Best of Britannia is now in its fourth year and it continues to be an event that attracts established and new businesses making everything from bicycles to basques in the UK. It is open to the public this weekend (27 and 28 June 2015) at 3 - 10 Shoreditch High Street, London.
While I was interested mainly in the menswear and accessories, I was diverted by other well-crafted products, as you'll see below. Regulars will recognise some of the businesses below, several were new to me and I hope to cover many of them in more detail at some point. Meanwhile, you will find basic information and contact details below.
Brita Hirsch showed me her beautiful tailoring. She is based in Cheshire, but makes regular trips to London to see clients. She is a true bespoke tailor and your clothes will be made from a unique pattern that she will cut for you. Hirsch Tailoring.
Hill & Ellis make leather bike bags in England. The detail and quality of the construction is outstanding.
The Holborn magazine celebrates quality wherever it's found. A good read for anyone with a wide interest in anything from craft, food to fine tailoring.
Well-known to regulars of this blog, Susannah Hall is a great supporter of made in Britain and all her clothes are tailored here in the UK. A visit to her shop in Clerkenwell is a must.
Here are two great British head footmen together. On the left is Justin Hall of Pantherella who make such superb socks in Leicester and on the right is William Church of Joseph Cheaney & Sons, English shoemakers. Coincidentally, I was wearing their products when I took this image; no doubt explaining their wonderful smiles.
Cravat Club is well-known to readers and their English-made silk cravats and pocket squares are firm favourites.
New to me, EDG London was founded this year by artist Natalie O'Hara. Beautiful ties and accessories, all made in England, hold promise for a successful brand and I look forward to bringing you more in the future.
The incomparable Walsh make trainers for both performance and casual use in Bolton, Lancashire and I wear a pair as I type - 'nuff said really. Norman Walsh.
Loveday London is a product for men in the sense that, if you see it, you will want it for the woman in your life. Their luxury lingerie, loungewear and candles are beautifully made in Wales and are just so sexy. Very highly recommended.
Shackleton Clothing is basing its products around the famous explorer and I will be writing about them again soon. Made in Britain, as you'd expect.
Swift & Co make very interesting footwear in Burnley, Lancashire - a cunning mix of classic uppers and sporting soles. I hope to bring you more in future. Meanwhile, see Swift & Co.
Sam Brown, English leather wear and belts on which all the components (and buckles in various metals including silver) are made in the UK. New to me - beautiful workmanship.
Finally, and again new to me, Nuwold, making leather goods and umbrellas. Lovely stuff, I'll bring you more information when I can.
