The distinctive name of a shop visited by celebrities and musicians is so eye-catching it has even caused car crashes outside.
A new sign advertising 3 Twenty house clearance in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, has attracted many laughs and some anger.
Old S**t is how the antiques and second hand goods shop is advertised with a sign at the front of the store.
It has become so infamous among locals that many simply call it by that name now.
Owner John Schreiber, 65, says he 'absolutely loves' the name, which is a tongue-in-cheek description of the variety of items it sells inside.
The sign above this shop in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, which reads 'Old S**t', is so eye-catching it has even caused car crashes outside
Owner John Schreiber, 65, says he 'absolutely loves' the name, which is a tongue-in-cheek description of the variety of items it sells inside
Its quirky name has seen it visited by musician Pete Doherty (pictured) - who was 'high as a kite' at the time
Remarkably, this has included the shop being offered the ashes of human loved ones and pets.
Its quirky name has seen it visited by musician Pete Doherty - who was 'high as a kite' at the time, and Eastenders actors.
Some locals and visitors have even caused car crashes outside by stopping traffic to get a second glance at the name.
And .
The 65-year-old told Mail Online: 'It is so quirky, I love it. I was thinking of a name or something new to advertise the shop and it just came into my head.
'It gets so much attention, it's incredible. It has taken a life of its own and it is basically now just the name of the shop. I have come to accept that and take it as a compliment.
'We've had times when there's been car crashes and shunts outside because people have been taking their eyes off the road and looking at the sign and doing a double take. They have never been serious crashes.
'School pupils have walked by with their teachers and have also found it very funny. It's just good fun. It's not serious.
'Other drivers have pulled over in the middle of the road and can't believe it. That has caused a traffic jam.'
Despite some anger, John says the shop has now grown a 'life of its own'
John said 'the whole of human life' is sold in the shop. Some of its contents are pictured her
John is pictured holding a white sculpture of a mans head
Many of the items sold are from home sales, such as these unique portraits and paintings
Musical instruments such as this violin are some of the most popular items that get sold
John - who has run the shop for the last eight years - says there have only been a couple of minor negative reactions.
He added: 'One guy came in and got very abusive. He said it was disgusting. I thought that was over the top.
'With it being 2024 and the era of cancel culture and all of that I thought there might have been more opposition. But most people see the funny side which is good.
'Anyone who gets offended just needs to chill out I think.'
He said 'the whole of human life' is sold at the shop.
The majority is people coming in who are selling items from home sales which have been left behind or unwanted items.
Incredibly, this has included the ashes of loved ones.
He said: 'We get all sorts. It really is incredible. It always surprises me what we get.
'We've looked in pots and things and there's been ashes. We have called the people back and told them and they don't care. It's heartbreaking really.
'We have had to get in touch with the council and funeral director. It's appalling.
'That has happened a few times. we really get the whole of human life here.
'It can be quite expensive items or just old items. It's always something new.
'It is exciting. I really love it.'
John, who has run the shop for the last eight years, is pictured showing off some of the shop's vintage items
The shop is full of curious items that mainly come from house clearances
Pictured is an ornamental figure holding a shield and a spear
The shop includes a wide range of quirky walking sticks
This curious antique vase has a colourful picture of a chicken engraved into it
The most common items it sells are musical instruments, garden furniture, pots and pans and other household equipment.
He added: 'We really get all sorts. It's so quirky.
'I'll be honest, we deal with very greedy people as well. They just want to sell items which belong to their families as quickly and easily as possible.
'They just want to make a bit of money quickly and easily.
'It's a very strange business.'
Rocker Pete Dohety is the most famous face to walk through the doors during a visit several years ago.
John added: 'He was as high as a kite. But he loved it. He was enjoying his visit. He was off his face but had a good look around.
'I am told we have had people from Eastenders come in as well. But I'll be honest I have no idea who they are. I don't watch the soaps.
'We've also had antiques experts come in as well and have a good look.'
Customer George Simpson, 44, of nearby Southend, said he has visited a few times in the last two years and 'loves it'.
He said: 'There's always something quirky in here. The name is great.
'We like a laugh around here so it's just good fun.'
Another said: 'It's great advertising. It's genius in a way.'
