Walthamstow just isn't ready for the plaid of the Topsters, TRS, despite the constant rumours of regeneration

Sid - in Walthamstow 'Village' they would applaud me for a hipsterish look, but anywhere else in the very large E17 postcode and you're in trouble with a loud plaid.

Agree Kingy. Buffalo check a cliche now, though I think the bleu de travail, carefully incorporated, can still cut a dash. Main thing is not to look like Wayne from Buckhurst Hill, that's my guiding style principle.

London cabbies, well all cabbies in fact, in Liverpool they are I think even worse, love to comment on appearance. Anything a bit out of the ordinary, a bit off, a bit adventurous and off they go "That's an interesting jacket you're wearing there mate" or "Do you mind if I ask? Do you often wear your trousers so short?" Then you check these oiks out and it's always the beer belly, the heart-attack complexion, the slobby old T-shirt, the Brexit sticker fading in the corner. Gotta larf aint'cha?

Sid - ‘ Does the Topsman have matching pockets FSC?’

It’s a very tasteful plain charcoal brown wool cloth which is like a light tweed i.e. no pattern to match up. I can email pictures if you wish.

Wore my rather loud olive and navy plaid Topster on the streets of North London yesterday and felt hot hot hot in it. Well it was 22 degrees in the sun. No abuse from cabbies, admiring glances from bearded men in strange-fitting clothing, utter indifference from women. Story of my life.

I have known/know quite a few London cabbies. Both my old neighbours were cab drivers and they were 'cheeky chappies'. A nephew of mine did the 'knowledge' in two years and he often mentions it (as well as his hole in one on the golf course). They may make personal comments on what you are wearing but they expect a 'come back'. Often they want to strike up a conversation using the bantz. Anyone interacting with a cabbie needs to give 'as good as they get' No room for shrinking violets in a black cab.

HaHa. Dick Turpin is a good reference. As a member of the Essex gang he would have roamed around areas where the present day cab drivers live. He was rumoured (probably by me) to have drank in a pub I used to frequent in Dagenham. I reckon he would have been a sharp dresser and a piss taker of his victims.
Despite high cab fares I haven't met many wealthy cabbies, however. My beef with them is that far too many seem to support the Arsenal.

Sid Ford - yes, there they were in Junk. I’ve emailed you back thanks.