We know your inner Brit wants to go out to play. Admit it. We’re pretty sure, too, that inner Brit wants to go shopping while there. So, where can a discerning gentleman do that than in London right now? Our inveterate traveler Jay Batten shares his favorite insider tips you can’t leave home without in this comprehensive gentleman’s guide to our top five shopping recommendations in England’s tony capital.
HEY, IT SUITS YOU
Any client list that includes Churchill, Cruise, and Beckham is in a word, impressive. Savile Row’s client list includes those very icons, and that’s proof enough that every gentleman needs to head on over to this historic street. It is a high-end fashion hub in the heart of London’s Mayfield district. It is home to, among others, Henry Poole & Co., the inventor of the tuxedo, and Gieves and Hawkes, who have been tailoring for royalty, business professionals, and celebrities for years. So, if you want the best suits in the world, chances are Savile Row’s cadre of bespoke tailors can make them for you. At SavileRowBespoke.com
HOW VERY CONNOLLYS
Connolly has certainly come a long way from its 1878 beginnings as a saddle-maker. It eventually became the motor industry’s foremost supplier of the finest-quality leather money can buy. Now, the brand has become synonymous with luxurious tailoring and fine knits. Connolly’s Mayfair store boasts a diverse collection of finely made formalwear, though its specialty remains leatherware—wallets, bags, etc.—made of the highest order and, yes, from the finest quality leather money can buy. At ConnollyEngland.com
On one of the images:
Images courtesy of Connolly’s
MEET ME AT THE GARDEN
Everything you need (and want) is all in one location. That’s the best way to describe Covent Garden, a venue where you can buy clothes, gifts, jewelry, grooming products, sweets, and even arts and crafts. And, in case you ever want to experience full-on that unique London shopping experience that we love most, make sure you include the following in your itinerary: Floral and Monmouth Streets, St. Martin’ Courtyard, Shorts Gardens, Neal’s Yard, and Seven Dials. At CoventGarden.london
OUTLET FOR SUCCESS
Gentlemen should always be on the lookout for bargains–there’s nothing wrong scoring a luxurious belt or shoes on the cheap. Make your way to the London Designer Outlet (LDO), home of discounted designer and high-street brands. It has a wide selection of shops, from high fashion to sports apparel and there’s likely something for any discerning gentleman. Additionally, LDO is a stone throw away from the iconic Wembley stadium. Just across the street, in fact, the soccer club, Tottenham Hotspur, is currently its temporary residence. This is the perfect gentleman’s getaway as Wembley plays host to various matches and events that a shopped-out gentleman can experience after a full day’s worth of shopping at the LDO. At LondonDesignerOutlet.com
IT’S BROWN’S TOWN
For your casualwear needs, pay a visit to Browns at South Moulton Street. It is a multi-brand retailer that offers a range of choices so you can update your wardrobe in style. Statement pieces from international designers can be had here, including hard-to-find trainers by JW Anderson For Versus and Adidas x Raf Simons. It is a compact boutique with a precisely laid out collection of must-haves, which means finding what you’re looking for is a breeze. At BrownsFashion.com