reminded me of how well made these frames are. Thank you GE for work on these, I know we had our difficulties - but I will buy from you again. Shout out to Akio. Denny 4/9/2020

T. M.

General Eyewear wasn't my first choice, but after a referral from a friend who has used them on a couple of occasions I'll be using them again. I had an old frame that I love broken underfoot which they repaired overnight, to be honest making them a more sturdy frame that was always a little loose. I found a great pair of frames for some new Varifocals too. Great range of frames, from the sublime to the classic practical. Recommended.

D. T.

Excellent service from friendly, knowledgeable staff who are interested in building a long term relationship with their clients. Wide selection of vintage, and new frames. I have bought four bespoke frames from General Eyewear including sunglasses as well as a vintage YSL. I used to go to E B Meyrowitz, but prefer Stefano, Akio and the team in Camden. I am very particular about my frames and like that the designers work patiently with me using their own and my historical and contemporary inspirations to get to the desired end result. Rather than being either bland or fashion forward, the designs offered to me speak to my social and professional needs and it is clear that the team at General Eyewear have tried to understand me and my tastes rather then just offering me either what they like on me, or my first choice. The advice given has been top notch. They are passionate about their products, which really are of the highest quality. I am used to the bespoke process in many areas of clothing and recommend his store to anyone who needs something elegant or something that stands out a little more (I have both). There have been no pushy sales, just a genuine excitement about giving me the best possible product. Oh and the price? Very reasonable for all the work that goes into getting things right. I now have some of the finest glasses around in designs that are far superior and different to anything I have had from any other provider.

B. P.

I really enjoyed buying my glasses here. They have a really beautiful interior and layout at the shop, so it's a pleasure to spend time inside - especially if you like to choose slowly. The glasses are all (i think) never worn vintage. The selection is fashionable and understated, and it pays attention to both casual and formal styles. It seemed all, if not the vast majority, were individual pieces. I saw some beautiful examples of design that I imagine I am very unlikely to ever see again at very reasonable prices. As far as i'm concerned it's the only opticians i need go to in London. The buyer there helped me out for about an hour going through lots of frames before I found the ones i wanted.. I bought a pair of Boss by Carrera 1990s

D. M.

I liked the sound of General Eyewear from a Time Out write-up and went to visit. Beware! Trying to find the shop in The Stables Market is like trying to find your way through a Moroccan soukh. But it's worth the effort. The shop has a gigantic selection of vintage frames and it's highly likely you'll find something for you. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that the shop will put your prescription lenses in the frames all for a very reasonable price. Good service too and always some quirky movie soundtrack playing in the background. Recommended.

O.

Best shopping experience ever! Fantastic selection of glasses and outstanding customer service! Me and my friend spent 2 hours in the store attentively served and carefully cherished by super pro seller and glasses expert Fabio, who could tell you what glasses will suit you by a single look at your face. I would describe us as kind of annoying customers but Fabio was very patient and extremely helpful. I left the stall with rare vintage Giorgio Armani glasses from the eighties and even though I paid more than I intended to spend, I have no regrets. The experience and the product totally worth it. And this is a review from anti consumerist haha!

D. H.

This is hands down my favourite shop in London. Fabio at General Eyewear displays the aesthetic awareness of an artist and an astonishing level of competence and enthusiasm that you simply won't find anywhere else. He can take one look at you and, with the excitement of a mad scientist, match the perfect pair of frames to your face. I have come to trust him blindly - no prescription-related pun intended - and have just bought my fourth pair, made there from scratch and inspired by some tortoiseshell Oliver Goldsmiths from the 1930s that I had seen at the V&A. It's a true relief to be able to feel that I'm in safe hands there. You'll quickly get the idea that General Eyewear is much, much more than just a shop. Also, with prices starting at, I think, 140 pounds complete with lenses it's cheaper than the competition, by which I mean other places that sell vintage glasses, not to mention the handmade quality of what you get here, compared to the deplorable two-for-the-price-of-one-made-in China-operations that have come to infect our local highstreets. I doubt very much that I shall ever buy glasses anywhere else.

s.

