Bates the Hatter

Once, a man was not considered fully dressed if he went out without his hat. Having kept the tradition of gents’ hats alive on Jermyn Street for over a century, Bates the Hatter clearly knows its niche, advising customers: ‘Always wear a hat in inclement and sunny weather.’ And sure enough, the shop sells headwear that covers all weather conditions: the straw panama is perfect for summer, while the deerstalker is ideal for those winter hunting expeditions. Well-crafted flat caps are a timeless classic, and chaps would do well to keep Bates in mind for formal occasions – Steed from The Avengers would be proud to wear the company’s bowler hat, and the classy black top hat is a stunner in grey or black. This old-fashioned shop, with its wonderful topper-shaped sign, is one of London’s finest surviving gems.