Unfortunately, M&H has gotten an undeserved bad reputation on this forum. My Amplus is a beautiful bat - pings like springs!
I wouldn't say undeserved - yes, those era of bats were exceptional, when they had the Amplus, Distinction, Master, S6, Solution, etc etc. But then their prices ballooned and they just started importing all their bats from India whilst under the pretence that they were made here. You're essentially paying £2-500 on top of what you would pay for a bat for knocking in, surface cracks and some stickers. Back in the days of the Distinction and the Amplus, they at least had some USP, and they were expensive, but not £700 expensive!
@Thorne_Cricket That being said, 40 is quite the milestone! - Maybe you could nudge them towards it with this - https://www.iwantoneofthose.com/gift-experience-days/bespoke-cricket-bat-experience-at-millichamp-hall/12686583.html?switchcurrency=GBP&shippingcountry=GB&utm_source=AWin-534365&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=AffiliateWin%7CFeed&affil=awin&utm_content=http%3A%2F%2Fsiboom.co.uk&utm_term=Comparison+Engine&utm_source=AWin-534365&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=AffiliateWin&awc=1202_1653586264_9c4c132d6f5f0a4408060d0c31a77867 - 10% off as well if you sign up I believe, and is the cheapest offer for it, but it might come with a lower grade bat?From my own experience, nothing quite beats going down to a batmaker and watching the bat being made for you. Got a bunch of footage to go through and edit for folks to watch, but from my experience, these are ones I've experience and would recommend:
H4L Cricket - Deal with willow and Matt and James have been fab to deal with - exceptional craftsmanship, and it's a bit of a trek from Scotland (I mean, most places are too be fair) but well worth it.
Scott Cricket - Up and coming batmaker based in Leeds, top chap, and very reasonable prices in today's market. Bats I've gotten from him are excellent, and currently in the process of typing up a review of them...
Keeley Cricket - Not actually watched my own bats being made there, but always love to visit. You might see Tim furiously shaping away to catch up with requests from Pros, and if they've not got a big rush of customers, he may give you a tour of the place and tell stories, and show you some pro bats.
B3 Cricket - Again, not actually watched my own bats being made, but knowledgeable of their own process which is quite unique, and can certainly make an excellent bat. Currently have a bat that's being made up for myself from them.
Robert Pack Cricket - October I suspect would be a quieter time, and you could probably hop in and get 2 Players grade bats made up and have change for some softs! Rob is a cracking bloke to deal with and will look after you