At the easterly end of buzzing retail strip of Oxford Street is the beautifully unexpected Smith and Sons. With a facade that has hardly changed since the 1860’s, entering the quaint old shop is like stepping back in time. Smith and Sons’ staff still manufacture umbrellas using some of the same techniques as their predecessors of the 19th century, and still sell their canes, maces and brollies to gentry, military and royalty.

Well worth having a look, if a breather from the consumerist crowds around Topshop is needed.