I have been going to General Eyewear, formally known as Arckiv in the Stables Market of Camden for years. This intimate railway arch that hold over 50,000 vintage and bespoke frames is run by a small team of experienced eyewear collectors and designers, obsessed with their trade. Believing that a pair of spectacles is not just an accessory, but a fundamental extension of yourself, all of the staff are more than happy to help you choose the frame that best suits you. From a pair of tortoise shell horn-rims straight out of the extensive vintage archive to one of their bespoke in-house designs, which fly out of the shop as soon as they make their season debut, you will quickly begin to question how you ever lived without. Affordable frames with prescription lenses included in the package, not only is the experience of choosing a unique pair of tailored glasses a great experience, but you walk away feeling as if you have just purchased something really special. I will continue to come back to this fantastic treasure trove and burgeoning design house for as long as my eyesight fails me. And even then, there will always be the sunglasses to drool over.

L. M.

On a recent visit to general eyewear to get some sunglasses for both my husband and myself, we found the perfect pairs for both of us.The location can be a bit tricky to find but if you ask anyone in the market they will point you in the right direction. The selection of vintage frames is amazing, a little overwhelming but the staff are super helpful and point you in the right direction. A really great shop!!!

N. V.

I visited General Eyewear due to the reviews I read and after my own experience there felt I had to write my own. Fantastic selection of great vintage frames. Found my absolute dream glasses, with help from very friendly staff. Would 100% recommend!!!

S. L.

I stumbled across this place whilst wondering around the market and I'm really glad I did. They have a huge selection of vintage glasses as well as a lot of the modern styles. Well presented and accompanied with incredibly helpful staff. Fabio has an obvious passion for what he does and proved himself very knowledgable in finding the correct frames for me. I'd highly recommend a visit even if it is just to try a find some frames that you may have not even thought of or considered before.

M. W.

A must visit - I was looking at sunglasses. The selection is very varied, especially if you want something a little unorthodox, with both new and vintage items meaning there is something for all tastes and looks. The prices are decent with lenses included in the frame price, including prescription lenses. Well worth going to. Don't buy glasses before checking their stuff out..

F. M.

Sometimes difficult to locate in the market, the shop is totally worth the walk across camden stables. Beautiful location, the ambiance is breath taking. I first came to the shop in january 2011 and got my first pair of reading glasses within a week. They have the most amazing selection of sourced eyewear, perfect place if you want to make a fashion statement with your glasses. I came back to the store a couple of times afterwards and they always had new stock and the people that work there are just lovely. Just before leaving London, i came in again to get myself a second pair and again within like 2 weeks i received my glasses trough the mail in Montréal, Canada and they were perfect. So overall, im not getting eyewear anywhere else.

L. B.

I spent a very happy and productive hour yesterday trying on and eventually choosing to buy two new pairs of retro designer glasses from the hundreds of pairs on offer . This was without doubt the best shopping experience I have had in my life ( and I am an OAP who has shopped for well over 60 years – so I know what I am talking about). The service is outstanding. The staff are passionate and very knowledgeable about glasses and encourage you to explore, without pressurising you to buy. These were the 7th and 8th pair I have bought from here , and I often have complete strangers coming up to me to compliment me on my glasses and ask where I bought them. So - why not go and explore, or design your own and get a bespoke pair made ( mine are round and purple, so they beautifully match the purple highlights in my white hair). Their glasses are a great fashion accessory – even when you are 67 !

C. C.

When I had to pick up my first pair of glasses in 2008 this is where I came and I haven't been anywhere since. There is a real sense of fetishism involved here where reverence for frames goes beyond optical retail and into the realm of theatre and creativity. You can come here three times on the same day and not see the same frames twice however within a couple of minutes you will be competently guided through the vast selection to something that is bang on for you. No hard sell, no pushy Specsavers style hawking but a genuine interest in how to sort out some facial architecture on your behalf. Cannot recommend highly enough.

R. N.

After having my eyes tested, and coming into the store I was helped by Fabio to find the perfect pair of glasses for my clothing style and also general purpose needs. I then found out that the prescription I had been given was wrong, and then after having another eye test, I needed the lenses changed. I went back to Camden, and Fabio instantly recognized me, asked what the issue was, and insured me that the problem would be resolved. The fact that this was an external companies problem and no issue of General eyewear's yet I was still taken care of shows the value that the customers have to the team. I thank Fabio and the team for their help.

