London Shopping London Shopping Niches Jermyn St - MenswearJermyn Street - Menswear
gentleman. Although the shops have roots in the distant past, like most vintage businesses, they're very much applicable to the modern market. Mens' 'grooming' has never had such a high profile as the one it currently enjoys today. It's also fair to say that Jermyn Street purveyors, aim high. They produce the very best available in both London and globally, so if you're gift buying for someone back home, or over here and need something special for a grand occasion, Jermyn Street should be the first stop on your shopping trip around town.The area was developed in 1664, when St. James's represented the edge of London. The west end of Piccadilly was the entry toll-booth to the city, so there was land available in this convenient location and no shortage of potential residents, when its grand streets and houses were constructed. Among them, the Duke of Marlborough, Sir Isaac Newton, William Thackeray, Sir Walter Scott and Prime Minister: William Pitt. More recent residents include the highly unusual Aleister Crowley and singer Al Bowlly who was tragically killed in the street by a parachute mine during WW2. If you've seen the film 'The Shining', Al Bowlly (with the Ray Noble Orchestra) sings the classic 1920s tune used throughout - "Midnight, the Stars and You".
Jermyn Street initially established itself as the place to buy shirts and shirts are still its main speciality. However, it also offers, suits, hats, shoes, belts & braces, colognes, cigars, handkerchiefs and everything else that might service the dapper gentleman. The following have outlets on the street:
Shirts - bespoke and ready to wear:
- - Charles Tyrwhitt - No. 92 (flagship store opening in 2011)
- - Herbie Frogg - No. 18, 19 & 21
- - Harvie & Hudson - No. 77, 96 & 97
- - New & Lingwood - No. 53
- - Thomas Pink - No. 85
- - Hackett - No. 87
- - Roderick Charles - No. 90
- - T.M. Lewin - No. 106
Broader range of clothing - including shirts:
- - Dunhill - No. 48
- - Daks - No. 101
Shoes
- - Church's - No. 108 & 110
- - Crockett & Jones - No. 69
- - Tricker's - no 67
Other items
- - Beretta - Gunmakers since 1526 - guns, clothing & accessories - corner of St. James's)
- - Bates - Gentlemen's hats and caps - No. 73
- - Czech & Speake - Bathroom & aromatics - No. 39c
- - G.F. Trumper - Barber - No. 20
- - Taylor of Old Bond Street - Shaving products - No. 74
- - Floris - Perfumes and soaps - No. 89
- - Paxton & Whitfield - Cheese and fine foods (possibly the finest cheese shop in town) - No. 93
The Royal Family was originally situated at St. James's Palace, before Queen Victoria moved to Buckingham Palace at the start of her reign in 1837. This meant that the Royal Court of St. James's had considerable requirements for clothing, boots, shoes and similar and it's for this reason that the area 
around St. James's Street and Jermyn Street particularly, assumed an association with high quality appareil. There are many other noteworthy establishments based in the street too. Fortnum and Mason, the first department store in Great Britain, established at the beginning of the 18th century has an entrance onto Jermyn Street. Wiltons at No. 55 is one of London's oldest restaurants established in 1742 and specialises in fish, game and particularly Oysters. The Cavendish Hotel and Tramp nightclub are also located on the street.
It's incredibly easy to wander down Bond Street, through the Burlington Arcade and onto Piccadilly and completely miss Jermyn Street. Do cross over Piccadilly and it's the next road running parallel. There are few streets which manage to retain the spirit and atmosphere of their 17th century origins, but Jermyn Street is one of them. Have a look and by all means enter these shops, you'll find a service level that may derive from the past, but is a welcome breath of fresh air to the present day shopper.
Jermyn Street, St James's, London SW1.
Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus and Green Park
