The London Lounge

I was thinking it might be a good idea to combine hi-tech highly water resistant fabrics (e.g. Goretex, or Ventile cotton), with a traditional looking raincoat that can be worn with a suit (say like a Burberry). Do any Loungers know where I could get such a thing in the UK?

You could ask Pickett who are based in the Burlington Arcade, London W1. I don't think they do bespoke themselves but may be able to put you on to someone who can.

I stayed at the Gritti in 2006 - arrival by motoscafo (watertaxi) from the airport was a treat in itself. The Gritti is on the Grand Canal and really is a palace. Rooms are generally furnished with antiques. I did not eat in the restaurant but the bar was a delight - ancient mirrors all around creat...

Can I second the Frank Sinatra nomination? Always effortlessy cool, in my opinion. Did anyone else wear a shirt and tie better?

It's easy to see us returning to a world where energy consumption was less, there were fewer, more economical cars, repairing things rather than buying new, growing vegetables in the garden, clothes made to last, air travel a rarity, holidays near your home, wearing a sweater in the home, food comes...

I've just looked at 'The Chap' website for 30 seconds and it's already made me laugh out loud. It's Monty Python meets your mother's knitting patterns.

Try Mulberry UK

I lived in Oxford for 20 years and knew Hall Brothers well. They made me a tweed suit and I bought the odd shirt and bow tie from them too. Legend has it that they invented Oxford Bags, but I have no evidence for that. The shop was small, wood panelled and charming. The company and its premises were...