D. S.

I look forward to my now annual specs upgrade at General Eyewear. With a range second to none I always find what I'm looking for and always something a little different from what your average high st eyewear shop can offer. Ever friendly service and honest opinion are the reason I keep going back and recommending this great store to friends. Long live General Eyewear!!

A. K.

Such a nice, quirky little store in Camden Market, and the staff were really warm and friendly. Despite me not quite being able to articulate what I was after, they somehow managed to find the best frames for me. Their selection is generally the cutting edge of eyewear, and I couldn't be happier with my Diesel frames. Well worth a visit!

R. T.

I wandered into Arckiv and met Fraser. They Have a vast range of vintage glasses at reasonable prices. I picked out some glasses, had lenses made up, and they just weren't right for me, had the lenses changed, I still wasn't happy. After all this Fraser still gave me a refund. I was very pleased with the service and will be back when I finally decide what type of glasses I want. Highly Recommended

N. R.

Definitely my favourite shop in London! I love the vintage selection they have. I also love the staff. They are very nice and friendly. I came back with my boyfriend and he bought new frames. I totally recommend to all my friends.

M. T.

My first trip to the UK, I found General Eyewear on Google and marked it (from New Zealand) as a place to go in London. We found it accidentally - the best customer experience ever: - I need glasses, sad but true I give up - enter: the best selection ever of vintage frames, 1000's..... - the best service, awesome staff dude, trying on dozens over an hour, great fun - Result: beautiful spanish 1950's frames, 20/20 vision - happiness I can't recommend highly enough

J. v.

Came across this Optician accidentally. Brilliant choice of glasses. Super professional service. Excellent eye optician. EXCELLED any options I have encountered over the years. Well worth another visit from Brighton. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Thank you guys!

D. R.

Really are the experts in London, not just on vintage opticals, but for their attention to detail in custom work. I Took a pair of old bifocals in poor condition I found in a thrift store whose shape I liked with a very specific set of demands - I needed the lenses replacing, the metal stripped down, the nose buds replaced and then the exterior detail filed off. I also asked if it were possible for the frames to be given a matt black finish. I can't think of anywhere else in London who would have been able to perform this, and it was completely within two weeks for an extremely reasonable fee. I'm completely delighted with the result. If you are looking for a unique set of frames, or to have work done to existing frames, I could not recommend them more highy.

C. M.

I purchased vintage 1970s Christian Dior sunglasses at the shop yesterday. The service is superb! While the amount of options can be a bit daunting at first, the staff will help you narrow down the look you are going for and make suggestions you might have not considered, perhaps leading to a discovery which will transform your look for the better!

A. R.

Quirky and fun, but also professional and serious, it's good to know places like this still exist in central London. It will be hard to set foot in a high street glasses shop again after this experience! Actually all shopping should be like this, then more of us would go to shops. Not cheap, but not silly prices either. I will return, and probably before I have a new prescription...

M. n. i. I.

Outstanding business. The staff are friendly, and have a clear natural flare for eyewear and how certain frames suit certain faces. I went in there with kind of an idea of what I wanted, and before I could even describe it, a member of staff (Fabio) had pretty much already got it spot on with a range of specs to choose from and I walked away with a big beaming smile on my face, thrilled and excited about the arrival of my new frames. Thanks.

A. K.

Great shop, friendly staff, unique selection above all excelent after sale service!

G. M. S.

The customer service was excellent and I will definitely be coming back to pick up a fantastic set of glasses. If not something bespoke. Special shout-out to Georgia for being so patient while I tried glasses!

L. O.

General Eyewear is something of a treasure, tucked away in one of the expansive arches that line the back of Camden’s Stables Market. Nestled amongst alternative jewellery stalls and niche furniture stores, this lightly cluttered menagerie of delights is an unsung jewel, destined to set fire in the eyes of any bespectacled shoppers in the vicinity. The sprawling expanse of frames, which line the cabinets, drawers and walls of the stripped down décor is arguably the most varied and enticing of any I’ve seen. If, impossibly, you struggle to find the perfect set, however, General Eyewear’s bespoke service is sheer brilliance, and truly what sets it apart from any other eyewear vendor. Staffed by an intelligent, engaging and truly insightful group of individuals and headed by owner, Fraser Laing (who will inevitably become a treasured acquaintance from your very first visit), whether you’re in search of prescription frames or a hopeful set of sunglasses in preparation for the elusive British Summer, they will ensure you find exactly what you’re looking for with an impressive return time.

