Briefly removing our blogging hat to wear something slightly different-this time a Panama, we bring you news of the summers only real epic blockbuster event...
Saturday July 12th will see grown men in full tweeds, locking horns (or should that be briar pipes?) for the annual Chap Olympiad. Last year, the event saw the 'decathlan for the debonair' descend on Bedford Square Gardens, Central London for a Martini Marathon, Neck-Tie Kwon Do and other decadently themed events. This year, the event from 1pm-6pm is free entry, but the location a closely guarded secret. To discover the venue, one must follow a fiendishly devised treasure hunt, uttering passwords and obtaining clues from the following chappish retail emporia, which when combined, will disclose the final destination:
JJ Fox & Robert Lewis, 19 St James's Street, London SW1A 1ES -'I need a pipe tobacco that will last a hundred yard sprint'
Lock & CO, 6 St James's Street, London SW1A1EF- 'I'm looking for a bowler hat that will offer protection from flying saucers'
R.E Tricker, 67 Jermyn Street, London SW1y6NY - 'which of your brogues would allow for the swiftest getaway from a furious lady?
GEO F. Trumper, 20 Jermyn Street, London SW1Y6HP - 'Could i have my moustache trimmed in the Leslie Philips style, please?'
Mackintosh, 54-55 Burlington Arcade, London W1J 0LB- 'I'm looking for a raincoat that will withstand several hundred spilt martinis'
The Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly Circus, London W1 - 'Is the memory man available?
I've forgotten where I left my umbrella'
Old Hat, 66 Fulham High Street, London SW6 3LQ - My aunt has suggested i invest in a pair of velvet jodhpurs. Can you help?
Non London residents can write to the Chap including a SAE for all the clues. see you there- Caskstrength fancy their chances in the malt whisky filled, hip-flask relay, (should there be such an event...)
more details here at