I was in Jermyn Street on Friday and bumped into an old friend. We walked round the corner to the Red Lion in Duke of York Street for a sharpener. Next door, shopfitters were working on a new store for Geo. F Trumper.
As many here will know, the building at the top of end of Jermyn Street is due for redevelopment by the Crown. Bates organised a petition against it but appears to have lost the battle. Baron of Piccadilly is having a closing down sale, citing a Crown redevelopment as the cause. Other "victims" could include the original Hawes & Curtis store, Herbie Frogg (no loss IMHO) and the Jermyn Street theatre.
If you want to a Bates hat (much cheaper than James Lock) now is the time to do so.
The Jermyn Street Trumpers used to be "Ivan's" - Ivan's daughter then took it over and then ran Trumpers...
Ivan who? Ivan Bersch? Some name like that. I think.
Two 'salons' downstairs on Jermyn Street - With items from the sale of goods at the Palace Theatre, Victoria - Decanters etc.
Many good times on a Friday afternoon & a Saturday morning there. Nice people, nice times.
Sad about Bates - I shall dig out one of their caps for tomorrow. Much more real London style than touristy Lock. IMO.
Herbie Frogg used to be Alfred Snooker - Good sales on Kosher Scottish Saddle Shouldered Shetlands - The real deal for £9.99.
Last edited by Russell_Street (2009-10-06 11:17:44)
I seem to remember Trumper being right in the middle of the whole Arab/Swiss banking Mayfair area. No doubt rents are quite ridiculous.
You know what their cost is on the shaving cream and toilet water?
At current exchange rates, it's cheaper to order in from England than from Ben Silver. I've got about eight month's supply of lime left. Have to check again then.
The actual Barbershops are supported by the products now I was told way back when by dear Adrian who used to work in Simpson's basement alongside grumpy old George and the wonderful, handsome, urbane Kevin...
Trumpers will survive but I am worried that Bates will disappear. I am going into town again today and will pay them a visit.
And Bates is better.
Shame.
Herbie Frogg has just started its closing down sale. The end is nigh.
Shame. Not only are Bates a really good product but I have found them rather more congenial than JL. The amount of times (and time) they have been prepared to crouch over the kettle to restore a much loved dark brown trilby to something like full health is much appreciated.
I spoke to the chap in Bates yesterday. The shop will close at the end of February. The owners are trying to strike a deal with another shop further up the street to take some space.
^
I resent the shear barberism of that comment
Last edited by Moose Maclennan (2009-11-05 07:06:21)
There are some vacant shops in the Piccadilly Arcade that could be suitable, even as a temporary option, if the landlords are not too greedy. Being near the west end of Jermyn Street (the better end IMHO) and St James Street could be better for business.
When I was in Bates the other day, they said there is no chance of them trading again as an independent entity, as they simply cannot afford any of the available stores in the area, however they are hoping to maintain a workshop and carry on selling Bates branded hats through another store.
We can but hope.