Swaine Out of Hours: A Guide to London Pubs

The Salisbury II paired with The Red Lion

48 Parliament St, London SW1A 2NH

Standing on the site of a medieval tavern, known in 1434 as Hopping Hall, the Red Lion is one of the City’s historically distinguished pubs. Situated between Downing Street and Parliament, it has long been a favoured meeting place for politicians, political observers and members of the public alike. Its clientele has included a young Charles Dickens, and it remained a regular haunt for Prime Ministers, serving every sitting leader up to Edward Heath in the 1970s. Today, it continues to welcome politicians from across the political spectrum.

So why does it align with the Salisbury II?

Much like the Red Lion, the Salisbury II is made for life in motion. For those constantly on the move drafting speeches and refining notes between meetings, organisation and accessibility are essential. The Salisbury II offers a refined balance of style and practicality. It is designed for those moments when the agenda changes at rather short notice, and one must adapt with appropriate calm and a well timed shuffle of papers. With a larger gusset and a top lock, the bag provides easy access and space for both documents and a laptop, ensuring everything remains secure, sleek, and within easy reach.

The Pork Pie Paired with Nightjar

129 City Road, London, EC1V 1JB

Tucked just beyond the City’s edge, close enough to walk yet far enough to feel like a secret, Nightjar hides beneath street level as a basement bar full of character. Inside, live jazz drifts through dim light and polished dark wood, while deep red seating and an impressive selection of whiskies and cocktails set a distinctly speakeasy tone. It is the kind of place where time softens at the edges, the city noise (along with the day’s work)  fades to a memory, and conversations stretch a little longer than planned.

It feels designed for a companion piece of jazz-era iconography: the pork pie hat. Closely associated with the “cool” jazz movement, it became emblematic of the scene’s understated style and attitude. The look was firmly established by saxophonist Lester Young in the 1930s and 40s, whose relaxed tone and distinctive image helped define the aesthetic of the “cool” jazz era. Later, bassist and composer Charles Mingus honoured him with the elegy “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat,” written in tribute to Young after his death. 

With its distinctive short crown and narrow, upturned brim, the pork pie hat creates an unmistakable silhouette. It brings a subtle edge to any outfit, much like the low lit corners of a live jazz set, it does not demand attention, but it draws it anyway. 

Men’s Macassar Ebony Wood Umbrella Paired with The Trading House

89-91 Gresham St, London, EC2V 7NQ

Located in the former Bank of New Zealand building, The Trading House sits within the financial district and draws on the visual language of historic trading posts and international exchange. The interior brings together high ceilings, dark timber panelling and curated cabinets of curiosity. It creates an atmosphere that reflects the City’s long relationship with commerce and as a global network for the circulation of goods. 

Macassar ebony is a dense, rich hardwood traditionally sourced from Indonesia, with natural occurrences in regions such as Sulawesi. It is valued for its striking grain, where deep brown and near black tones form natural striations. Each piece is visually distinct, shaped by the organic variation of the wood itself. 

Set against the backdrop of The Trading House, the umbrella aligns with a broader narrative of exchange and craftsmanship. It sits within a world where objects are understood through material intelligence, skilled production, and the footprint of the wood’s journey from harvest to craft to distinguished accessory.

The Westminster 1 Paired with The Cittie of Yorke

22 High Holborn, London WC1V 6BN 

The Cittie of Yorke is a historic pub with origins dating back to the 15th century, with a public house recorded on the site as early as 1430. Today, it is known for its distinctive 1920s style interior, designed in an “Olde England” aesthetic.

Located in the legal district of Holborn, the main bar space is notable for being one of the longest pub bars in London. Overhead, rows of antique-style barrels reinforce the sense of heritage and material weight. The interior is structured with traditional wooden “snugs”, enclosed seating areas that historically allowed for private conversation. In practice, spaces like this were often used by barristers and legal professionals working nearby, offering a degree of privacy within a public setting. 

The cellars beneath the pub add another layer of literary association. Charles Dickens referenced the site in Barnaby Rudge, embedding it within a broader cultural memory of London.

This pub finds a natural counterpart in the Westminster 1 briefcase, a piece rooted in English legal tradition. Made from English bridle leather, it takes its name from the nearby law district and reflects the refinement of historic document cases used across the profession for generations. The leather develops a patina over time, recording use and movement. In that sense, it might be said to observe as much as it carries, holding papers that pass through courtrooms and chambers, and in doing so bearing silent record of the proceedings they have moved through. 

The City of London bears the marks of its history in much the same way Swaine carries the weight of over 275 years of craft and trade. Swaine London has long been part of the city, with pieces historically present in the wider cultural life of the city, including the pubs, clubs, and institutions that shape London’s social rhythm. In this way, craft continues to draw inspiration from London, embodying a spirit of continuity where heritage is shaped, worn, and passed on.