The London Lounge

About a month before I flew to India I visited Steve Whalley, who is the tailor in the shop at the Cheshire Clothing factory at Crewe. Steve guided me through the process of ordering a made-to-measure coat - I went for a light green herringbone tweed from Harrisons. The style of coat is one-button, with slanted pockets and side vents. I had my fitting today and I must say that it is shaping up very nicely indeed: I was especially impressed by the quality of construction. I have every hope that it will be a very fine coat when completed (I shall of course post photos).

Spinola

I forgot to mention contact details (just in case any members are interested) -

Steve Whalley
Cheshire Clothing Company
9 Marshfield Bank
Crewe CW2 8UY
Tel. 01270 587832

Gents,

Have posted a (poor quality) photo of the coat on my photojournal page. Nicely made and the fit isn't bad for a first attempt.

Spinola

Link is here - http://thelondonlounge.net/gl/gallery/album33

Very nicely done indeed!

Dear Spin,

Looks great.

You might want to take a photo from the side and back as well. This would allow a judgement on the balance issues. But from the front there seem to be no problems on this score.

My only suggestion would be to bring the button point up about 3/4" and the pockets as well.

Cheers

Michael,

Thanks for the advice. I agree that the buttoning point & pockets could be just a little higher and I shall pass the message on to the tailor.

Spinola

How much did you pay for that?

£425.

That is fabulous. I wonder if they would do CMT if you brought your own fabric.

Steve Whalley said that he'd be happy for me to bring material to him.

What you did was a fabulous idea. What of the talk that Cheshire/CB's standards have declined, is this an issue? How far is Crewe from London?

I haven't seen any old Chester Barrie, so I can't tell if things have declined. In any case the jacket is very nicely made and I haven't heard any rumours of quality issues. They do seem very proud of their product. Crewe is a 2.5-3 hr train ride from London.

I think someone on the fora claimed that some were fused, that is what I remember. I really admire what you did, and the model you picked is very distinctive and Savile Row-ish.

I believe that they now have a lower end line called "Chester by Chester Barrie", which might very well be fused. The MTM is fully canvassed and has all the usual bells & whistles.