MR START BOUTIQUE

A new menswear emporium is added to the stylish Start stable

Some men shy away from the whole bespoke suit thing, believing that they\'re not smart enough for Savile Row. Well, I have two pieces of advice for the men among you who think like that: 1) Don\'t be so daft: a trip to Savile Row, and the start-to-finish bespoke experience, should be a right of passage for every right-thinking man. 2) If you still can\'t face Mayfair, then take yourself to the Mr Start bespoke boutique on Rivington Street in East London.

The latest in the Start store stable, a business run by Woodhouse founder Phillip Start and his wife, former Fall member Brix Start-Smith (who this Editor warmed to immediately due their shared love of pug dogs), Mr Start specialises in both bespoke and off-the-peg tailoring. And having spent a happy half hour wandering around this stylish space, I can confirm this would be one of the most relaxing, not to mention unstuffy, places to come for your first bespoke experience: comfy sofas, interesting artworks and uncluttered displays all serve to put the first-timer at ease.

As well as a made-to-measure service (from £750), Mr Start also has two ready-made styles (from £550) on offer (the \"fashion\" suit, with slim lapels and slimmer trousers; and the more traditional shape with roped shoulder), and from this autumn, collections from Balenciaga and Jil Sander will also be on sale. And to complete the look, there are shoes from NDC and Crockett & Jones, three tie sizes, as well as a shirt range with three cuff and five collar shapes from which to choose. GQ.COM particularly like the round-collared double-cuff in white (from £115) - the perfect alternative to Hollywood black tie.

What also makes the new Mr Start boutique so brilliant is that it represents the perfect couples\' shopping experience: as it\'s located right opposite the treasure chest that is the Start womenswear shop, she can busy herself trying on fabulous frocks, while you can get measured up in peace.