Brick Lane Bikes own frame?

that's probably right.

much more probable than buying in IRO at their cost and painting.

lots of firms do it, there's two or three budget mtb frames out there with only decals being different

Is IRO the factory where everyone (surly et al) gets their tig frames? Or is it just the factory where IRO get their frames made? Who cares? It's all mass-produced TIG stuff.

If you want a really nice frame, look around for something 2nd hand. Jos and Roberto have nice stuff, Anna got a a beautiful British road frame off for £130, and she just bought an early 80s Merckx Corsa on eBay for £55!

BLB are nice to me, I hear that their service can be a little patchy, but I think that people have slightly inflated expectations of what the local bike shop can do. Having been to a lot of bike shops, probably more than most, I reckon that BLB are one of the best in Central London.

When I was living in S London I went to Brixton a LOT. I love brixton. Lots. Experienced people who know their shit.

http://www.movingtargetzine.com/article/brixton-cycles-are-the-best

But they get things wrong, forget to order things etc etc. No one's perfect. I know one guy who absolutely hates them. For no good reason, I should add.