These flag-flying brands have got us feeling mighty patriotic – in all the positive senses of the word. Click through the gallery above to see the brands that we are championing for their care, craft and 'Made in Britain' credentials...
The Best of British: brands we love
Whether you’re in the city, in the countryside or in international waters, you can still go British. Mark Hedley picks three looks from head to toe – to superyacht – all crafted by homegrown talent
The suit: Gieves & Hawkes
Tailoring doesn’t come much more British than at Gieves & Hawkes. Its address – No1 Savile Row – gives the game away. Established in 1771, the tailors has
A rich heritage of craftsmanship excellence, aptly demonstrated by this dashing check wool single-breasted suit. The streamlined lapels and smooth structure create a contemporary silhouette yet the regular fit has a classic, timeless appeal.
Still not convinced? Well, perhaps you should have a word with Admiral Lord Nelson, The Duke of Wellington, or Winston Churchill – they were all customers. Too dead? Good point. Well, try David Beckham, instead. He’s a fan, too, and should be pretty easy to get hold of, right?
£895
The motorbike: Triumph
Although thoroughly British, Triumph’s appeal is far-reaching: Hollywood’s Steve McQueen, Elvis and Marlon Brando were all fans. The Bonneville celebrates 50 years of heritage, teaming retro looks with modern technology. It’s nimble enough to make it as a commuter bike, but exciting enough to take away for the weekend, too.
£6,999
The tweed: Purdey
Purdey has been arming this country’s great and good for more than 200 years. Queen Victoria even ordered a pair of pistols from Purdey back in 1838 – the ol’ battle axe. If you’re not yet in the market for a pair of shooters, you should at least plump for some of its excellent Balmangan tweed. The weatherproof field coats are designed for gruelling days on moor, vale or, indeed, windblown City streets.
Field coat, £975
The car: Aston Martin
Until recently, a ‘four-door supercar’ was an oxymoron. But Aston Martin’s Rapide S really is all things to all men. It can be
a restrained, refined family car with plenty of space for long legs and lots of baggage. Or it can send shivers down your spine, reaching 60mph in 4.4 seconds and hitting 203mph. Its snarling six-litre V12 is a thing of wonder – the glorious noise, the endless power. And then there are the looks. It’s British sporting elegance at its very best.
From £147,950
The Superyacht: Princess
With more than 50 years experience making superyachts, Princess has nailed the balance between speed and sophisitication. The V72 sports cruiser is a perfect example – its deep-V hull delivers new levels of performance and handling while her sleek profile hides an incredibly spacious and beautifully detailed interior.
From £1.49m (ex VAT)
The suitcase: Globe-trotter
For leather suitcases that are as hardcore as they are stylish, Globe-Trotter handmakes the best in the business. The iconic leather corners are made over a period of five days on antique Victorian presses.
From £1,160
1
of
6
