

The 50 best British brands of 2026
From Land Rover to Barbour, these are the finest quality companies the UK has to offer
- Words: Gentleman's Journal
As well as being home to some of the world’s most influential gentlemen, Britain has produced a large number of the greatest brands in the world. Some are heritage heavy-hitters, others are more boutique manufacturers that the most discerning gentlemen swear by. We've compiled the names, makes, lines and labels that every refined squire – nay, human – should have on their radar.
Size and status aside, what the brands on this list do share is a commitment to craft. They honour centuries-old skills and techniques – be they hand-picking grapes or hand-stitching shirts; Goodyear Welting shoes or blending scents – while constantly innovating and evolving to maintain excellence.
From motoring and menswear to fine wines and fragrances, here are the 50 best British brands that have truly changed the world...
Ascot Racecourse, backbone of British horse racing
Founded in 1711 by Queen Anne, who dubbed it an ideal place for "horses to gallop at full stretch", Ascot continues to host the very best that racing has to offer. Its 26 annual racedays are attended by guests from all over the world, but it's not just racing that Ascot plays host to: a year-round calendar features everything from art fairs to weddings.
Asprey, purveyor of luxury lifestyle goods

Launched in 1781, Asprey covers myriad departments in the premium-lifestyle sector, specialising in jewellery, silverware, high-tone home goods, leather accessories, watches and fragrances. These beautiful objects have made the luxury British retailer a go-to for generous gift-giving occasions, or for times when you want to enhance your wardrobe and abode with luxurious yet subtle upgrades. The notable client base includes members of royalty, heads of state and revered actors.
John Rigas, Asprey chairman: "As Asprey celebrates 245 years, we remain steadfast in our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, heritage and uncompromising quality. Since our founding in 1781, Asprey has represented the very best of British artistry, blending time-honoured techniques with a spirit of innovation that keeps our craft relevant for each new generation. To be recognised among Britain’s leading heritage brands is a true honour and a testament to the dedication and skill of our artisans, whose expertise ensures that Asprey continues to set the standard for excellence worldwide.”
Aston Martin, engineer of international acclaim
Founded by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, Aston Martin has been an icon of the British automotive industry since 1913. Gaining initial fame in the 1950s for its grand touring models, the brand shot to global popularity as James Bond's marque of choice in the 1964 release of Goldfinger, cementing the suave and stylish status that the brand has upheld ever since.
Barbour, creator of enduring outerwear

Given Britain’s fixation with the weather, it makes sense that many of its most celebrated clothing labels take the mercurial climes into account when creating items. Chief among these ventures is Barbour, the perennially popular brand that has become synonymous with rural style and countryside dressing, and has thus found its way into the wardrobes of festival-goers, outdoors enthusiasts, the front-row crowd and royals.
Dame Margaret Barbour, Chair: “Barbour is a 5th-generation-family-owned brand and we pride ourselves on our quality, durability, attention to detail and fitness for purpose in everything we do. Through our Wax for Life initiative, we encourage our customers to extend the life of their products through re-waxing and repairs and by upcycling their jackets through our Barbour Re-Loved programme. To be recognised by Gentleman’s Journal as one of the top 50 British brands is a tremendous accolade and testament to all of our employees’ continued hard work.”
Belstaff, outerwear innovator
A bastion of Britishness, Belstaff has been going since 1924 when it was founded by Eli Belovitch and his son-in-law Harry Grosberg in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent. Built on 100 years of outerwear excellence and innovation, Belstaff has a rich history that spans generations, and in turn has won a legion of fans. It began with waterproof garments such as army shirts and leggings, and went on to create clothing for the special forces during the Second World War. In the 1950s it began manufacturing waxed motorcycle jackets, one of which was the Trialmaster, which was launched in 1959 and is its hero product. By the 1970s, Belstaff was high up in the mountains of Pakistan, and its mountaineering era peaked. The 1990s came with challenges, no less the recession, but Belstaff remained true to its aesthetic and its fans, whether bikers, mountaineers or fashionheads, held the brand up. In 2024 Belstaff celebrated its 100th anniversary, proving its worth as one of Britain’s most durable brands.
Bennett Winch, purveyor of the finest in British luggage
Established just under a decade ago in a flurry of zips, poppers and luxury leather, Bennett Winch proceeded with one simple aim. It promised that each product the label designed and created would be an item of luggage that had been missing from their lives up until that point. And, not only has the brand succeeded, but it has done so while keeping the thing completely British; designing in Farringdon, bringing its ideas to life in a factory in Carlisle and selling them on that bastion of traditional menswear; Savile Row.
Robin Winch, Co-Founder: “We’re honoured to have once again made the cut and be featured here by Gentleman’s Journal alongside so many Great British Brands we admire and respect. The last nine years have been an amazing journey and we look forward to still hopefully holding a firm spot many years from now, not only on this list but also in the minds of customers when they think about luggage and accessories brands with integrity who craft heirloom-quality products.”
Bentley, marque of future-facing cars