N. T.

This is an amazing shop, beautiful frames, excellent customer service. I went in to buy my first pair of glasses and they staff were so friendly and helpful and a swift prescription. I strongly recommend!

R. R.

Fabio at General Eyewear was amazing, i've never liked wearing glasses because i've never felt any frame did anything but make me look worse, not now though! im so happy with the frame Fabio found for me i havnt taken it off since. Thank you General Eyewear.

D. B.

My first pair of glasses and I cannot say enough for the level of service and the atmosphere of the shop. Astrid was exceptionally helpful and incredibly knowledgeable. Excellent shop with a great ethos.

P. L.

Love at first "sight". This store is a unique gem @the stables in Camdem: from retro chic to avantgarde frames the staff will tirelessy help you find the look. The selection is huge and absolutely spectacular. Got a txt message when my spectacles were ready. Will return for summer shades.

G. H.

Archiv is an awe inspiring aladdin's cave of beautiful and unusual glasses. I stumbled upon the store about four years ago and have always found the staff to be incredibly helpful. If you're looking for something slightly different I cannot recommend it highly enough!

J. H.

Came to these guys because i needed a pair of frames. I wanted something original, and i had been recommend this place by a friend. Great service, really friendly and my glasses are amazing. Will definitely be coming back here again.

J. A. R.

I first happened upon this place when I first needed to wear glasses 6 years ago and I haven't been anywhere else since. I always look forward to going back for a new pair, trying on frames here is a lot of fun because the stock is amazing and the staff have real enthusiasm and knowledge.

S. R.

Fabulous !! Thank you so much for amazing customer service at the Camden branch today! I really appreciated it!!

N. S.

Life-changing ! Style , unmatched ! Quality , out of this world ! Staff, 10/10! In love !

A. H.

Awesome shop. Great service, unique products. The only place I will be buying my specs from going forward. Some amazing frames. The best shop in the Stables Market - by a mile!

S. P. D.

fabio really spent a lot of time and effort helping my girlfriend and I choose the best frames, huge range of vintage and bespoke pairs....highly highly recommend.

W. B.

Love this place, thousands of frames to try on and the manger Fabio knows them all well... I had been looking for a new pair of glasses for 4 years and finally found them here :) Couldn't be happier!

R.

Excellent service skilled team delivering great glasses! Home delivery is great way of servicing your international community.

C. M.

A truly unique selection of vintage and handmade designs showcased in two inspirational environments. Fantastic customer service too.

j. w.

An awesome and unusual selection of glasses, nice people, great shop. cant wait to get my new glasses!

S. M.

Friendly, fast help in a cool space!!

A. B.

Best range, best knowledge, great space — wouldn't get my specs from anyone else

Z. H.

I could spend hours looking at their vintage frames.

C. B.

Awesome shop and great customer service. Highly recommended.

A. N. F.

Excellent choice, friendly and accommodating service. I couldn't recommend more highly...

T. M.

Amazing shop and lovely people :)

C. R.

great variety and helpful staff.

s. b.

Thank you Fabio for your help.

S.

Very interesting!

C. B.

Simply the Best

R. d. c.

(Translated) I can't wait to see this brand in France as well as in Portugal ... people who listen to the customer and who bend over backwards to satisfy the customer ... a customer won over by this professionalism and by an extraordinary team. .bravo to stefano and his whole team ... (Original) hate de voir cette enseigne en France ainsi que au Portugal...des personnes a l'écoute du client et qui se plie en 4 pour satisfaire le client...un client conquis par ce professionnalisme et par une équipe hors du commun...bravo a stefano et a toute son équipe...

A. P.

A. G.

M. J.

K. W.

j. a. t. n.

H. B.

Contact

Photos