Bates The Hatter

stantoncarlisle

Hats off to Bates 22nd December 2008

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Bates has a small unobtrusive front. Bland and unassuming it's easy to walk past it. You'd be making a big mistake as Hat prices and quality vary along Jermyn Street. Because their front is smaller and staff numbers smaller too, they can keep their prices reigned in, a little. Inside Bates the atmosphere can get pleasantly steamy, not just because the place attracts hat fans but because they always have a kettle on the go. Not to make tea, they use it to quickly steam the hats and soften up them up before you try them on. No self respecting gent wants to put his head in rigid, unmaleable headwear. The staff are pretty knowledgeable about hats and the hat world. They measure your head and are happy for you to try on as many hats as you want - with no obligation to buy. They have nice Astrkhans here,lovely wide brimmed Antelope Fur Fedoras, bowlers, Pork Pie hats, trilbys as well as the usual gents headgear. Classy. Oh and look out for Binks the 80 year old taxidermied cat in the corner he often wears a top hat.