Lock and Co Hatters in St James's celebrates 350 years as the world's oldest hat shop

Few shops anywhere can match the history of Lock and Co Hatters. The St James's hatter was established in 1676, and in 2026 it is celebrating its 350th anniversary. The business describes itself as "the oldest shop in London and the oldest hat shop in the world".

The firm was founded by Robert Davis, and his son Charles continued the business before James Lock inherited it in 1759. The Lock family still owns and runs the company today. Since 1765 it has traded from 6 St James's Street, a Grade II* listed building that has become a landmark of the area.

Lock's hats have shaped history. In 1849 Edward Coke commissioned a sturdier, lower hat for his gamekeepers, made by William and Thomas Bowler, which gave the world the bowler hat. Lock still calls its bowlers "Cokes" in honour of that commission.

The shop's customers have included some of Britain's most famous figures. Lord Nelson wore one of its bicorne hats at the Battle of Trafalgar, and Winston Churchill adopted its Cambridge and Homburg hats. Lock hats have appeared in the James Bond films Dr No and Goldfinger, and the company holds a Royal Warrant as hatter to King Charles III.

Craftsmanship remains at the heart of the business. Hats are hand prepared in the London shop before they leave, and top hats and bowlers are fitted using a conformateur, a traditional device for measuring the exact shape of the head. The shop also offers made to measure hats, personal fittings, care and repairs.

To mark 350 years, Lock is holding a year of events and releasing a new limited edition men's and women's hat or cap each month, as part of its 350th Anniversary Collection. Other recent launches include 1676 Eau de Parfum, sold only at the St James's Street shop, and a limited edition newsboy cap with singer Alfie Boe supporting Brain Tumour Research.

A visit to the shop, with its historic interior and walls of hats, is an experience in itself, whether you are buying or simply admiring.

Lock and Co Hatters is at 6 St James's Street, SW1A 1EF, near Green Park station. For the anniversary collection and fittings, visit lockhatters.com.