City store goes DIY on euros

Europhiles who want the buzz of transacting a purchase in euros without having to leave these shores can now fulfil their desire in London.

As long as they're looking for a piece of two-by-four, some grout and a can of Ronseal Woodstain.

City Hardware in Goswell Road, Clerkenwell, is thought to be the first small shop in the capital to accept the single currency.

Owners Paul and Simon Benscher have put up a sign proudly announcing "Yes, we take the euro" outside the store. No grommet, washer or widget is so humble that DIY enthusiasts cannot pay for it in euros.

The brothers have found a website giving them instant exchange rates for the currency against sterling.

Simon, 47, said: "It's no use complaining about the pound disappearing. As far as we're concerned the euro is the new money and we want to make sure we're trading in it right from the start.

"Our regular customers think we're being quite go-ahead. Even though people say they want Britain to be independent you have got to accept this is going to become part of our lives."

The shop is known for its quirky approach to business. Signs such as "Shoplifters will be beaten to a pulp" and "If we're polite to you it means we don't like you" adorn the walls.

A spokesman for the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: "This is the first we have heard of a small firm doing this. We fully support City Hardware."