UK Shopping Recommendation Needed - Birmingham / London

[Elythor]

I'll be visiting UK next week for holiday. I'll mostly be staying in Birmingham but will spend 2 days over in London too. What are some good shops to visit for clothing? I'm looking around for a nice winter coat, something that is suitable for everyday wear (I'm usually in polo + chino) but also good for the occasional shirt+tie.

Since this is over the holidays, should I expect good XMas deals even at the pricier shops?

 

[CTBrummie]

I know a fair few people who like heading over to Clements & Church, right behind Snow Hill Station and if you're there, you might as well head over to the Crockett & Jones shop which is literally two minutes away. Their sale starts on 27 December, I think.

Also worth popping into Callaghan Ltd (no site), a MTM and bespoke tailor two doors down from the Alexandra Theatre and a fifteen-minute walk from the above couple of shops. He's been in business since 1969 and often has very good deals on uncollected suits and overcoats. He closes down on 21 December and re-opens on 2 January so might not be good for you.

And if you fancy somewhere a little different, the Birmingham Rag Market has a variety of stalls selling allsorts, including a couple that occasionally have some decent old clothes (I picked up a MTM wool/cashmere DB overcoat there for £35 once, originally made by Colin Callaghan mentioned above). Dress down for the Rag Market as it's very much for the locals...

And if you make it there for Saturday then head into town for the last night of the Frankfurt Christmas Market, the biggest Xmas market in the country and a great place for a drink, bite to eat and trinket-shopping. Just keep an eye on your pockets as the thieves have apparently been busy this year...