James Smith and Sons Umbrellas

I always have the utmost respect for any business that has been around for 175 years, especially in a market that is now dominated by cheap, machine made imports.

This shop is a London institution and very exciting. I love the old- worldy style shop front and the excellent customer service within.

It is a real wonder all the different umbrellas on display, and to think that they are custom made- it really is inspiring.

Located in the heart of New Oxford Street, it is worth the detour off Oxford Street, even if for nostalgic reasons. A truly beautiful shop.

Looking for a different present for my girlfriend i wandered into this wonderful old shop slap bang at the bottom of Gower Street.

The staff were very helpful, although, as one unaccostomed to umbrella purchasing i was a little taken aback by the prices. However i have since found that the joy a unique and fun umbrella far outweighs the cost.

Great staff, wonderful shop, and every true lady or gent really should have a proper umbrella.

One-stop-shop for umbrellas, James Smith & Sons is a shrine to How We Used to Live. A bastion of traditional values, this store is a spectacular place to visit , even if you're just window-shopping, and it's one of the few places in the world where you can have a bespoke umbrella made for you. Not that you really need to , unless you are ludicrously hard to please: there are legions of the things lining the walls and stands , elegant, long handled and each item comes with a lifetime guarantee. What more could you want?