I was just in London for work, and having a few hours off wandered down to the end of Portobello Road, past all the tourist shops and antique stalls, and then came across this wonderful place. I'm sure the women's clothes are great, but i was looking at things for myself.
You go in and say you're interested in tweed jackets, and Claudia (the owner) sizes you up and starts pulling down the most wonderful things:
A mint-condition Norfolk suit handmade for some gent in 1931;
A beautiful heavy indestructible keeper's jacket also made bespoke for a chap in Shropshire 1971 (I bought this one);
Wonderful factory-made Harris tweed jackets from the 60's and 70's, all in perfect shape, and of a quality that can't be bought now at all. (I bought one of these too!)
Since the styling is timeless, you don't feel like you're wearing a costume; you just feel great. And Claudia knows her stock and her fashion history in incredible detail, and if the store's relatively quiet she will tell you as much as you want to hear. What an extraordinary education I got trying on jackets for an hour. I felt that to her teaching customers was almost as important to her as selling clothes; but of course she won't go on at you unless you encourage her with your interest.
Also: She won't sell you anything that doesn't look right on you. If it needs a little adjustment, she'll tell you exactly what top tell the tailor. I trusted her eye completely, and she didn't steer me wrong.
Also: her prices are not cheap (I paid good money for my jackets) but absolutely worth every penny for the reasons given above. But this is not a thrift shop!
Also: Wonderful waistcoats and authentic hunting gear and hats and boots and the occasional old naval uniform, along with ancient Burberrys and Barbour macs.
So you see I fell in love with the place. I imagine you will too. read more