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London Shopping Guide
London is a heaven for shoppers. Well known for its variety of shops on offer from the posh and somewhat touristy Harrods to the popular street markets of Portobello Road and Camden Town, to the trendy King's Road, shoppers are spoilt for choice, sometimes overwhelmingly so. Find out more about the prime shops to visit and the specialties of each of the street markets.
Bond Street
The area referred to as Bond Street is made up of Old Bond Street and New Bond Street, and is probably the most chic shopping street in the world. The street is comprised of some of the most stylish, fashionable and elegant shops around. Known to have more royal 'By Appointment' awards (suppliers to the royal family) than any other street, you will find the high fashion couturiers such as Calvin Klein, Emporio Armani, Gianni Versace, Hermes, Ralph Lauren and Versace. Fine jewellers are also located on Bond Street including Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Chopard, Asprey's (The Queen's Jewellers) and Rolex. Although Bond Street houses a lot of the high fashion and jewellery shops you will also find specialty shops such as Benson & Hedges the tobacconists, Charbonnel & Walker the fine confectioners and Louis Vuitton, the Luggage specialist. You will also notice a number of auction houses including Sotheby's and Phillips. Bond Street is well-known for its exclusive and expensive shops.
Brick Lane Market
The Brick Lane Market is located in East London and is famed for bric-a-brac. The stalls offer a wide range of products including new and vintage clothes and shoes, hand made handbags, jewellery, art, contemporary lighting and leather jackets. The market stretches from Cheshire Street to Sclater Street and is open from early Sunday morning to about 2pm. (Sundays only).
Brompton Road
Brompton Cross, in the heart of Chelsea is the place where 'ladies who lunch' spend much of their time at the chic boutiques and restaurants. This charming and fashionable area is complete with elegant shops and good brasseries to suit the 'in' crowd. In fact, one shop is so fashionable, Voyage, that you cannot enter unless you are a well-known celebrity or in the pages of Who's Who! Thankfully shops such as Jigsaw, Joseph, Issey Miyake and The Conran Shop are also available.
Burlington Arcade
An exclusive shopping Arcade, built in 1819 by Lord George Cavendish, the Burlington Arcade is an expensive and up-market shopping arcade. The Burlington Arcade is made up of regency buildings and executive shops though it is not recommended if you are on a limited budget as prices are high.
Camden Market
One of London's top attractions, Camden Market spreads out over almost all of Camden Town centre. It is the largest street market in the UK. A wide variety of products are on offer such as cut-price clothes, furniture, craft stalls, 70's nostalgia and vegetarian food.
Carnaby Street
Popular in the sixties for fashion, this street is regaining some of its cutting edge that made it famous. Although the street contains mainly rock shops with t-shirts and accessories, it is still worth investigating. In particular Shelley's is worth a visit as it is one of the best shops for shoes.
Charing Cross Road
A charming collection of old bookshops on and near Charing Cross Road is a must for anyone who loves second hand or antiquarian books. Many of the old bookshops have only survived in the West End because they are charged a minute (peppercorn) rent. Cecil Court near Leicester Square tube station is the perfect place to find true bargains though you may have to find some time scouring their musty cellars. Charing Cross Road is famous for its bookshops and these include the large chains such as Foyle's which has a stock of over 7 million titles.
Covent Garden
It is quite easy to spend a whole day at Covent Garden with its street entertainment, open-air cafes, stylish shops and market stalls. Entertainment is varied from the renowned street entertainers and the long-standing tradition of the Punch and Judy show to performances at the world famous Royal Opera House. Likewise the selection of food and drink ranges from places where you can enjoy a glass of wine and live classical music to top class restaurants with five course meals.
Jermyn Street
Jermyn Street is famed for its array of shirt makers. Top class names include Turnbull and Asser, Coles of Jermyn Street, Thomas Pink and TM Lewin. The street is also home to Paxton & Whitfield, the renowned cheese monger which as been around for over 200 years. The cheeses are piled to the ceiling. Floris, the famous perfumiers and Czech & Speke, the bathroom shop are also located on Jermyn Street.
Kensington High Street
This street is filled with many restaurants, coffee shops and 'high street' shops. It is often less busy than the West End which can be a blessing especially during the Christmas rush. Barkers, a large department store, which has been part of the High Street since 1849, is sadly to be closed and replaced with a flagship organic food store. Kensington Palace, home of the late Diana, Princess of Wales and Holland Park are all within walking distance. Kensington Church Street is just off the High Street and houses an impressive collection of antique shops.
