Gilbert House Pens hybrid fountain pen review

I thought I would post another pen review as this new addition is rather lovely. Do not worry, there will be the usual Brompton related post on Sunday. 

As many of you know, I have a bit of a fondness for fountain pens. Following a significant wedding anniversary a few days ago, Mrs Orange kindly allowed me to treat myself to add another pen to the collection. This latest acquisition in not from my usual favourite brand, Lamy, but from a maker I have seen several times at the London Pen Show, ‘Gilbert House Pens.’

Brompton World Championship 2026 heads to Lee Valley VeloPark

The countdown has begun people! On Saturday, 5th September 2026, the Brompton World Championship (BWC) returns to London, this time at the iconic Lee Valley VeloPark in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It promises to be the biggest championship yet and yes, I’m going! 

Made it in America?

Back in the 1980s if you were a British music artist, making it in America was huge. I suspect not a great deal has changed. If you follow on Instagram @orangebrompton you will know that I occasionally use songs by one of my favourite bands 'Depeche Mode' to go with my photos. They definitely made it in America and after the last few weeks, I am beginning to think that my Brompton brothers and sisters across the pond might be reading a little more of my humble offerings. 

Why I keep coming back to Lamy Safari fountain pens

I am fortunate to get a few emails and comments from some of you good people who read my efforts. One recent comment and email was from a Brompton rider and fountain pen user all the way from Malaysia. He asked whether I could get more blog posts out there other than just once a week. That is probably not going to happen anytime soon as it is a considerable time commitment to deliver one every Sunday. However, I thought I could write one as an addition that has nothing to do with Brompton bikes or London. It is all about the Lamy ‘Safari’ fountain pen - a bit of a design classic. So, if fountain pens are not for you, there will be a Brompton related post out on Sunday. 

Decathlon and Chinese investment group have bought stakes in Brompton. Don't panic!

In the classic British television programme ‘Dad's Army’ one of the main characters, Corporal Jones, would often shout, "Don't panic!" at moments when many people were doing exactly that. I couldn't help but think of him when the news broke at the end of June that Brompton had sold stakes to two outside groups. Predictably, the doom-and-gloom brigade were quick to declare the sky was falling.

London Lockdown Ride revisited on a Brompton

It had been a while since I had embarked on a ride involving any considerable mileage, so when Geoff asked if I was interested in joining a select few on a nocturnal ride, I happily said yes.

Lamy Persona has been worth the wait!

This blog post as you can see from the title is nothing to do with one of my Brompton bicycles - although it does feature. It has been a busy week to say the least, but I managed to buy a pen that I have been after for ages upon ages.