MAN ABOUT TOWN

If comfort and quality rank highly on your wish list, these picks combine the attributes in unison, with a bit of fun thrown in for good measure…

Words: Charlie Thomas

Introducing Goral:

England’s secret shoemaker steps into the spotlight

Based out of its workshop in Sheffield, Goral has been making shoes for other brands since 1936. Realising the potential of its skilled staff and the unique position of owning its own factory, the brand more recently decided to launch its own designs, characterised by their unique, hybrid styles and exceptional quality materials. What really sets Goral apart, though, is the brand’s commitment to responsible production. Each pair of shoes that leaves its workshop is made to order, which eliminates any waste and leftover stock, as each pair goes direct to consumer. This does mean that once you buy a pair it will take slightly longer than usual for them to arrive, but Goral promises every order will be shipped within 10 working days. What’s more, the brand offers a lifetime repair guarantee, so if you buy from Goral you buy for life. Any and all repairs can be taken out by the craftspeople at its Sheffield factory, from minor scuffs to leather restoration and re-soling. When many companies encourage people to continually invest in the new, it’s refreshing to see heritage brands such as Goral promote conscious consumption. goral-shoes.co.uk

Aime Leon Dore’s Festive Jumpers

Every season Aime Leon Dore creates clothes you didn’t know you wanted, and this winter it’s no different. The New York brand has become known for its jacquard knitwear, which depict scenes ranging from Michael Jordan dunking, to what we see before us: an old man holding a goat, and a backgammon table. Making other festive jumpers seem thoroughly uninspired, these knits are just the right side of gaudy, promising to add a playful edge to your winter get-ups. Molina Pappou sweater £395; Backgammon cardigan £495, aimeleondore.com

Kirk Originals

Sunglasses are synonymous with rock ’n’ roll, so it makes sense for Kirk Originals (luxury made-in-Britain sunglasses) to collaborate with The Rolling Stones (one of the greatest rock bands of all time). The capsule includes two limited-edition styles: ‘Aftermath’, a sharp, piano-black design inspired by London in the 60s; and ‘Black and Blue’, an aviator shape reminiscent of bins from the early 70s. Both £295, kirkoriginals.com

Private White V.C.

Comfort is the new luxury. Forget structured suits and uncomfortable leather shoes, these days it’s all about stretchy waistbands and cotton jerseys. Or at least it is according to Private White V.C., which has just introduced a new collection designed with comfort in mind. To do so, the forward-thinking label carefully reconfigured its PPE factory in Manchester, which supplied the NHS throughout the first year of the pandemic. Instead of selling the machinery and letting go of some 30 staff, Private White transformed the space into a jersey factory, beginning with the creation of a new capsule of elevated essentials. Made up of 11 pieces, including a button-down shirt and sweatpants, this is loungewear at its most refined. The sweatpants are described as a ‘trouser’, and have a tailored fit, regular hems and a mock fly to mimic actual trousers, while the ‘cashblend’ sweatshirt is crafted from a cashmere/wool/cotton-blend jersey, which is extraordinarily soft to the touch. The latter boasts hidden side pockets and large, vintage-inspired hems – making its case as the ultimate sweatshirt. Sweatshirt £295, sweatpants £199, privatewhitevc.com

WONDERS

OF THE WHARF

WITH SO MANY OPTIONS FOR DINING, SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT, CANARY WHARF IS FEELING FESTIVE

Canary Wharf is feeling rather magical. This might have something to do with the enormous ice skating rink that has popped up in Canada Square Park – its fairy-light illuminated roof and the smell of mulled wine from the next-door Off Piste Bar being about as Christmassy as it gets. Be it a date night or day out, a whizz around the rink is a great winter option.

There’s also delicious food, stylish boutiques and a programme of festive events, all of which contribute to make Canary Wharf the perfect place to come together this Christmas.

DINE

Christmas has officially arrived at Canary Wharf’s restaurants. The Ivy in the Park promises festive classics, while Hawksmoor does the best steaks in town. The menu at Pergola On The Wharf, meanwhile, fuses fabulous cocktails with decadent dishes. Other dining options include Six by Nico, which keeps diners on their toes with a menu that changes every six weeks, and ROKA, which is renowned for its sushi, sashimi and robata grill. If you’re in the market for live music, Boisdale of Canary Wharf has a nightly offering of jazz, blues and soul curated by its Patron of Music, Jools Holland.

To bring the taste of Christmas home, Waitrose & Partners is stocking all of your seasonal staples, and no holiday is complete without chocolate: Godiva and Charbonnel et Walker are your local specialists.

SHOP

Bauble-covered trees have popped up throughout the shopping malls, and we all know what that means: it’s time for Christmas shopping. For the fashionconscious ladies in your life, there’s cosy knits from Claudie Pierlot and party pieces from COS. It’s also hard to go wrong with things that glitter and gleam: try treasures from David M Robinson and precious pieces from Monica Vinader. Or, honour your partner, mother or sister with goods from the fragrant apothecary of Penhaligon’s, and don’t forget accessories: a Coach bag is always a good idea.

With more than 120 stores and boutiques on the Wharf, you won’t be short on choice for him, either. Polo Ralph Lauren and BOSS lead the charge when it comes to casualwear, while Orlebar Brown and Hackett are go-tos for smart ensembles. When it comes to watches, consult the experts at Goldsmiths, Watches of Switzerland and Montblanc – they can also help you find the perfect cufflinks or leather accessories. If your giftee dreams of gadgets and gizmos, both Samsung and Currys PC World are within walking distance.

And why not pick up some festive decor while you’re at it? Deck the halls with home accessories from John Lewis & Partners, and a Jo Malone London candle should ensure that your space smells as good as it looks.

FREE PARKING

You can enjoy three hours’ free parking in Canary Wharf’s car parks when you spend £10 at weekends and bank holidays, or two hours’ free parking when you spend £10 between Monday and Friday. Simply ask for your ticket to be validated at any point of purchase at the weekend, and in Waitrose & Partners, Marks & Spencer Simply Food or Tesco Metro during the week.

WHAT’S ON

Between skating, shopping and dining, there is also a raft of events taking place at Canary Wharf this Christmas. Short Story Stations – the Estate’s literary vending machines – will be undergoing a festive takeover. Alternatively, catch a film at Everyman Cinema or explore the 70-plus public artworks on display across the Estate. Finally, the Winter Lights exhibition arrives in January, comprising illuminated artworks to set the dark winter evenings aglow.