Bowler hats are not going to be this year's stylish accessory.
The bowler was once the traditional headgear of the "City gent": the British banker who worked in London's financial district. Only a few old-timers and the occasional nostalgic dandy wears one anymore, but it has retained its symbolism in advertisements familiar across Britain. The bowler is currently best-known for its role in adverts for Bradford & Bingley (B&B).
But tomorrow morning, B&B will be hanging up its hat, as a result of being nationalised.
UPDATE: I've just changed my lede to reflect the fact that B&B has been nationalised, the rumoured deal with Santander or another bank didn't happen. According to a new report, its £41 billion in mortgages will remain nationalised, not sold off, and many be managed by Northern Rock--the other bank nationalised by the UK government not long ago. Shareholders may take a long walk off a short pier.
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