Are there any London Pipe Makers left?

London pipes were once the most sought after in the world, known for their unsurpassed reputation and craftsmanship. While the boutique Dunhill Whitespot remains a symbol of that legacy, there are few fully pledged London pipe makers today. However, the UK is home to some exceptional pipe makers leading the resurgence of British artisan craftsmanship. Brands like Blakemar, Ian from Northern Briar, and Askwith Pipes are at the forefront, producing high-quality, handcrafted pipes that continue to uphold the tradition of excellence in British pipe making.

We are keen to support our home grown talent so please get in touch if you are a UK pipe maker and we shall jump over ourselves to promote your work.

• 
  

  What type of Pipe does Sherlock Holmes Smoke?

  
  Sherlock Holmes is often depicted smoking a **calabash pipe**, which is easily recognisable by its distinctive gourd shape and meerschaum bowl. The calabash pipe became iconic due to its association with Holmes in stage and film adaptations, though in the original stories by Arthur Conan Doyle, Holmes is described as smoking a variety of pipes, including a **briar pipe** and a **clay pipe**. The calabash pipe's large, curved shape made it practical for actors portraying Holmes on stage, as it was easier to hold while delivering lines.
  
  
  • 
    

    Types of Smoking Pipes

    
    
    • 
      Briar Pipe: Made from the root burl of the Mediterranean briar plant, briar pipes are the most popular due to their heat resistance and durability. They come in various shapes and sizes and are prized for their ability to deliver a cool, smooth smoke.
      
    
    
    • 
      Meerschaum Pipe: Crafted from a soft, white mineral called meerschaum, these pipes are known for their intricate carvings and lightweight feel. Meerschaum pipes provide a very clean smoke and don’t need to be broken in.
      
    
    
    • 
      Clay Pipe: Made from high-quality clay, these pipes are often inexpensive and provide a neutral taste. Clay pipes can be fragile but offer a pure smoking experience as the material doesn’t influence the tobacco’s flavour.
      
    
    
    • 
      Corncob Pipe: Affordable and lightweight, corncob pipes are made from dried corn cobs and are popular for beginners. They provide a cool, dry smoke and are easy to maintain.
      
    
    
    • 
      Calabash Pipe: Recognisable by its gourd shape and often featuring a meerschaum bowl, calabash pipes are known for their large size and smooth smoking experience. They are iconic, often seen in classic depictions of Sherlock Holmes.
      
    
    
    • 
      Churchwarden Pipe: Defined by their long stems, churchwarden pipes offer a cooler smoke due to the distance between the bowl and the smoker’s mouth. Their elegant design makes them a favourite for relaxed, slow smoking sessions.
      
    
    
    • 
      Falcon Pipe: A modular pipe design featuring a metal stem and interchangeable bowls. Falcon pipes are practical, easy to clean, and allow users to swap out different bowls for various smoking experiences.
      
    
    
    • 
      Cherrywood Pipe: Made from cherrywood, these pipes offer a unique, rustic look and a slightly different flavour than briar pipes. They are less common but are favoured by some for their distinct style.