Shops of Old London Town

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Originally Posted by Makar

Just back from a few days in the big smoke (no offence to Mark 'Majurey' but I prefer my quieter neck of the woods - good to do very occasionally though) a few pounds lighter from food poisoning and many pounds lighter from exorbitant prices. They charge like the Gordon Highlanders down there!

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Ha ha! No offence taken Stephen. It is definitely an overpriced, over-busy, and overhyped place. But places like St James Street are wonderful. It's a different world. Ober two hundred yards you have the Ritz, Caviar House, DR Harris, T&H and many other old establishments. In fact, I always wondered where DR Harris got the name for their Arlington range. Well, a few months ago I was in the area and noticed that the old street parallel to St James was called Arlington Street. So there you go, hundreds of years old but still used for today's scent.

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Originally Posted by Makar

A lot of women give this as an unusual gift for their partners, I was told.

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This is turning out to be a 'usual' gift from my wife every Valentines. Inside my Valentine's card this year was a gift voucher for a Gentleman's Shave at T&H. Believe it or not, loads of women buy this for their partners. Kind of like a day at the Spa, but male version I guess.

Glad to see you had a good time. And your good wife must have the patience of a saint to be draged around old London town to shave dens!

Cheers
M.

Apologies Stephen - for some reason I thought you were John. Sorry :thinking: :shrug:

James.

PS Has the 'edit post' function been disabled for older posts, or is it just me??

The quote I had at the bottom from John Muir was causing problems for more folk than you - I have taken his name away now. You were not alone!
cheers
Stephen

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Originally Posted by Jimbo

Apologies Stephen - for some reason I thought you were John. Sorry :thinking: :shrug:

James.

PS Has the 'edit post' function been disabled for older posts, or is it just me??

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If the value of the dollar ever comes back.....Grrr.

After a few hours in that area I would hate to see my credit
card statement :tu .

John

Great pics Stephen! I really like the descriptions.

My g/f actually just got back from London last night and she very timidly ventured into these stores for me. She said it was really overwhelming, but she thought the stores were neat. She told the salesman that I was a "shave dork," and apparently he appreciated that and warmed up to her quickly. She also got me some bars of TOBS body soap, which smell heavenly.

Great description Stephen.

There are a few points to add.

First and most importantly, the beer is cheaper than the shaving soap.

Second, you are unlikely to meet a true Englishman in Central London, because we can not afford to go there.
Thirdly, you are very unlikely to find any French products in the upper class barbers quarter of London, because the French products are direct competition and we can't be having any of that now, can we.
Fourth, when the $ gets stronger against the £, they will put their prices up.

Finally, if you need a shaving brush, it is better and cheaper to purchase a Simpson a Vulfix a Rooney or a Kent. These are the suppliers of brushes that are re labelled with the shop brand like Trumpers, Harris, Taylors etc.,

To be fair, it is quaint and the soaps, creams and stuff in bottles are the same price where ever you buy it in England and the products are considered by many to be the best money can buy.

Have a great trip.

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Originally Posted by English

Second, you are unlikely to meet a true Englishman in Central London, because we can not afford to go there.


Finally, if you need a shaving brush, it is better and cheaper to purchase a Simpson a Vulfix a Rooney or a Kent. These are the suppliers of brushes that are re labelled with the shop brand like Trumpers, Harris, Taylors etc.,

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HAHA! So so true. When I go there, I think there is probably like 10% English people living in London nowadays.

Very true also re the brushes. Vulfix seem to be re-labelled on most of the premier brands. Good brushes though but as English says, you'll get them much cheaper if you buy direct.