Rule Brittannia

If you keep an eye on the labels when you’re doing your weekly shop to make sure you’re buying British, your perfect shopping experience is coming up. Best of Brittannia (BOB) is a pop-up department store showcasing over 200 quality makers from a vast array of industries, all seen under one roof for the first time. Hosted in the beautiful Victoria House building in Bloomsbury, it’s taking place on Saturday 1 October and Sunday 2 October.

Take your pick from fashion, accessories, jewellery, beauty and home furnishings, and once you need a break from the cashmere, silk, tweed, home-made shoes, fine fragrances, and ceramics (phew!) you can put down your bags and grab a drink and bite to eat. From past experience of visiting BOB I can safely say don’t eat before you go as there will be a multitude of mouth-watering food stalls that will tempt you in. Oh, and artisan chocolate, craft beer and award-winning ice-creams too of course. There will be various demonstrations and workshops available if you fancy trying your hand at something new, including a pattern-cutting workshop, a ‘how-to’ on using a sewing machine, and a make your own t-shirt area. There’s even a pop-up barber shop from Soho’s sharpest, We Are Cuts. Add to that wine-tasting with South Downs-based Wiston Estate, cocktail-making master classes by Pinkster Gin and artisan distillers Sweet Potato Spirit Company, and you’ve got a pretty packed day out.

June Sarpong MBE will be there as an ambassador for BOB and will be launching her new collection, Ldny. She’s been working with not-for-profit company Fashion Enter (a new collection with designer Daniella Helayel, in partnership with the United Nations Trust Fund to end violence against women) that will launch at BOB London.

Best of Britannia London 2016 is also celebrating the third annual Buy British Day on 1 October, teaming up with Wayne Hemingway MBE and encouraging consumers to buy British – if only for one day. On Buy British Day, BOB partners with the Classic Car Boot Sale in King’s Cross, presenting the finest vintage fashion, accessories and homewares, all operating from the boots of their vintage vehicles, alongside an exhibit of classic cars, street food wagons, music and street theatre. With a special 2-for-1 ticket for only £8, you can see two great London events in one day – and there’s even a shuttle bus to transport you between the two! Big up Britain and earn smug points by buying your Christmas presents early this year.