With a long-standing racing legacy and six Le Mans wins to its name, Bentley has a rich heritage of automotive excellence. Headquartered in Crewe, the brand makes no plans to rest on its laurels: it is committed to building a new sustainability-led 'Dream Factory', which is set to transform the company's operations.
Ben Whattam, marketing director: “To be recognised by Gentlemen’s Journal as one of their Great British Brands is a meaningful honour. Following a re-launch of its brand and a new design concept, Bentley is proud to contribute to the worldwide appreciation of British creativity, craftsmanship and design.”
Berry Bros. & Rudd, merchant of fine wine
Undoubtedly the most famous wine merchants in the world, Berry Bros. & Rudd has been a purveyor of fine wines and spirits since the 18th century. From humble beginnings as a coffee shop in 1698, Berry Bros. & Rudd still occupies its No. 3 St James’s Street headquarters but has grown to have offices in Tokyo, Singapore and Hong Kong, two Royal Warrants, and more wine accolades than you can shake a corkscrew at.
Boodles, heritage jeweller of the highest regard
Founded in Liverpool in 1798, Boodles has been adding glitz and glamour to its customers’ lives for four centuries. And what sparkling centuries they’ve been. Experts in trophy-making, silversmithing and the sourcing of rare and precious gemstones, there are few jewellers more revered and respected in the entire world than British-born Boodles.
Burberry, heritage outerwear icon
Instantly recognisable for its signature check pattern, Burberry is a brand that has become synonymous with British style. Its founder Thomas Burberry – then a 21-year-old former draper’s apprentice – launched the brand in 1865 with a vision of enabling people to move freely (and stylishly) outdoors in the British weather. His development of the world’s first breathable and waterproof fabric, gabardine, revolutionised rainwear, appeared on the backs of the special forces in World Wars, and remains at the heart of British outerwear.
Today Burberry stands as Britain’s most recognisable brand. Now under the rule of its creative director, Yorkshireman Daniel Lee, Burberry is championing the eccentricities of being British and it has become synonymous with its brilliant campaigns featuring everyone from Joanna Lumley and Kate Winslet to Naomi Campbell and Nicholas Hoult.
Cecil Wright, boutique yacht brokerage
Known most recently for chartering the world’s finest superyacht, Kismet, Cecil Wright has become one of the most respected boutique yacht brokerages in the world. Renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and unwavering devotion to their clients, Founder, Chris Cecil-Wright’s mantra of “fewer clients, serviced better” has allowed Cecil Wright to go from strength to strength and truly make waves within the industry.
Cheaney, crafter of classic leather shoes
During the first 80 years of business, the Cheaney factory made shoes exclusively for some of the finest retailers around the world, branded to their individual company requirements. Thankfully, in 1964, the founder’s grandson decided to build up the Cheaney name itself – and the Northamptonshire factory has been creating leather-lined, Goodyear-welted, hand-crafted shoes ever since. Now it’s known for its durable styles, such as the Alfred lace-ups and Hadley penny loafers.
William Church, Joint Managing Director: “As a brand, we are very proud to still be 100% made in England, unchanged since 1886. We are thrilled to be included in Gentleman’s Journal and their Best British Brands as recognition of the highly skilled workforce at our factory who dedicate such a large amount of time and handwork to each pair of shoes. We hope that through sharing this craftsmanship we can ensure the continuation of fine English shoes for generations to come, and we’d like to thank Gentleman’s Journal for championing our craft and our story.”
Church’s, creator of flawless footwear
A legendary linchpin in the shoemaking heartland of Northampton, Church’s has – for at least 150 years – been the essential choice for those seeking out durable and stylish footwear, from flawless Chelsea boots to durable Derbys and well-buffed Oxfords. In recent times, we’ve particularly enjoyed the brand’s lightweight EVA rubber sole that imbues the classic designs with cushion-like comfort and a contemporary feel.
Crockett & Jones, maker of fine English footwear

