|
|
London Famous
Stores
|
Along with Paris and New York, London offers
probably the best shopping experience of any city in the world. Indeed,
visitors to the capital are often overwhelmed by the sheer range of goods
available. However, whilst shoppers are spoilt for choice, there's also a
feeling (justified to a point) that London stores charge over the odds in
comparison to their overseas counterparts. What's more, in recent years
debate has raged between retailers, consumer groups and the Government over
claims about the country being "rip off Britain".
Department stores are one of London's specialities.
There are literally dozens of them across the city, stocked with every possible item
to create the ultimate fashion statement. This is one shopping mecca that the Sex and
the City girls could never resist.
|
|
Any walk along Oxford Street will be punctuated
by the sight of department stores. The street can count at least five huge shopping emporiums.
At the start of the street, near Marble Arch tube
station is Selfridges. Constantly on the fashion edge, this store is often the
first choice for brands launching themselves in the UK. An extensive designer
section for both men, women and children, constantly updated by the arrival of
international labels, is all here. A Superbrands section has just opened,
welcoming the addition of Balenciaga, Dolce and Gabanna and Alexander McQueen
amongst the other fashion leaders.
The shoe department here has every range from Prada
to Paul Smith. In addition, a giant cosmetics halls, an array of places to eat
between shopping sprees, an extensive food hall and even a tattoo and piercing
studio really do make this department store a one-stop shop.
Further up Oxford Street sits Debenhams. This
reliable department store has astutely acquired some talented British designers
to help revamp its clothing range. Now a trip into Debehnhams will introduce you
to affordable lines by talent like Matthew Williamson, Ben de Lisi, Gharani Strok,
Maria Grachvogel and Antoni and Alison, making it easy for you to keep up with
the latest trends. There is also a large shoe department, extensive lingerie section
and a cosmetics hall with all the top beauty brands present.
|
|
|
John Lewis is open seven days a week. The stores aims
to offer the widest possible choice under one roof and to combine high quality with
keen pricing. They stock nearly half a million products from buttons to beds and
cushions to cufflinks and there's always a wide selection to choose from, in a range
of prices. John Lewis also offers its customers fashion, nursery and furnishing
advice services where trained staff are available to help advise and give tips on
what look, equipment and style is best for them, in a one-to-one consultation.
Nearby Regent Street is also a place to go if you are
in search of some serious shopping. A mock Tudor exterior hints at the history of
Liberty. Opened in 1875 it has long been regarded as a traditional store but venturing
inside reveals a host of cutting edge ranges. The company's buyers have trawled the
world in search of innovation and now the womenswear and menwear labels include
Zucca, Martine Sitbon and Buddhist Punk. An extensive accessories section, a wedding
dress section, a speciality food department and an impressive beauty hall are just
some of the other areas in the store.
|
|
Piccadilly is a traditional shopping area home to some
of the oldest British retailers. Fortnum and Mason is a genteel store in the heart
of the area. It has a very traditional reputation and is probably best known for
being the stockists of some of the finest foodstuffs in the city. If you want specialist
teas and caviar then this is the place to come to. But don't forget to venture beyond
the food department. In fact the shop's upper floors are home to lots more departments
like menswear, womenswear, cosmetics, homewares and luggage. It's well worth a closer
look and fully exploring the stores' six floors.
|
|
Heading further west will take you to Knightsbridge.
Here sit two extremely well known department stores that will not have escaped your
attention. Harvey Nichols is a must for any fashionista. It is here that you will find
floors devoted to the most impressive designers, collected from around the world. This
shop is a like a cluster of exclusive concessions formed under one roof. Space N.K,
Penhaligons, Anya Hindmarch, Balenciaga, Cherry Chau, Jimmy Choo, Ghost, Alberta Feretti,
John Galliano and Yanuk are just a few of the labels found here, supplying an elite
clientele with fine clothes, accessories, cosmetics, food and shoes.
|
|
Equally as impressive is Harrods which rests further down
Brompton Road. This store is world renowned and is considered an attraction in itself.
