From the stiff upper lips and shenanigans of the PG Wodehouse Jeeves canon to the searing rebellion of the Sex Pistols, Britain’s always blended elegance and eccentricity.
And the businesses that bless this sceptered isle with their superb products and services often differentiate themselves from bland competitors by injecting style and personality into everything they do.
If you want to sample the best of British businesses, here are four quirky and quality UK firms.
- Pantherella
When a British man about town sets off for a date at a high-class restaurant or socialises with pals at a private members’ club, suboptimal socks can ruin the entire soiree.
So foot-sheath fanatic Louis Goldsmith founded fine sock supplier Pantherella in 1937 to consign such hosiery faux pas to the history books.
The stylish, lightweight products that Goldsmith produced were soon exported across the world and are still popular to this day — thanks to hand-finished features like comfortable fine-linked toe seams, reinforced heels and construction from high-grade natural fabrics.
If you want superb under-shoe products for any occasion, Pantherella has it covered.
- Bettys
Few things wet the whistle of a true Brit more than a terrific cup of tea — it’s used for everything from tempering tantrums to revitalising creative conversations.
And legendary tearoom Bettys has elevated quaffing a cuppa to a quasi-religious ceremony.
Founded in Harrogate in 1919, their afternoon tea sets a standard that competitors can only aspire to — as well as excellent tea, it features delicious cakes and confectionery, superb sandwiches and if desired, a fab glass of fizz.
Bettys also boasts locations in York, Northallerton and Ilkley if you’re looking for alternative locations to slake your thirst.
- The Mat Factory
If an Englishman’s home is his castle, his porch becomes the portcullis — the portal where friends are welcomed with open arms and foes are dispatched in no uncertain terms.
So the perfect addition to any doorway is a dirt-trapping device from outstanding online door mat shop The Mat Factory — customised with a witty welcome message or strongly-worded warning that perfectly projects your personality.
Founded in 2009, this niche business has been supplying homes and businesses with premium mat products ever since.
It’s a great example of an enterprise with a simple business offering sustaining success.
- The Edinburgh Dungeon
Scottish capital Edinburgh is one of Britain’s most beautiful cities — main thoroughfare Princes Street is perfectly framed by a castle set on top of a dormant volcano.
But the claustrophobic closes of the old town also hide horrific historical secrets — perfect fodder for thrill-seeking visitors headed for tourist attraction The Edinburgh Dungeon.
Tourists are whisked through a white-knuckle tour of Scottish history in 80 minutes via two underground rides and eleven exciting live shows that cover everything from witch hunting to cannibalism and body snatching.
If you’ve got slightly older kids fascinated by the dark side of history, a trip to The Edinburgh Dungeon should prove unforgettable.
So, there are four quirky and quality UK firms — sample their wares sometime soon to experience the best of British business for yourself.
What’s your favourite British company? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
