The City’s got a brand new leather bag
Satchels are back in business, showing off great British craftsmanship at its finest
ORIGINALLY made in the 17th century to help Oxbridge students lug their books around, the humble satchel has nevertheless made an unexpected comeback in 21st century London.
The buckled bags hav always been a distinctly British success story, made with hardy leather and hand-stitched to perfection.
This great manufacturing tradition lives on in Julie Dean and her mother Freda Thomas who started The Cambridge Satchel Company at home with only £600 in 2008. They recently raised £12.7m to crack the Chinese market and the company is on track to turnover £15m this year.
Harris tweed batchel, The Cambridge Satchel Company
Satchels are now such a big deal, they have their own portmanteau. And it’s batchel – a briefcase satchel. But once you get over that, this really is a bag of class. Made by The Cambridge Satchel Company with a pocket of real Harris tweed, it exemplifies the finest of British craftsmanship.
£165, cambridgesatchel.com
Brown Twin-Pocket Executive Satchel, Zatchels
This bag from satchel specialists Zatchels is from their new Executive Collection, which caters for business people on the go. This brown leather bag has strong, brass fittings and two pockets for extra storage.
£185, zatchels.com
Elkington natural leather briefcase, Mulberry
This black satchel/briefcase hybrid is fully-lined with grosgrin ribbon weaved into the lining. The strap is detachable and it’s taller than most satchels, meaning it’s perfect for holding documents without creasing them. This design also features dividers tucked away inside the main compartment so you can look stylish while being hyper-organised.
£795, mulberry.com
Eton briefcase, Sage Brown
This old-fashioned briefcase is a best seller for Sage Brown in The Royal Exchange. The authentic British leather brand has made this Eton model available in brown, black, light tan, and dark tan with magnetic clasps. It also sells a Harrow satchel, in case you were wondering.
£365, sagebrown.co.uk
Lochus scotch grain satchel, Ted Baker
Described as a “seasonal essential”, this black satchel is embossed with a scotch grain finish and contrast trim, complete with an adjustable and removable shoulder strap. It’s also strengthened with proper buckles, as opposed to magnetic imposters, and has a 100 per cent cotton lining.
£109, tedbaker.com
Deep brown softy, The Original Satchel Store
This hand-stitched bag takes away the staid, formality of other satchels and creates more room in one stroke by using softer leather. It’s also available in three sizes.
£144, theoriginalsatchelstore.co.uk
Leather satchel, Barbour
British brand Barbour is known for its hardy outdoor activity and country sport clothing. It brings this practical, no-nonsense approach to its satchels, which are weathered but impressively tough, like old elephants. The strap is detachable so you can just carry it by the handle if you choose, there’s a spacious main compartment and two front pockets. The bag is also lined with authentic Barbour tartan.
£229, barbour.com