With over 300 departments it would be very easy to spend a huge amount of time and money
in Harrods. There is everything here that you could possibly want including services like
dog coat fitting, piano tuning and an interior design service. Visit the food hall, check
out the toy department with its amazing selection of extravagant dolls houses, see the pet
department and visit the electronics section with the very latest entertainment systems
on display. It's all here for you to investigate but make sure you allow enough time to
fully explore the seven floors.
|
|
|
Back to
top |
|
|
Top 10
|
One of the oldest and most famous stores in Piccadilly, this fine
food emporium was opened by Messrs Fortnum and Mason in 1705. Much
patronised by the aristocracy over the years, and still purveyor of
food and wine to the Royal Family, Fortnum's is a must-see for anyone
visiting London. It's pre-war gentility, gilded furnishings and
exquisitely wrapped produce will have you reaching for your purse in
no time. Famous for its fantastic food hall piled high with gastronomic
delights, it also stocks womenswear, furniture and homeware.
Address: 181 Piccadilly W1A 1ER
Phone: 020 7734 8040
Travel: Green Park Tube
Discount London hotels near Piccadilly and Green Park |
Mayfair Hotels in Central London
Hamleys
Living up to its reputation as the 'finest toyshop in the world' is no
mean feat. Hamleys still draws the crowds and boasts an astonishing array
of more than 40,000 toys and games over its seven floors. The window
displays capture the imaginations of children young & old and the
atmosphere inside is reminiscent of a funfair. Staff eagerly demonstrate
toys on the ground floor and there are frequent events and product launches.
Your only problem will be knowing where to start. A childhood visit to Hamleys will
be remembered for years to come.
Address: 188-196 Regent Street
Phone: 020 7494 2000
Travel: Piccadilly Circus Tube
The Ritz Hotel
|
The Sofitel Hotel
|
Best Western Shaftesbury Hotel,
and more Piccadilly hotels ...
Britain's most famous store, and possibly the most famous store in the world, Harrod's
features on many tourist 'must-see' lists - and with good reason. Its humble beginnings
date back to 1849, when Henry Charles Harrod opened a small grocery shop that emphasised
impeccable service over value. Today, it occupies a vast site in London's fashionable
Knightsbridge and boasts a phenomenal range of products from pianos and cooking pans
to pets and perfumery. The Food Hall is ostentatious to the core and mouth-wateringly
exotic, and the store as a whole is well served with restaurants. At Christmas time,
Harrods boasts an enchanting Santa's Grotto for the kids and an extensive range of
festive decorations. The summer and winter sales are calendar events in the shopping year,
and although both sales are extremely crowded there are some great bargains on offer.
Address: 87-135 Brompton Road
Phone: 020 7730 1234
Travel: Knighstbridge Tube
The Carlton Tower Hotel
|
Cadogan Hotel
|
Millennium Knightsbridge Hotel,
more Knighstbridge hotels ...
Harvey Nichols
"Harvey Nicks" is the younger, more fashionable cousin of Harrod's in
Knightsbridge. While Harrod's offers huge variety accross a massive range
of products, this shop offers designer clothes, furnishing and food of a
quality far superior to anything you would find down the road. Its sleek,
streamlined interiors and clean and minimalist design allow the products to
do the selling. And with great effect. All your favourite designer labels
are here, including ultra-hip Alexander McQueen, Comme des Garcons and Versace.
Plus some beautiful homeware, essential cosmetics and the Fifth Floor cafe with its
spectacular views across West London. Harvey Nichols is a fantastic spot for an
afternoon of shopping, eating and celebrity spotting. Expensive but beautiful.
Address: 109-125 Knightsbridge
Phone: 020 7235 5000
Travel: Knightsbridge Tube
The Carlton Tower Hotel
|
Cadogan Hotel
|
Millennium Knightsbridge Hotel,
more Knighstbridge hotels ...
Liberty
Since it opened in 1875, Liberty has captured the hearts of shoppers around the
world and even spawned its own line in fabrics, which found fame and popularity
with designers like Mary Quant and Jean Muir in the 1960s. Housed in a striking
timber-framed building on Regent Street, Liberty's dedication to innovative
design and Eastern influences reflects its founder's fascination with Japan
following the International Exhibition of 1862. Not content with merely following
trends, Liberty regularly showcases and sponsors new designers. Peruse designer
womenswear, ogle the arts and crafts antiques or savour the tantalising colours and
textures of numerous fabrics.