Kings Road
With hundreds of fashionable boutiques and a large number of restaurants and bars, the King's Road is a leisurely shopping experience. The road became famous in the 1960's when it was the epicentre of new wave fashion, starting with the mini-skirt revolution. Although many of the trendy boutiques have been replaced with high street chains there are still those shops that offer cutting edge style. The King's Road is a great place for 'people watching', where you may spot a celebrity for instance Cher strolling along or an eccentric such as a man on a penny-farthing.
Knightsbridge
Home to Harrods and Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge also has many well known high street shops and boutiques. Top quality restaurants and bars are also abundant in the area.
Oxford Street
Undoubtedly the busiest shopping street in London, Oxford Street is incredibly busy especially on Saturdays and during the run up to Christmas. High street fashion shops, sports shops and well-known brands line the street as well as flagship shops for HMV and Virgin Records. At the Marble Arch end of Oxford Street is Selfridges which opened in 1909 as one of the largest department stores and now attracts more than 17 million customers a year.
Petticoat Lane Market
A great place for bargain clothes and shoes and a great atmosphere, Petticoat Lane Market should not be missed.
Piccadilly
Piccadilly, the name, was derived from a 17th century game or from the ruffs that courtiers wore and were manufactured nearby. Fortnum & Mason, originally founded by a grocer to King George III, is one of the oldest and most famous shops in Piccadilly. The Royal Academy, across the street, has staged some of the best Art Exhibitions in London. Every summer the Academy hosts its famous 'Summer Exhibition'. On either side of Piccadilly are two charming shopping arcades - the Burlington and Piccadilly. They offer a wide variety of unusual, specialist shops in the West End, with products ranging from fountain pens to bespoke shoes, to hair brushes and cashmere sweaters. The Burlington Beadles, the world's oldest police force is based at the Burlington Arcade. They patrol the arcade and ensure there is no 'whistling or lewd language'!
Portobello Road
This road has a character all its own. With over a mile of smaller markets, you will find a selection of clothes, bric-a-brac, antiques and organic fruits and vegetables all in one place.
Regent Street
The legendary road gives a particularly dignified appearance with its wide pavements, notable sweep and beautiful architecture. It was first laid out by Nash in the early 19th century and is still as impressive today as it was then. The stunning rococo interior of Cafe Royal, which would have been frequented by Oscar Wilde and his friends, has recently been restored to its Victorian glory. Fashionable boutiques, hip restaurants, good department stores and global brand names are all available on Regent Street. Hamley's, London's largest toyshop is a must if you have children.
Savile Row
Savile Row is the home of fine tailoring, with many of the tailors having been around for countless generations. Throughout the ages they have clothed statesmen, peers and dignitaries. Gieves & Hawkes, Kenneth Brown (Outfitter to Gentlemen), Tobias Tailors and Steed are all located on Savile Row. Not to mention that ceremonial robes and uniforms for grand state occasions are often made by Ede & Ravenscroft. The personalised service is second to none. Once you order a bespoke item from Savile Row, your measurements will often be kept on record for life.
Sloane Street
Sloane Street is quite similar to Bond Street with its top end, fashionable and exclusive designer boutiques. The street runs from Sloane Square in Chelsea to Knightsbridge where it meets with Brompton Road and the Harvey Nichols department store. The designer names adorning the street include Gucci, Prada, Giorgio Armani, Yves St Laurent, Chanel, Jo Malone, Gianfranco Ferre and Christian Dior to name but a few.
St. James's & Pall Mall
On opposite sides of St James's Street are two of the most famous wine merchants in the country, Berry Bros & Rudd and Justerini & Brooks. Hugh Johnson, world renowned wine expert, as an outstanding accessories business for astute oenophile. There are many notable occupants of the area including two fine grooming establishments, Trumpers and Truefitt & Hill as well as Lobb's, the distinguished cobbler.
Tottenham Court Road
Ideal for purchasing computers, stereos, or cameras, Tottenham Court Road offers the best selection at great prices. There are a substantial number of discount shops selling electrical goods. Heal's Furniture Store and the Dominion Theatre are also located on the street. Interesting pubs and small specialist shops can be found down the back streets whilst Charlotte Street (off Goodge Street) offers a wide variety of restaurants.
