I have just stumbled across a beautiful unique little shop in Mayfair just opened doing things very differently.

Even more exciting than that Arthur Sleep have opened the first British shoe factory in over a century. And no one loves made in the UK more than me. When I think about British shoes I think about Clark’s and then I think about the sneaker brand New Balance that do make some of their sneakers in the UK and the USA. 100 years ago the Brits were well established shoe makers with factories in Northamptonshire and Leicestershire supplying the rest of the world.

I was so inspired by the welcome and enthusiasm from Chris who happily handed me this beautiful hand sketched card which kinda tells you what this small brand is all about, the finest leathers, a bespoke shoe making service that delivers you a pair of handmade shoes in less than 48 hours.

This is fast fashion but not in the way most of us understand it. With a shoe factory in London the New York Times says they can turn around a pair of shoes in 5 hours, I was told 48.

The beautiful store is tucked away down a little mews in Mayfair so had I not spotted the marketing board on the corner I would not have ventured down to go inside. Why I am writing this. Retail is very tough at the moment for everyone.

As a small manufacturer myself, I am glad I did.

I am always encouraged and inspired by anyone working hard to build a brand doing things differently. A pair of shoes priced between £700 and £1100, these shoes are not for everyone certainly, of course the price point is too high however the shoes on display along side all the different leathers and exotic skins available were butter soft to the touch. I wouldn’t choose crocodile unless it’s Lacoste.

I’d say the shoe aesthetic is conservative. Arthur Sleep makes shoes for men, women and children

If you like finding out about things you’ve never heard of and like me, love to support independent entrepreneurs making luxury goods in London then Arthur Sleep might be very interesting to you.

My personal favourite pair was the mule in sand rafia at £600.

You can find out more or email Chris at the shoe atelier on chris@arthursleep.com to make an appointment or with any questions you may have.