While it would be foolish to underplay the potential danger of an unsatisfactory exit from the EU, it’s important to locate any slivers of silver lining in this political cloud.
Enter five of London’s longest-established businesses — since they’ve survived (arguably) far worse crises, perhaps they’ll help you to starch your upper lip to unparalleled levels of stiffness and say ‘Brexit schmexit’ to the whole bally thing.
1. Hoare & Co
Britain’s oldest bank C. Hoare & Co was established way back in 1672 by Richard Hoare and is still run by his descendants to this day.
So if your bankers are Hoares, you’re in good hands, because this counting house has survived King William’s War, the Napoleonic Wars, the Boer War and both World Wars — conflicts which left many rival commercial entities completely discombobulated.
Hoare & Co prides itself on maintaining uncommonly good customer service cultivated over centuries — a timely lesson for tyro rivals.
2. Lock & Co
Lock & Co have been crafting terrific titfers since 1676, when the St James Street institution was founded by Robert Davis to turn a tidy profit by dressing dandies of the day in high-end headgear.
Their hats have since blessed the bonces of royals, prime ministers and military heroes like Admiral Nelson and they even claim to have invented the bowler hat.
With such a punchy pedigree, Brexit worries should bounce off them like ball bearings on a battleship.
3. Berry Brothers & Rudd
Wine makes most things feel better, and Brexit is no exception.
So the next time you fancy glugging down a bottle or two, absorb a bit of history while you peruse labels by heading to age-old plonk shop Berry Brothers & Rudd.
This time-tested emporium has been helping the great, good and average drown their sorrows and celebrate victories since 1698 — let’s hope it handles Brexit with aplomb.
4. Floris
Perfume and personal grooming store Floris has been making Londoners smell sublime and look luscious since 1730, when Juan Famenias Floris first set up shop at 89 Jermyn Street.
It’s still there to this day and keeps customers satisfied by selling the same fragrant fare that’s satisfied them for aeons.
Past customers include author Mary Shelley and Brexit’s Frankenstein’s monster looks miniaturized next to a business perspective that stretches back for nigh on 300 years.
5. Ormiston Wire
If you were looking for a winning wig in 1793, the chances are that you’d head straight through the doors of specialist braid manufacturer Ormiston Wire.
Founded in 1793 by savvy Scotsman James Ormiston, it’s taken countless wars, disasters, recessions and depressions in its stride and still has a surprisingly sprightly spring in its step.
Aside from providing tailor-made metal solutions for diverse applications, Ormiston was one of the first firms to introduce a flexible working week by allowing employees to finish early on a Friday — continuing to adapt with agility might help it body-swerve Brexit with balletic grace.
That’s our list — but if you’re still feeling bullish about Brexit, tell us why in the comments section.
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