Northampton is a place commonly associated with shoemaking, and has been since the Middle Ages. Crockett & Jones is arguably the best in this bastion of footwear, founded in 1879 and remaining wildly popular to this day for their handmade shoes and boots. Signature footwear comprises the Boston loafers, Alex lace-ups and very slick Chelsea 8 boots.
James Fox, Head of Marketing at Crockett & Jones: “Having worked with Harry [Jarman, Editor-in-Chief] and his team since the launch of Gentleman’s Journal, it gives us great pleasure to continue to be recognised by them as a great British manufacturing brand.
“With a slightly longer heritage, Crockett & Jones was founded in 1879, our core ethos and focus remains largely unchanged, much like at the Gentleman’s Journal. All of our Goodyear welted shoes are handmade in the home of English shoemaking, Northampton, as does the founding family who are still at the hands-on helm, a key detail that we don’t plan on changing anytime soon."
Edmiston, luxury superyacht brokers

Edmiston is synonymous with yachting and prides itself on offering a broad range of services across sales, charter, management and new build. Whether you’re looking to invest in the superyacht of your dreams, or charter a yacht for a holiday to remember, the team at Edmiston has you sorted.
Jamie Edmiston, chief executive of Edmiston: “Edmiston is a British Company built on principles that are deeply rooted: independence, discretion and a quiet determination to do things properly. For more than three decades we have operated at the highest level of global yachting, advising clients where complexity, timing and trust matter enormously. The market has grown in scale and visibility, but the fundamentals remain unchanged. Sound judgement, aligned interests and consistent standards endure.
“We are privately owned, which allows us to think long term and act decisively. That continuity has shaped our culture and the way we serve our clients across generations. To be recognised by Gentleman’s Journal among Britain’s leading brands is something for which we are proud. It reflects not only the heritage of the business, but the discipline and expertise of the team who uphold its standards every day.”
Emma Willis, menswear designer extraordinaire
With a factory that sits in the middle of Gloucester in a beautiful 18th-century townhouse, Emma Willis is about as British as it gets. The brand creates some of the most luxurious shirts, boxer shorts, pyjamas and dressing gowns in the world; clothes truly fit for a gentleman and bespoke items imbued with heritage that will last you a lifetime. With a London outpost on Jermyn Street, Willis has cemented herself among the greats of the the British manufacturing industry.
Emma Willis: “Thank you GJ for including us in your 50 Best Brands. Your sincere support for British craftsmanship and skills and our charity Style for Soldiers are exemplified in all the support you give us in the beautiful editorials you create. I can’t imagine how I styled my Jermyn Street shop now without the stunning Gentleman’s Journal!”
Farlows, seller of the finest fishing and shooting kit
Heading out of the city sometime soon? Let Farlows lend a hand. Supplying some of the greatest fishing equipment and shooting attire since 1840, this iconic Pall Mall staple carries a singular range of high-quality stock that’ll see you through your countryside escape in the most stylish (and practical) way possible. The cotton safari jacket, especially, will take you nicely from city to field.
Floris, master of fine fragrances
A fragrance that’s worthy of a gentleman can be a difficult thing to come by. There’s so much competition out there, with many signature scents coming from the continent or our friends across the pond. But a fragrance in a league of its own – created in the heart of London and epitomising all the class and sophistication of a true gent – is Floris. Each scent is made using traditional techniques at the Floris perfumery located at 89 Jermyn Street in London. What’s more, James Bond creator Ian Fleming favoured the brand for his super-spy, and if it’s good enough for 007, it’s good enough for you.
Joseph Bullmore, Editor of Gentleman’s Journal: “I love that London’s premier perfumer is still run and owned by the same family. Edward Bodenham, current custodian of the Floris family values, has a nose like a bloodhound and an incredible eye for marketing. I’m very fond of the company’s limited edition Islay number, which has some very distinctive peaty notes.”
Fortnum & Mason, seller of the finest foods
Since its early 18th-century origins in St James’s Market, this bastion of great British eating has made some giant gastronomic leaps. In 1738, it invented the Scotch egg – the perfect snack for travellers. In 1886, it introduced the mighty baked bean to Britain. And, in 1922, it provided the food for the Everest expedition – including 60 tins of quail in foie gras and 48 bottles of champagne. Today, it still sets the benchmark for quality fare.
Gieves & Hawkes, bespoke Savile Row tailor

