Tucked into the distinguished streets of St James’s, John Lobb has stood for more than a century as one of London’s most revered names in bespoke shoemaking. The firm’s story begins with its founder, John Lobb, a Cornish apprentice who after spending time in the Australian goldfields, returned to London in the 1860s with a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship. His skill earned him a Royal Warrant from the Prince of Wales, a distinction that helped cement the brand’s place among Europe’s elite.
By 1866, Lobb opened his London shop in St James’s Street, placing the workshop at the heart of the gentlemen’s club district. This location brought the firm closer to its clientele, aristocrats, statesmen, and connoisseurs of handmade footwear. The St James’s presence became so central to the brand’s identity that even after wartime bombing destroyed one of its shops, the company rebuilt and eventually settled at 9 St James’s Street, where the family-run bespoke workshop still operates today.
What sets Lobb apart is its unwavering commitment to traditional craft. While many competitors mechanised production in the early 20th century, Lobb continued to make shoes one pair at a time, preserving techniques passed down through generations. This dedication helped the firm earn multiple international exhibition medals and maintain its status as a benchmark of English shoemaking excellence.
Today, the St James’s workshop remains the spiritual home of the brand, a place where craftsmanship, heritage, and quiet elegance converge. Though the Paris branch (acquired by Hermès in 1976) has expanded the name globally, the original St James’s operation continues to embody the essence of the Lobb tradition: bespoke shoes crafted with patience, precision, and a deep respect for history.
Image by Hayden Soloviev. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Courtesy of Wikipedia
See John Lobb & Company on a black cab tour of London!