Janes & Adams

I used to frequent Janes & Adams in High Barnet. They used to be in the High Street, a few doors down from the Red Lion pub. They closed in the seventies, when the whole block they were in was demolished for an extension to the Middlesex University.

They were actually a electrical retailer, but the Barnet branch started selling records as well in the early nineteen-sixties.The company also had branches in Finchley Central, East Finchley, North Finchley and Whetstone, but as far as I know, only the Barnet branch ever sold records. I bought large numbers of records from there, as I worked in the area. I remember a very attractive young lady who used to work there, but she left around 1967 to get married.

Peter Smith
London

Name Nigel Adams Comment: Janes and Adams was started by my father's uncle early last century in Palmers Green and grew to 8 shops with a head office in Whetstone, where the TV and Audio repairs were done. I worked in the Barnet branch that you refer to in the 70's in my school holiday but sadly don't recall the pretty girl that you mention. My uncle shut it in the early 80's due to competition from Currys/Comet one of which has since shut due to the internet. Times change! Nigel Adams PS. My first car was a J&A delivery mini van which I resprayed! (Jan 12, 2017)

Comment
Hi,I grew up in North Finchley during the 1960-70s. I remember J&A very well,back then,they still stocked & sold bicycles.
My friend David trained as a tv engineer,I also trained but with Russell Wood,New Barnet. J & A had very good reputation & it was sad to see another old TV electrical company close.Russell Wood followed a few years later,due to very stiff competition from the then multiple discount warehouses.
Name
john jones
(2018)

Comment
This was my first job after leaving school , it was a lovely environment to work in , mr adams was. A real old gent , and I remember when he bought a red etype jag , and said it was his “ new toy” I had not a clue on cars! But he was very pleased with it I remember an older lady who also worked there her name was ( mickey ) short for michell , I stayed for a couple of months as found more local retail work, but yes was a lovely shop.
Name
Lorraine Gardner
​(2022)