The coming together of James Watson Gieve and Thomas Hawke, Gieves & Hawkes has been the benchmark of bespoke tailoring and traditional British style since 1771. Sitting proudly at its 1 Savile Row headquarters, the brand has a celebrated history with the British military and has created iconic bespoke pieces for Elizabeth II, Sir Michael Caine, Ian Fleming and Michael Jackson.
Jason Gerrard, Managing Director, Gieves and Hawkes: “Evolving Gieves & Hawkes into its 255th year we are very proud to have championed the incredible craftspeople that have maintained the reputation of this House over the years and continue to do so today. Under new management we have ensured that both integrity and authenticity are at the forefront of what we do and this can only be achieved by sourcing and supporting as much as is possible, from the wealth of incredible manufacturers here in the UK.
“Today 80% of our tailoring is produced from fabric woven in English and Scottish mills. We have taken the responsibility of our heritage to navigate the brands narrative to ensure Gieves & Hawkes continues to be seen as a great British brand, supporting great British manufacturers. We are delighted that Gentleman’s Journal has chosen to recognise Gieves & Hawkes as one of the top 50 British brands.”
Goodwood, an English estate like no other
The family seat of the Duke of Richmond set in the stunning West Sussex countryside; the Goodwood Estate has set the bar for transforming historical stately homes into successful businesses. Through a myriad of high-production events including the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Goodwood Revival, Qatar Goodwood Festival and Goodwoof, the Estate continues to protect its heritage through progressive management and constant pursuit of future-forward opportunities.
Graff, jeweller of quality and virtue

When it comes to creating luxury goods, few do it as well as Graff. Not only does the jeweller laser engrave most of its diamonds with a unique Gemological Institute of America tracking number (a feature that allows you to track each stone’s origins), but it also ensures that none of its products are bought or sold in areas where there are conflict diamonds trades.
Francois Graff, CEO: “As a British brand founded in London in 1960, we are proud of our London headquarters and our Mayfair atelier – it is a hive of expertise and innovation, where our designers and master craftsmen consistently strive for perfection. While we now operate on a global level, with more than 60 stores worldwide, we remain a family-run, British business.”
Harrods, legend of Knightsbridge
Covering one million square feet and renowned for its luxury goods and celebrity-endorsed products, Harrods is the closest thing you can get to a retail Mecca. Despite the rise of e-commerce, the fact that the green and gold London institute can still attract more than 15 million customers a year is a testament to its reputation as the world’s greatest department store.
Henry Poole, celebrated Royal Warrant holder
A favourite within the British royal household (and of Gentleman’s Journal digital cover star Jason Momoa), Henry Poole was the first bespoke-tailoring house to open on Savile Row, and is credited with creating the framework for the dinner jacket. More than two centuries on from its 1806 launch, the label still produces some of the most beautiful garments in the world.
Simon Cundey, Managing Director: “We are delighted to be part of this list. Henry Poole prides itself on the craft of pure bespoke tailoring, this being cloths cut and made in the premises. Since 1806, our quality and service have remained paramount to our clients. Our generations of expertise have been brought together and are still in control by a family-owned tailors today.”
Huntsman, stalwart of Savile Row
Huntsman was founded by Henry Huntsman in 1849, under the name “H. Huntsman & Sons, Gaiter and Breeches Maker”. The house garnered a reputation for dressing the hunting and riding aristocracy of Europe for much of the nineteenth century, and it continues to make equestrian and sporting tailoring today – Henry Huntsman’s very own breeches are still displayed in the company’s Savile Row shop.
Taj Phull, Managing Director at Huntsman: "Over 175 years ago, our business was established on the values of quality, craftsmanship, and service, values we uphold to this day, ensuring every Huntsman garment bears the hallmark of Savile Row excellence. Today, we occupy a unique space at the intersection of heritage and innovation, proudly representing British luxury to a global clientele, with bespoke and ready-to-wear offerings that encapsulate every sartorial requirement of the modern connoisseur. To be recognised among the 50 most prestigious British brands is both an honour and a testament to the enduring appeal of timeless style, exemplary service, and the artistry of authentic bespoke tailoring."
INEOS Grenadier, producer of the modern-day off-roader

