A bit of Bond at Burford

They might not admit it, even to themselves, but at one time or another, every man has fancied himself as something of a James Bond. Equally, when it comes to gifting, it’s often the men in our lives that we find most difficult to buy for.

So, with this in mind, we thought we’d take a quick, light-hearted glance at some of our best picks for Bond-related gifts from right across our store, providing a little inspiration on how best to indulge that quietly guarded fantasy.

Beautifully documenting both the fashion and the globetrotting excesses of Fleming’s most sartorially literate secret agent, Assouline’s twin titles – ‘James Bond Style’ and ‘James Bond Destinations’ – present the reader visual extravaganza with their wonderfully reproduced photography.

Delivering insight into the looks and locations that have captured global audiences’ imaginations since 1962, these hardcover books cover 19 locations, such as Ursula Andress emerging from Jamaican waters, Daniel Craig’s high-speed car chase in Rome, and Roger Moore’s epic showdown on a Sugarloaf cable car in Rio, along with the timeless fashion from all twenty-five films.

Speaking of clothes, you’ll find no shortage of British brands favoured by the spy himself.

The epitome of suave sophistication, Bond has long favoured understated British tailoring, with Sunspel, Barbour and John Smedley – along with Chukka-inspired boots – all making appearances in films throughout the Daniel Craig era.

Whether it’s a Sunspel polo in breathable Supima cotton fabric, as seen in 2006’s ‘Casino Royale’, or a weathered waxed Barbour jacket to match the misty Scottish moors in 2012’s ‘Skyfall’; Bond has a penchant for effortlessly blending rugged elegance with high-stakes action.

Combining both luxury and utility, these timeless fashion choices often prove as disarming as Bond’s trusty Walther PPK.

As much a part of his day-to-day as the girls and the guns, Bond’s gadgets have seen him out of some decidedly sticky situations. And while we’re yet to stock jetpacks – and explosive toothpaste is very much in breach of our fire code – you’re sure to find a few neat gizmos and devices nestled on our shelves.

For example, take our Troika Construction pens. Like something out of Q-Branch, Troika’s Construction pen is a stationery gift with a difference, featuring, as it does, a built-in spirit level, replaceable capacitive stylus, and concealed Phillips head screwdriver. This hardy multi-tool ballpoint pen is nigh-on indestructible.

Equally, our Victorinox range boasts a whole host of concealable, multifunction tools that no self-respecting special agent would have cause to leave the house without, from their classic Swiss Army Knives to their innovative and award-winning Smart Card wallet.

Lastly, just as he is famously well equipped and well heeled, it’s fair to say Bond is often notoriously well lubricated, owing largely to his unquenchable thirst for martini cocktails, prepared in a rather particular fashion.

Already shaken and ready to pour, Whitebox’s Dirty and Freezer Martinis are crafted by a skilled team with decades of bartending experience, ensuring each ingredient is meticulously measured for a perfect result, with every pour. Promising to live up to the expectations of the most discerning drinker, these ready-to-serve cocktails are of the quality you’d usually find in elite establishments, such as the Golden Dragon or the Casino de Monte-Carlo.