Bond Street
The area referred to as Bond Street is made up of Old Bond Street and New Bond Street, and is probably the most chic shopping street in the world. The street is comprised of some of the most stylish, fashionable and elegant shops around. Known to have more royal 'By Appointment' awards (suppliers to the royal family) than any other street, you will find the high fashion couturiers such as Calvin Klein, Emporio Armani, Gianni Versace, Hermes, Ralph Lauren and Versace. Fine jewellers are also located on Bond Street including Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Chopard, Asprey's (The Queen's Jewellers) and Rolex. Although Bond Street houses a lot of the high fashion and jewellery shops you will also find specialty shops such as Benson & Hedges the tobacconists, Charbonnel & Walker the fine confectioners and Louis Vuitton, the Luggage specialist. You will also notice a number of auction houses including Sotheby's and Phillips. Bond Street is well-known for its exclusive and expensive shops.
Brick Lane Market
The Brick Lane Market is located in East London and is famed for bric-a-brac. The stalls offer a wide range of products including new and vintage clothes and shoes, hand made handbags, jewellery, art, contemporary lighting and leather jackets. The market stretches from Cheshire Street to Sclater Street and is open from early Sunday morning to about 2pm. (Sundays only).
Brompton Road
Brompton Cross, in the heart of Chelsea is the place where 'ladies who lunch' spend much of their time at the chic boutiques and restaurants. This charming and fashionable area is complete with elegant shops and good brasseries to suit the 'in' crowd. In fact, one shop is so fashionable, Voyage, that you cannot enter unless you are a well-known celebrity or in the pages of Who's Who! Thankfully shops such as Jigsaw, Joseph, Issey Miyake and The Conran Shop are also available.
Burlington Arcade
An exclusive shopping Arcade, built in 1819 by Lord George Cavendish, the Burlington Arcade is an expensive and up-market shopping arcade. The Burlington Arcade is made up of regency buildings and executive shops though it is not recommended if you are on a limited budget as prices are high.
Camden Market
One of London's top attractions, Camden Market spreads out over almost all of Camden Town centre. It is the largest street market in the UK. A wide variety of products are on offer such as cut-price clothes, furniture, craft stalls, 70's nostalgia and vegetarian food.
Carnaby Street
Popular in the sixties for fashion, this street is regaining some of its cutting edge that made it famous. Although the street contains mainly rock shops with t-shirts and accessories, it is still worth investigating. In particular Shelley's is worth a visit as it is one of the best shops for shoes.
Charing Cross Road
A charming collection of old bookshops on and near Charing Cross Road is a must for anyone who loves second hand or antiquarian books. Many of the old bookshops have only survived in the West End because they are charged a minute (peppercorn) rent. Cecil Court near Leicester Square tube station is the perfect place to find true bargains though you may have to find some time scouring their musty cellars. Charing Cross Road is famous for its bookshops and these include the large chains such as Foyle's which has a stock of over 7 million titles.
Covent Garden
It is quite easy to spend a whole day at Covent Garden with its street entertainment, open-air cafes, stylish shops and market stalls. Entertainment is varied from the renowned street entertainers and the long-standing tradition of the Punch and Judy show to performances at the world famous Royal Opera House. Likewise the selection of food and drink ranges from places where you can enjoy a glass of wine and live classical music to top class restaurants with five course meals.
Jermyn Street
Jermyn Street is famed for its array of shirt makers. Top class names include Turnbull and Asser, Coles of Jermyn Street, Thomas Pink and TM Lewin. The street is also home to Paxton & Whitfield, the renowned cheese monger which as been around for over 200 years. The cheeses are piled to the ceiling. Floris, the famous perfumiers and Czech & Speke, the bathroom shop are also located on Jermyn Street.
Kensington High Street
This street is filled with many restaurants, coffee shops and 'high street' shops. It is often less busy than the West End which can be a blessing especially during the Christmas rush. Barkers, a large department store, which has been part of the High Street since 1849, is sadly to be closed and replaced with a flagship organic food store. Kensington Palace, home of the late Diana, Princess of Wales and Holland Park are all within walking distance. Kensington Church Street is just off the High Street and houses an impressive collection of antique shops.