Kickstarted with the news that Land Rover would be ending production of the original Defender, and named after owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s favourite London pub, the INEOS Grenadier is a rugged, go-anywhere off-roader ready for adventure. In an industry that’s seen countless new car companies fail, this marque has defied the odds.
George Ratcliffe, President of the Americas – INEOS Automotive: “The Grenadier journey so far has been great fun to be a part of, the chance to do something that doesn’t happen often at all – Building a new global vehicle manufacturer from scratch and showcasing British grit, design and business in all corners of the globe. We’re pleased to see INEOS, a new player in the game, recognised among so many long admired British brands. Much like Gentleman’s Journal expanding in the US, we’re taking big strides across the pond, investing in the team and doubling our retailer footprint. Adding a touch of British class to adventure across the pond.”
Jaguar, mavericks of luxury motoring

The carmaker made headlines in 2024 for steering things in a new direction — which it called “exuberant modernism” — but its indomitable 90-year spirit remains. It’s a survivor of a brand; suffused with British spirit and determined to keep driving forward. Over the years, monarchs, prime ministers and Hollywood superstars have all treasured their respective Jags, and let’s never forget that Enzo Ferrari called the legendary, low-slung E-Type “the most beautiful car ever made”. He wasn’t wrong.
Jo Malone, peerless perfumer

Since Jo Malone opened her first store at 154 Walton Street in London in 1994, the brand has attracted a loyal following that continues to grow. Its expansive portfolio of elegant fragrances encompasses perfumes, candles, diffusers and bath and body products. Unexpected ingredient combinations like mimosa and cardamom and cypress and grapevine make for truly unique scents.
John Bell & Croyden, the one-stop shop for health and wellbeing
Pioneering pharmacist John Bell opened the original John Bell & Croyden pharmacy on Oxford Street in 1798. Today, the company’s flagship resides a few streets away on Wigmore Street, but it remains one of the capital’s finest pharmacies. Offering everything from skincare to dental care, it’s a one-stop shop for health and wellbeing.
Knight Frank, the UK’s leading independent real-estate agency
Founded in 1896, Knight Frank is, simply put, the finest real-estate company we’ve ever worked with. Headquartered in London, the company prides itself on providing personable service and showcasing singular properties. We’re particularly fond of the Knight Frank Private Office, dedicated to advising about and managing the most prime plots of real estate.
Land Rover, icon of British roads (and off-road ventures)
A brand that is so deeply rooted in British heritage and culture that it requires no introduction, Land Rover has been traversing farmland, exploring jungles, navigating warzones and patrolling cities since 1948. Though the iconic Defender might be its most famous model, Land Rover’s foray into hybrid and electric vehicles shows that sustainability and forward thinking are at front-of-mind for the brand for 2026.
Linn, icon of audio

