WHEN a store can claim to have its products featured in hit films and reel off the likes of Rowan Atkinson and Ed Harris as customers, it must know what it’s doing.

Walters of Oxford, tucked away in Turl Street, offers classic and contemporary menswear, as well as supplies for ceremonial events.

A former 18th century coaching inn, the store is spread across two floors.

And while Oxford’s two universities may be the obvious candidates for academic gowns, Walters has also supplied to the universities of Tokyo and Belize, in addition to many UK universities.

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At the beginning of lockdown, core staff looked after enquiries and online orders, until it was able to reopen in the middle of June.

Managing director Adrian Palfreyman said: “The past few months have been like something we’ve never experienced before and will hopefully be a once in a lifetime experience.

“It’s been a long haul but business trade is slowly coming back as people become more comfortable.”

What has helped Walters is its barbershop, especially with the demand for haircuts as many let their hair grow during lockdown.

Mr Palfreyman said: “The barbers still has a busy period in the morning as it’s an advantageous time for gentlemen to get their hair cut before work.

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“We were swamped with people having haircuts initially, when the barbershop reopened.

“It took two weeks to get through that peak and those who got their hair cut in July are now starting to see themselves come back with their hair returning to previous lengths.

“With students due to return next month in some shape or form, that will hopefully see more trade.”

Mr Palfreyman added that over the last 12 years, Walters has become a specialist in the City of London, in the supply of livery gowns to many of the traditional livery companies, which date back to medieval times.

A filming location for The Mummy, Transformers: The Last Knight and Inspector Morse, Walters’ academic gowns have even made appearances in Mamma Mia 2, The Crown and 1980’s drama Brideshead Revisited.

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Meanwhile, celebrity customers include both Mr Atkinson, of Mr Bean fame, and Mr Harris (Apollo 13, The Truman Show), as well as Phil Pope (Only Fools and Horses) and Roy Chubby Brown.

Mr Palfreyman said Walters has often been referred to as the hidden jewel in Oxford’s crown, and even the Harrods of the city.

But, why rediscover Walters?

“Our small shop frontage opens up inside to a whole world of menswear and accessories, complete with our famous barbers shop, like no other,” said Mr Palfreyman

“This former 18th century coaching inn spans two floors of top quality menswear where old style customer service meets modern day trends.”

It’s seen two pandemics, and a couple of world wars just for good measure, and will survive much more.