Kings Road
With hundreds of fashionable boutiques and a large number of restaurants and bars, the King's Road is a leisurely shopping experience. The road became famous in the 1960's when it was the epicentre of new wave fashion, starting with the mini-skirt revolution. Although many of the trendy boutiques have been replaced with high street chains there are still those shops that offer cutting edge style. The King's Road is a great place for 'people watching', where you may spot a celebrity for instance Cher strolling along or an eccentric such as a man on a penny-farthing.
Knightsbridge
Home to Harrods and Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge also has many well known high street shops and boutiques. Top quality restaurants and bars are also abundant in the area.
Oxford Street
Undoubtedly the busiest shopping street in London, Oxford Street is incredibly busy especially on Saturdays and during the run up to Christmas. High street fashion shops, sports shops and well-known brands line the street as well as flagship shops for HMV and Virgin Records. At the Marble Arch end of Oxford Street is Selfridges which opened in 1909 as one of the largest department stores and now attracts more than 17 million customers a year.
Petticoat Lane Market
A great place for bargain clothes and shoes and a great atmosphere, Petticoat Lane Market should not be missed.
Piccadilly
Piccadilly, the name, was derived from a 17th century game or from the ruffs that courtiers wore and were manufactured nearby. Fortnum & Mason, originally founded by a grocer to King George III, is one of the oldest and most famous shops in Piccadilly. The Royal Academy, across the street, has staged some of the best Art Exhibitions in London. Every summer the Academy hosts its famous 'Summer Exhibition'. On either side of Piccadilly are two charming shopping arcades - the Burlington and Piccadilly. They offer a wide variety of unusual, specialist shops in the West End, with products ranging from fountain pens to bespoke shoes, to hair brushes and cashmere sweaters. The Burlington Beadles, the world's oldest police force is based at the Burlington Arcade. They patrol the arcade and ensure there is no 'whistling or lewd language'!
Portobello Road
This road has a character all its own. With over a mile of smaller markets, you will find a selection of clothes, bric-a-brac, antiques and organic fruits and vegetables all in one place.
Regent Street
The legendary road gives a particularly dignified appearance with its wide pavements, notable sweep and beautiful architecture. It was first laid out by Nash in the early 19th century and is still as impressive today as it was then. The stunning rococo interior of Cafe Royal, which would have been frequented by Oscar Wilde and his friends, has recently been restored to its Victorian glory. Fashionable boutiques, hip restaurants, good department stores and global brand names are all available on Regent Street. Hamley's, London's largest toyshop is a must if you have children.
Savile Row
Savile Row is the home of fine tailoring, with many of the tailors having been around for countless generations. Throughout the ages they have clothed statesmen, peers and dignitaries. Gieves & Hawkes, Kenneth Brown (Outfitter to Gentlemen), Tobias Tailors and Steed are all located on Savile Row. Not to mention that ceremonial robes and uniforms for grand state occasions are often made by Ede & Ravenscroft. The personalised service is second to none. Once you order a bespoke item from Savile Row, your measurements will often be kept on record for life.
Sloane Street
Sloane Street is quite similar to Bond Street with its top end, fashionable and exclusive designer boutiques. The street runs from Sloane Square in Chelsea to Knightsbridge where it meets with Brompton Road and the Harvey Nichols department store. The designer names adorning the street include Gucci, Prada, Giorgio Armani, Yves St Laurent, Chanel, Jo Malone, Gianfranco Ferre and Christian Dior to name but a few.
St. James's & Pall Mall
On opposite sides of St James's Street are two of the most famous wine merchants in the country, Berry Bros & Rudd and Justerini & Brooks. Hugh Johnson, world renowned wine expert, as an outstanding accessories business for astute oenophile. There are many notable occupants of the area including two fine grooming establishments, Trumpers and Truefitt & Hill as well as Lobb's, the distinguished cobbler.
Tottenham Court Road
Ideal for purchasing computers, stereos, or cameras, Tottenham Court Road offers the best selection at great prices. There are a substantial number of discount shops selling electrical goods. Heal's Furniture Store and the Dominion Theatre are also located on the street. Interesting pubs and small specialist shops can be found down the back streets whilst Charlotte Street (off Goodge Street) offers a wide variety of restaurants.
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Article rating: 4.88 out of 5.00
Number of votes: 8
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