The London Lounge

I have found a good, attentive and very reasonably priced visiting bespoke shirtmaker in London called Bernard and Bernard. The price is £80 per shirt, but they will also make a shirt for £50 when the client supplies his own fabric. Their selection of fabrics is fairly good and I have ordered 8 shirts, but I am also looking for a very very pale pink poplin, which, alas he doesn't seem to have. I was wondering if anyone knows any shirt fabric suppliers in London that offer a very good selection so that I can provide my own fabric?

The only people I know who actually are in the London area are Ringhart (020-8355 4700). I do not know whether they deal with retail clients. Some of their stuff is adequate, at least it was some ten years or so ago.

The large houses, Albini, Alumo and SIC Tess, cover most of the range. Look them up on their websites and find out whether they supply any UK retail outlets. But steal yourself with patience.

Last time I checked, Acorn had a beautiful pale pink in the Windermere (2x2 160s) line. They probable won't sell direct, but your maker should be able to get their color card with no problem. The owner's name was John Chatburn, but I've heard tell his son is now in charge.