Glasgow-based hi-fi brand Linn was founded in 1973, when Ivor Tiefenbrun produced the now-iconic Sondek LP12 turntable. Over 50 years later, the company remains the benchmark in home audio, its products encompassing speakers, power amps, streaming players, and of course turntables.
The Macallan, distiller of luxurious single malts

Moray-based distillery, The Macallan, is another sterling example of a brand perfectly balancing heritage with modernity. Despite celebrating its 200th anniversary last year, The Macallan shows no sign of slowing down, partnering with the likes of Cirque du Soleil and Bentley Motors, and releasing its futuristic TIME:SPACE Collection to remind us that while it has craftsmanship and knowledge in abundance, it’s certainly not lacking on the innovation front either.
Jaume Ferràs, Creative Director: “Last year, 2024, witnessed The Macallan’s bicentennial anniversary, marking 200 years of unwavering commitment to creativity and craftsmanship. It was a chance to reflect on the brand’s legacy: past, present and future.
“From the collaboration with Cirque du Soleil, where we brought together the art of whisky making and the spectacle of performing arts to The Macallan Estate, through to the launch of TIME:SPACE – a dual chamber vessel that includes the oldest whisky released by The Macallan at 84 Years Old, as well as a second single malt that marks the first from the brand’s new distillery. This landmark year also saw the release of The Macallan Horizon in collaboration with Bentley Motors, encapsulating both brands’ rich heritage and shared vision for the future."
Mulberry, of luxury leather bag renown
Founded in 1971 by Roger Saul – who received a £500 cash injection from his mother and named the brand after the trees he’d walk past on the way to school – Mulberry is a British success story. Housed in one of the largest stores on Regent Street, with further stores across the country, the company is known for its leather goods, which span the iconic bags such as the Bayswater, and newer styles specifically designed for men, such as the sleek Chiltern crossbody.
N.Peal, purveyors of the finest knits

Under Yorkshire-born Adam Holdsworth, British knitwear house N.Peal has elevated cashmere into an art, championing direct “goat-to-garment” transparency from Mongolia to its fine finished pieces. First founded in 1936 and rooted in heritage, the modern iteration of the brand blends craftsmanship with quality production, and has exported its super-soft wares to every cosy corner of the world. And for good reason: its refined cashmere staples remain synonymous with understated luxury, and truly timeless design.
Adam Holdsworth, N.Peal CEO: “Since 1936, our knitwear has been favoured by Hollywood legends such as Marilyn Monroe, Ava Gardner and Grace Kelly, and has also been proudly worn by James Bond on screen, underscoring the timeless appeal and enduring relevance of our designs. As we celebrate our 90th anniversary, we remain committed to creating pieces cherished for generations. Being recognised by Gentleman’s Journal as one of the top 50 British brands is a true honour. Thank you for this distinguished acknowledgement.”
New & Lingwood, pioneer of expressive loungewear

In 1865, New & Lingwood opened as a ‘gentleman’s outfitters’, and became renowned, in part, for dressing the students of Eton College. It works with some of the finest tailors, mills, shoemakers and weavers found within these shores, using only the toughest of tweeds, the most luscious of leathers, and the smoothest of silks. Alongside the tailoring, the label’s vibrant dressing gowns are a particular joy.
Freddie Briance, CEO: “For 160 years, New & Lingwood has designed and crafted relaxed and refined British menswear. From our atelier on Jermyn Street to our boutiques across London, Eton and New York, we have always sought to uphold the best of British heritage as we evolve with our customers. It is an honour to be numbered among this great list of British brands.”
Nyetimber, maker of English sparkling wine

Every gent’s drinks cabinet should be stocked with Scotch, a few racks of great red, and, for when the occasion strikes, a beautiful bottle or two of Nyetimber. For more than 35 years, the label – whose vineyards are in Sussex, Hampshire and Kent – has been producing England’s finest sparkling wine, and its refined, elegant profile has made it a premium choice for flutes across the country.
Cherie Spriggs, Head Winemaker: “At Nyetimber, we are driven by a pursuit of producing exceptional sparkling wines and a passion for British craftsmanship, which is why we are delighted to have been recognised as one of the top 50 British brands by Gentleman’s Journal. We continue to pioneer and demonstrate the superb qualities of this nation for wine production, and what it means to be a leading British luxury brand.”
Oliver Brown, proprietor of country-inspired clothing

