The Armstrong style has been our best seller in recent seasons because of its individual look and its comfort. For Spring / Summer 2012 we have released it in bitter chocolate, dusk blue, grey leather, chestnut oil, grey sand, putty and finally bitter chocolate suede.
Built in 1882, this Victorian pub could be the perfect spot for an evening after-work drink, if you can find it, that is. It is tucked away up a narrow alley inside Shepherd Market.
Inside the decor is a fantastic example of olde England, but betrays none of the pub’s racy past as a centre of Victorian prostitution.
The interior is as dark and atmospheric as you’d expect from an ancient pub, with plenty of snug inglenooks where you can cosy up with your companions, not to mention the carved grapes on every free corner or edge.
The high, dark ceilings and wood-panelled walls are hung with all manner of historic bric-a-brac; flintlocks, stuffed animals, and horns dangle interestingly.
If the weather is fair, the customers from Ye Grapes and the neighboring pubs spill out into the square creating a boisterous atmosphere.
Ye Grapes, 16 Shepherd Market, Mayfair, London, W1J 7QG.
Guide to Shepherd Market
Our newest store, selling our menswear and a selection of ladies shoes opened in Mayfair in September last year. We chose Shepherd Market as, out of all the places we looked at, the area has a feel and a look similar to our first store on Lambs Conduit Street. It’s tucked away in between Curzon street and Piccadilly and has a strong community feel with an eclectic mix of independent stores, restaurants and pubs.
The area itself is steeped in history and there is a feeling of stepping into a different era when you enter the main square. The name “Mayfair” came from a fifteen-day cattle fair that began in the 1680s on the site where Shepherd Market is today. Its often confused that the name Shepherd came from that fair but it was actually named after Edward Shepherd, a local property developer who built the area in a time when many fine houses were built in the surrounds creating the Mayfair that we know today.
The village-like area of Shepherd Market still has something of a jaunty reputation. It was round the corner at 9 Curzon Place that Cass Elliot (Mama Cass) of The Mamas and Papas died in July 1974, and, four years later, Keith Moon, drummer with The Who, died of an overdose.
In the 1980s Shepherd Market was where politician and best-selling author Jeffrey Archer met the prostitute Monica Coghlan, an encounter which he tried to cover up in a court of law, and which eventually led to his imprisonment.
Despite the drama today’s Shepherd Market is a hidden treat to get yourself away from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding areas. Very much like Lambs Conduit Street, you either know it and love it or you have never heard of it, so for the un-initiated here’s what we think is interesting to see and do in the area.
Part 1 – The Curzon Cinema
Walking through the doors of the Curzon cinema is like walking back in time to 1950s Hollywood.
The Mayfair crowd is what you would expect, even for the cinema people really dress up & look glamorous. The cinema often hosts for VIP’s and even has Royal Box seats upstairs for those with a big budget.
This Mayfair branch was the original of London’s Curzon cinema chain and maybe it’s owing to this legacy that it’s often chosen as the location for the Curzon’s premiers and Q & A events.
If you’re on the ball you can get tickets to some really great events with big name directors. The advanced screenings here really are far ahead of anywhere else & The films here are pretty much always of a high quality.
38 Curzon Street London W1J 7TY
Part 2 – Piccolo Bar (café)
If you wanted to find out where the locals go, you’ve found it here. By locals, we are talking taxi drivers, construction workers, and other blue collar guys. Open pretty much 24hours, Piccolo will never let you down with its Heaping helpings of comfort food.
Stuff that sticks to your ribs at rock bottom prices. Spaghetti Bolognese, melts, chilli con carne, muffins, samosas, sandwiches of every description and a self-service salad bar.
The service is quick and efficient. “How are you darling? Want a nice cuppa, love? Peachy.”
15 Shepherd Street, Mayfair, London, W1J
The Finlay shoe has been with us for 6 seasons now and the old adage, if it aint broke dont fix it is very appropriate to this style.
Named after the child of one of friends, these shoes, like him, will grow in character over the years.
This summer’s versions include an ambra leather which we have repeated from previous seasons due to its popularity plus 2 new arrivals in brick red and grey suede.
