We’re constantly being reminded of the slackening significance of brick-and-mortar retail, but there are exceptions. Holland & Holland’s London gunroom has been relocated to the floor above the Beretta Gallery, at 36 St. James Street, but with independent access around the corner on Jermyn Street. According to a recent company e-newsletter: “This is a momentous new chapter in the history of Holland & Holland. The new gunroom has been designed to our exacting needs and perfectly reflects the splendour and opulence which the name Holland & Holland invokes.”
St. James Street is a thoroughfare dating back to Henry VIII that holds a worldwide reputation for high-quality British luxury goods. Jermyn (pronounced “German”) Street shops sell natty shirts and gentlemen’s accoutrements, such as shaving brushes, braces, collar stiffeners and eau de cologne. Lock the hatters is here, as is bespoke bootmaker John Lobb. It is where the posh and the prosperous purchase their pocket squares.
Buying bespoke British guns and rifles has traditionally involved a trip to London for a fitting. Mounting a try-gun in the rooms of a reputable maker is an essential part of that process best experienced in the heart of St. James, where Boss and Woodward once held premises and William Evans still does. Holland & Holland’s new shop may enjoy the most prestigious position and appropriate location of any gunroom anywhere.
The gunroom is open by appointment only for those looking to buy a new gun, clothing or accessories or simply seeking advice.
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