Founded more than 25 years ago on Chelsea’s fashionable Lower Sloane Street, Oliver Brown has evolved to become one of the country’s leading destinations for bespoke tailoring and formalwear. As the Official Top Hat Licensee for Royal Ascot, the brand proudly offers the world's largest selection of top hats, making it the ultimate go-to for formal weddings and racing events.
Paul Smith, multi-hyphenate designer
Friend of Gentleman’s Journal, Paul Smith has one of the most recognisable aesthetics in the world. His label’s mix of sophistication, playfulness and signature stripes is constantly popular among the creative crowd, and he’s unapologetically proud of his British roots. Collaborations with the likes of Anglepoise and Caran d’Ache have simply cemented his status as a singular tastemaker.
Paul Smith: “A sense of modern Britishness is certainly at the core of Paul Smith. I hope people will think that there’s an elegant eccentricity to what I do – I try to add an element of the unexpected to classic designs.”
Purdey, master of the English countryside

Purdey is a brand synonymous with the English countryside; one whose heritage is at the forefront of everything that it does and produces. Purdey has been going strong since 1814 and continues to be one of the most sought-after British brands there is, keeping you well kitted-out in great gear in the not-so-great British weather.
Harry Jarman, Editor-in-Chief of Gentleman's Journal: “Purdey is one of those brands that defines the phrase ‘understated luxury’. The quality is second-to-none and under the stewardship of Chairman Dan Jago and the creative direction of Simon Holloway, it seems to be having a moment. It’s part of the luxury conglomerate Richemont and whilst it might not be the biggest brand it is said to be one of the owners' favourite brands."
Rolls-Royce, engineer of the finest luxury automobiles
You know a brand has reached the pinnacle of luxury and prestige when the company name is used to describe other brands that have also reached that status. Born out of a 1904 partnership between Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, Roll-Royce has changed ownership a few times in its rich history, but its dedication to building quality vehicles has remained constant. Best known for its Phantom and Ghost models, the brand continues to encapsulate high-end automotives and ultra-luxury travel.
Savills, experts in global real estate
Founded in 1855 and still headquartered in London, Savills deals not merely in property, but in possibility. From country estates and Palladian piles to glass-clad towers and globe-spanning portfolios, its advisors wield the one-two punch of heritage and hard intelligence. With instinct, discretion and international reach, Savills brings bricks and mortar to life — shaping skylines, stewarding land and quietly influencing how — and where — we live.
Andrew Perratt, head of UK residential for Savills UK: “Property is about so much more than bricks and mortar, transactions and deals. It’s about lifestyle and aspiration which means people are at the heart of everything we do.
“Savills has spent the last 170 years helping people achieve their goals, with a breadth of service that has grown to span the property spectrum. To be recognised by Gentleman’s Journal in this way is testament to the trust our expertise and ethos has earned – something we never take for granted.”
Savoir Beds, the standard-bearer for quality sleep
Savoir makes fewer than 1,000 premium, handcrafted beds a year – because the priority is quality, not quantity. The company originally made its name by kitting out The Savoy, and has since blossomed in reputation, known for its use of high-end materials – such as horse tail and sheep’s wool – and a strictly artisan approach. It remains responsible for countless deep sleeps around the world every night.
Alistair Hughes, co-owner of Savoir: “Savoir is a British heritage brand celebrated for making the world’s finest handmade beds. Our story began in 1905, when Richard D'Oyly Carte, owner of The Savoy hotel, introduced the original Nº2 mattress. Today, every Savoir bed is still crafted entirely by hand in London and Wales by our own artisans, using only the finest natural materials and time-honoured techniques. Being named one of the top 50 British Brands by Gentleman’s Journal is a wonderful recognition of the care and passion our craftspeople put into every bed.”
Sunspel, the go-to for thoughtful simplicity