Address: 210-220 Regent Street
Phone: 020 7734 1234
Travel: Oxford Circus Tube
CourtHouse Hotel
|
Radisson Berkshire Hotel
|
Radisson Sussex Hotel ,
more London hotels near Oxford Street...
Heals
Beautifully crafted, contemporary and often cutting-edge design can be found at
this 200 year old furniture store. Renowned for its attention to detail and
craftsmanship, the Heal's trademark has become synonymous with quality. Such
quality is, needless to say, reflected in the price tags but some pieces are worth
paying that little bit extra for! The store also features rugs, beds, fabrics and
home accessories - everything you need to create the dream home. If you're looking
for inspiration, take advantage of the interior design service.
Address: 196 Tottenham Court Road
Phone: 020 7636 1666
Travel: Tottenham Court Road Tube
Rathbone Hotel
|
The Mandeville Hotel
|
St Giles Oxford Street Hotel,
more Oxford Street hotels ...
Selfridges
Selfridges is the biggest draw on Oxford Street, but despite being massively popular,
interior design manages to create a feeling of calm and space despite the hundreds
of customers on each floor. Selfridges has a superb food hall, scores of excellent
clothes retailers, and a number of first class restaurants all under one roof.
The store operates a large number of concession areas so you will find mini boutiques
offering the very best British and International designers spread over many floors.
There is a huge range of choice and the store itself is light, airy and comfortable.
For committed shoppers, this is the ultimate spending experience.
Address: 400 Oxford Street W1A 1AB
Phone: 020 7629 1234
Travel: Oxford Circus Tube
Rathbone Hotel
|
The Mandeville Hotel
|
St Giles Oxford Street Hotel,
more Oxford Street hotels ...
Carluccio's
Wonderful Italian delicacies from the TV chef, goodies such as
oils and funghi imported from Italy - antipasti and breads made
on the premises are delicious.
The Neal Street branch of this wonderful outlet also has a very
pleasant cafe. It's a rather expensive place for a coffee (or to
pick up groceries for that matter) but worth every penny for the
authentic, delicious Carluccio produce.
Address: 28A Neal Street WC2H 9PS
Phone: 020 7240 1487
Travel: Covent Garden tube
Radisson Hampshire Hotel
|
Swissotel Howard Hotel
|
Kingsway Hall Hotel,
more Covent Garden hotels ...
Marks & Spencer (Largest London Store)
This enduring retail partnership began back in 1894 in a small shop in Manchester,
but M & S now boasts more than 300 stores in the UK and 400 stores worldwide. Despite
flagging sales in the face of stiff high street competition, M & S is on the way
up again, having launched a hugely successful women's range (Per Una) late last year.
It's rumoured that even the French, famous for their lingerie, prefer to wear M & S
underwear and the store continues to be a stalwart supplier of basic items. In addition,
you'll find homeware, children's clothes and toys, delicious food and beauty products.
The company prides itself on the virtues of quality, service, innovation and trust. It
very rarely fails to deliver.
Address: 458 Oxford Street
Phone: 020 7935 7954
Travel: Oxford Circus Tube
Grange Buckingham Hotel
|
Radisson Grafton Hotel
|
Radisson Kenilworth Hotel
|
West End London Hotels,
more London hotels near Oxford Street ...
Top Shop
Top Shop is a byword for High Street Fashion in England, known for
their inexpensive, plain tops, basic collections and a good range of
accessories. This vast emporium on Oxford Street is not just the
largest Top Shop in the country - it is a tourist attraction in its
own right. There are literally thousands of tops and dresses for sale here
(Top Man is on the same corner) and it is quite a scene on a Saturday.
It can be hard to track down a dream item among the massive crowds, but
anybody visiting Oxford Street should pop in here to check out the mayhem.
Truly, when it gets busy, this place is remarkable.
Address: 36 - 38 Great Castle Street W1W 8LW
Phone: 020 7636 7700
Travel: Bond Street Tube
The Leonard Hotel
|
Best Western Mostyn Hotel
|
Montcalm Hotel,
more London hotels near Bond Street...
|
|
Back to
top |
|
|
