Not many British companies are still owned and run by the family that started them. Something I think brings a certain credibility to a brand and brand name, what and who is behind it.

My mother loved the store in Leeds, Yorkshire where I grew up and I remember the whole experience, another time, feet measured, a very special purchase made, a little too big when first purchased in the sale, scarlet patent knee high boots, size 36, for a girl barely a size 2 never mind a size 3. I was gutted when my feet grew to 38 and I could no longer squeeze my feet into the shiny red boots.

For shoe lovers in the UK quality seems to have gone a bit by the way side. Brands like Dune and Office I think the quality has definitely deteriorated over the last 10 years. You can get Dune still in John Lewis and a few high street shops not sure if Office even exists, the likes of Moda and Pelle went years ago leaving us with, yes the school shoe specialist Clarks, Jones the bookmakers which has turned into old lady shoes even old ladies won’t wear and that ‘s it.

So a jaunt down Oxford st to poke my nose in for a browse is always a welcome respite. The assistants can be a bit hungry for a sale and you won’t get much change out of a couple of hundred quid for shoes, £300 plus for boots that said it’s still the best British option for women who appreciate Stuart Weitzman or LK Bennett shoes at a marginally less expensive price point.

The product range is stylish and not run of the mill. I bought a beautiful evening bag a couple of seasons ago I just loved for its quirky modern edge and timeless style. Unbranded and unrecognisable I get compliments on it all the time. “Where did you find your little bag”

Check out the sale when it happens. The selection is usually great and the reductions significant.