London's Best Basement

The premises of W. Bill Ltd., London cloth merchants specializing in woolens, are in a basement. But what a basement.

Just a few blocks from Savile Row, W. Bill is open to anyone in need of a length of cloth, provided they are escorted by a tailor. And there are row after row of bolts of tweed, linen and cashmere. Everything but worsteds.

Visitors will often be helped by Mr. Ray Hammet, who if my arithmetic is correct celebrates his 65th year with the firm this year.

Most cloth is chosen by looking at small swatches these days. W. Bill has entire bolts, which makes it much easier to see how a cloth is likely to look when it is made up.

W. Bill is truly London's best basement for men who appreciate tailored clothing. And it has to be visited. The web site does not begin to do it justice.

-Photos by Christian Price