The Diary: Inside Church's factory tour and getaway to Oakley Court

The Diary: Inside Church's factory tour and getaway to Oakley Court | The Gentleman's Journal

If you're in the market for a decent pair of loafers (or any other style of shoe), Church's is a very good place to start. With a storied history spanning 151 years, the British label is one of the most esteemed shoemakers in the country.

And last month, as the Great British Summer (rain and all) swung around, the brand took a select and lucky few of its friends (us included) to visit the place where it all goes down. Up in Northampton, the thriving capital of British shoemaking, lies the Church's factory, where all the shoes are made. It's a place that typically keeps its doors closed to the outside world, and this was a special occasion that was not to be missed.

The factory, which has been in constant operation since the very beginning of the Church's brand, played host to the likes of William Franklyn Miller, Quyen Mike, Mathias le Fèvre Ali Gordon and Morano Filippo. Here the Church's team gave a rare glimpse at the 12 week start to finish process making of their almost entirely handmade shoes - from the iconic Goodyear welting technique to the freehand painting of soles - explaining what makes them the footwear they are. The museum, which is in its early stages of production, was a highlight for all, and housed iconic pieces of Church's history. A pair of Adidas collaborative sneakers from the 2012 Olympics were on show, as were images of the late Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visiting the factory.

Following that guests were taken further south to the 16th Century Fawsley Hall, where they dined in a private room once frequented by Elizabeth I and Charles I. A grand space steeped in British history, it was the perfect setting for lunch hosted by Church's, a brand with equally as much depth.

An event spanning three days, it was onto the base for the majority of the stay next. Oakley Court, which is partly-owned by Soho House, is a riverside Victorian mansion, and served as the perfect home for the Church's pack. Situated along a stretch of the Thames known as Water Oakley it has been fully restored, and offers up - which the gang actually took part in - activities such as falconry.

But the real gem of the trip was a trip to the nearby Cliveden House, which is one of Britain's most historic venues. Set in 376 acres of National Trust gardens, it was here that Church's put on a lavish dinner (and midnight whisky tasting) for the troupe. The Grade I stately home has a rich history of glamour and scandal over its 350 years, and has seen a plethora of powerful personalities cross its threshold.

The next day entailed lunch at Heston Blumenthal's Hinds Head in Bray. With origins as a hunting lodge then later a coaching inn, it has been a pioneering British pub since Blumenthal bought it in 2004. Now it is the proud owner of two Michelin stars, and served up a proper pub lunch. Following that - yep there's more! - a boat trip on the Thames, and afternoon tea, English style.

It was a three day trip worthy of the Church's name, steeped in British history, and one that brought the rich shoemaking to life.

Shop the latest at church-footwear.com