Humans of Shepherd's Bush - No 14

Amar, aka Tony

Meet Amar, also known as Tony. Amar's father, Amaro, came from India to London in 1954 and started this shop at Shepherds Bush Market in 1960.

In the beginning Amar sold men’s ties in Petticoat Lane in East London on Sundays; he moved the business to W12 a few years later.

"Most of the shops here were run by women during the week, while the men had day jobs in factories.  My father cut rubber at a foundry nearby and worked in the market on the weekend for an extra income. The market ran for three days as it was also hard to get much stock in due to London rebuilding after the war".

Tony’s mother, Manjit, joined his father 15 years later from Punjab. She was chosen by his grandmother as a suitable wife for the then 19 year old Amaro while he was still in London. 

"My grandmother sent a photo of a suitable bride to my father and after seeing the photo and talking with my grandmother, he agreed to tie the knot."

Since 1990, Amar and his sister Bubbles have run the shop selling more than just the men’s ties their father once sold. 

As you enter the market from Uxbridge Road, Amar's stall is on left hand side, about 8 stalls along.

The Shepherd's Bush Blog offers a personal view on life in Shepherd's Bush. If you would like to contribute a story, email us at shepherdsbushblog(at)gmail.com. And don't forget to add your opinion in the comments section below. This story is reproduced with kind permission of Peter Hamm. Photo copyright Peter Hamm. All rights reserved.