Shopping in London
Burberry at 165 Regent Street is the flagship store for the famous brand and label that has taken the world by storm. You'll find the classic plaid merchandise in everything from raincoats to dresses; pick up a wallet for an enviable accessory that will have your friends and neighbors gawking. You can even keep the receipt to prove you purchased it at the authentic store!
Harrod's is a must-stop in Knightsbridge, standing tall in all its glory at 87-135 Brompton Road. Harrod's is the only place where the luxury hotel-style service walks hand in hand with exceptional products and amazing setting. The multiple floors and departments offer merchandise from around the world. Be sure to pick up the Harrod's insignia chocolate at the restaurant, and make a visit to the Egyptian Room. Call (+44) 020 7730 1234 for lunch or dinner reservations at one of the many fine restaurants within the building; you'll need more than a day set aside to explore this world-famous department store.
For a little eclectic mix and trendy tastes, jump over to Carnaby Street for plenty of boutiques and markets. You'll find unique gifts and clothing, vintage prints and stylish furniture, as well as a slew of chic bars and restaurants. Step into the modern culture of Carnaby Street for a taste of contemporary times.
Ethnic goods and experiences are in high demand at Camden Market, one of London's markets that always brings imported goods to the table. From leather to perfume, you're sure to find a vendor or auction offering basement-level prices. Don't be surprised if you find yourself yelling out some auction bids for a new rug, jewelry, or electronics! Camden Market is found on London's north side on Camden High Street. You'll enjoy the day sampling a variety of ethnic food shops along your excursion, so bring your appetite!
Harvey Nichols
This is London's temple of high fashion, where you'll find Chloé and Balenciaga bags, London's best denim range, a massive make-up hall with exclusive lines, great jewellery, and the fantastic restaurant, Fifth Floor.
Categories: department store; designer;
Tel: 020 7235 5000
Address: 109-125 Knightsbridge Knightsbridge
Lesley Craze Gallery
Considered one of Europe's leading centres for arty, contemporary jewellery, this has exquisitely understated, and sometimes pricey, metal designs. There's also a smaller selection of mixed-media bangles, brooches, rings and the like (to the right of the main door), where prices start from about around 20.
Categories: jewelry;
Tel: 020 7608 0393
Address: 33-35a Clerkenwell Green Clerkenwell
Rosslyn Delicatessen
This enchanting store has been voted the best local delicatessen in London by radio station LBC and the Independent newspaper, and we wholeheartedly agree with the verdict. There is a fantastic meat counter, with the most aromatic pancetta you'll ever try, the jarred chutneys, terrines and marinated vegetables are a wonder and you'll find unusual flavours like caramelised onions, damson jam and mulberry salad dressing. The cakes, chocolates and Union Roasters coffee are delicious, too.
Categories: food/drink;
Tel: 020 7794 9210
Address: 56 Rosslyn Hill Hampstead
Daunt Books
An original Edwardian bookshop, with oak panels and gorgeous skylights, Daunt is one of London's loveliest travel bookstores. It has two floors and the ground level is stacked with fiction and non-fiction titles; the lower ground is where to head if you're travel focused.
Categories: books;
Tel: 020 7224 2295
Address: 83-84 Marylebone High St Marylebone
Hours: Mon-Sat 09:00-19:30, Sun 11:00-18:00
BBC World Service Shop
All the wonderful episodes of Planet Earth or gross hilarity of Little Britain are available here, as well as many other British film and TV classics. Only fools and horses would skip a browse through the racks here.
Categories: specialty;
Tel: 020 7557 2576
Address: Bush House The Strand Covent Garden
Fortnum & Mason
London's oldest department store celebrated its 300th birthday in 2007 by not yielding to modern times (its staff are still dressed in old-fashioned tail-coats) and keeping its glam food hall supplied by the famed food hampers, cut marmalade, specialty teas and so on. Downstairs is an elegant wine bar designed by the man behind the Wolseley. Clothes, gifts and perfumes occupy the other six floors.
Categories: department store; food/drink;
Tel: 020 7734 8040
Address: 181 Piccadilly Piccadilly
Hamleys
Reportedly the largest toy store in the world and certainly the most famous, Hamleys is like a layer cake of playthings. Computer games are in the basement, with the latest playground trends at ground level. Science kits are on the 1st floor, preschool toys on the 2nd, girls' playthings on the 3rd, model cars on the 4th, while the whole confection is topped off with Lego world and its café on the 5th floor.