Henry Jermyn

Jermyn Street

Shopping doesn't get more quintessentially English than Jermyn Street. In 1664 Henry Jermyn, Earl of St. Albans, was granted a lease in 45 acres of Crown land in Pall Mall Field. He built St. James' Square and the surrounding streets, including fashionable Jermyn Street. Because of its proximity to the court of St. James, this is where some of the capital's most elegant specialist shops are located, including shirtmakers, perfumiers, cheesemongers, barbers. Several establishments on Jermyn Street are by appointment to Her Majesty the Queen, including her preferred grocers, Fortnum & Mason.

The royal warrant is a mark of merit, which is strictly regulated and highly coveted. Businesses must have supplied a member of the royal family for more than five years, and have impressed the regal client with their service and quality to be allowed to print the coat of arms on their marketing and packaging materials, letterhead and shop front. This is the highest accolade a British business can receive.

Historically, Jermyn Street has been the epicentre of London's bespoke shirt-making industry (while suits were centred on Saville Row). Customers can choose the fabric and style of their shirts, all made to measure to ensure and elegant fit and monogrammed if required. The shirtmakers will even replace the collar and cuffs should they wear out - so although a custom-made shirt will set you back over £170, they look and feel so much nicer than off the peg shirts, as they are specially made to suit an individual's peculiar body shape.