With his bundle of dreadlocks and love of surfing, Marc Hare is seemingly the least likely character to found the latest of Mayfair’s men’s shoe shops. However, for Marc this is not his first store – previously proprietor to London’s first surf store and ‘Something’, an early stocker of Raf Simons and Antwerp menswear – but, it is his first bricks and mortar venture under his shoe-designer moniker, Mr Hare.

He rebranded the face of well-made men’s footwear with his intuitive take on classic styles that freely reference British subcultures to the same extent that they take heed from archetypal designs. And now, his Italian produced pieces, with their loyal supporters and fashionable following, find their inaugural home in a little Deco corner of Strafford Street which will offer in-store exclusives and the a full unadulterated collection of wears. We spoke to London-boy Mr Hare, about his city, and this is what he had to say:

What’s your favourite store?

Dover Street Market. There simply is nothing quite like it in terms of being cutting edge on every single level.

…bar?

The Fumoir at Claridges even though I can’t smoke cigars there anymore it is still the flutist place to take a cocktail.

 …gallery?

I love the Serpentine Gallery because it is in the middle of the park and because they have the summer pavilion. I am always interested in architecture and design exhibitions so tend to visit the V&A and Barbican quite often.

…restaurant?

Hands down, The River Cafe is my favourite treat but you will find me at Margot Henderson’s Rochelle Canteen for lunch every single day.

…secret London hang-out?

Tziakkos. In Maryland Road off Harrow Road. The greatest Kleftiko spot in the land. If my mums busy and I need that home cooked foodstuff, it’s where you will find me.

…cinema?

The Gate Notting Hill. Huge wine glasses. Deep red velvet seats and only the best art house movies.

…club?

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Gaz’s Rockin Blues. Every Thursday night since 1981.

…shoe shop?

a new little shop at 8 Stafford Street London W1S 4RU. Where the shoes are mad real.