Thomas Hill, Sunspel’s founder, set out with a quiet but pioneering vision that still epitomises the brand today: to create high-quality underwear from beautiful fabrics. The company’s success today comes down to this quality-first spirit, which has since been applied to the wider wardrobe, including sweatshirts and timeless jackets and coats. When it comes to lists of menswear must-haves, this label is almost always mentioned, and its Supima cotton T-shirts have become the stuff of style legend.
Raul Verdicchi, CEO: “Since 1860, our dedication to crafting luxury essentials from the finest fabrics has been unwavering. Our garments not only celebrate British style and craftsmanship, but also embody our commitment to quality. Drawing on decades of accumulated expertise, our Classic T-shirts are still handmade in our factory in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, and the meticulous attention to detail practised here underscores our entire operation. We are delighted that this has been recognised and that we feature as one of Gentleman’s Journal’s top 50 British Brands.”
Swaine, sellers of luxury leather goods and umbrellas
“Purpose, poise and good humour” is Swaine’s brand ethos — and we can hardly think of a better outlook to have. Thankfully, even if your outlook is a little gloomier, the heritage brand has decades of experience in crafting the finest umbrellas in Britain. Add to that a whole host of hats to choose from, and the grand selection of leather bags, backpacks and briefcases for which the brand has become known, and there’s no reason you shouldn’t be erring on the brighter side.
Thom Sweeney, creators of contemporary tailored menswear

Thom Sweeney, born of Savile Row training and forged in Mayfair, is British tailoring refined for the world today. Founded by Thom Whiddett and Luke Sweeney, it marries classic craft with a contemporary edge — soft-shouldered suits, high armholes and Italian-tinged ease meet meticulous construction. From bespoke roots to ready-to-wear and made-to-measure, it’s a quietly confident, exceedingly important voice in versatile luxury for the modern man.
Thom Whiddett and Luke Sweeney, founders: “British menswear has long been held in the highest esteem around the world, and at Thom Sweeney we feel incredibly fortunate to be part of that tradition. Our background is in bespoke tailoring, so everything we do is rooted in craftsmanship, longevity, and a deeply personal approach to clothing. Whether it’s a bespoke suit made many years ago or a beautifully crafted piece of knitwear, our aim has always been to create garments that clients will wear, cherish and keep for a lifetime. To be recognised by Gentleman’s Journal among the best British brands is a wonderful honour for our entire team.”
Triumph, maker of two-wheeled masterpieces
Despite something of a bumpy history including receivership and minor name changes, the British motorcycle brand, Triumph Motorcycles is powering on better than ever. Immortalised in film with Triumphs being ridden in The Great Escape, The Wild One, An Officer and a Gentleman and No Time to Die (to name a few), the brand continues to showcase its original passion for engineering precision and mechanical craftsmanship.
Turnbull & Asser, shirting icon
Turnbull & Asser recently celebrated its 140th year in the shirting industry and is yet another proud owner of a Royal Warrant. World-renowned for making some of the finest clothing in the world, Turnbull & Asser live on to be one of the most successful and well-known brands in the world.
With its flagship store situated on the aforementioned Jermyn Street, it’s secured its standing as one of the best menswear brands out there, also having supplied illustrious figures both real and fictional across its history. Case in point: as with Floris, Turnbull & Asser also created wares for 007 himself, one of the highest seals of approval for a British brand.
VistaJet, pioneer of private aviation

Since its inception in 2004, VistaJet has revolutionised the world of private aviation. The company offers a new way to fly that involves access to a global fleet, without the responsibilities associated with aircraft ownership. Elegant cabin design and first-class in-flight services create an unparalleled flying experience to rival the most luxurious of homes.
Walker Slater, champions of modern tweed
Founded in the Scottish Highlands in 1989, Walker Slater has reimagined tweed for the modern man, turning a misunderstood cloth into quietly expressive, versatile tailoring rooted in heritage yet brimming with relevance. With refined fabrics and subtly elegant designs, the brand honours craft and authenticity, crafting garments that feel instinctive and enduring rather than nostalgic — garments that belong equally in town and country.


