There are hours of endless fun to be had exploring London’s consumer delights, whether you’re looking for Harrods’ English breakfast tea or the latest in Vivienne Westwood clothes.
It’s not quite correct that if you can’t find something in London, it probably doesn’t exist but pretty near enough! There are antiques and clothes along Portobello Road Market, a dozen libraries’ worth of books along Charing Cross Rd, design stores, furniture stores and world-renowned department stores like Fortnum & Mason and Harvey Nichols. Let’s not forget Camden Market, rated among the top five sights to see. So, in short, if retail is therapy, then London is a great big sympathetic couch (designer,of course).
The funkiest and most vital of London’s one-stop shops, where fashion runs the gamut from street to formal, the food hall is unparalleled and the cosmetics hall is the largest in Europe. Oxford Street, W1.
Selectadisc (www.selectadisc.co.uk/)
London’s top alternative music shop, on London’s top alternative music street. Vinyl is a speciality. Berwick Street W1.
Huge, fun and iconic clothes shop, the largest fashion store in Europe. For millions of Brits, the name matches the reality. 36-38 Great Castle St W1, Oxford Street branch.
Past Caring
London’s finest retro and second hand shop – great for a rummage for, well, everything. 76 Essex Rd N1.
Harvey Nichols (www.harveynichols.com)
London’s temple of high fashion where you’ll find all the names that matter in local and international high couture. The food hall’s great too. Tel: + 44 20 7235 5000; 109-25 Knightsbridge SW1.
This street was once known as the headquarters of swinging London in the 1960s. Lately it’s emerged newly hip from a period of tourist tat wilderness. You’ll find Diesel, Mambo, Puma and many other well-known names here. Just try walking its length without stopping for a nose somewhere! Off Regent Street W1.
Old Spitalfields Market (www.visitspitalfields.com)
Cool 2nd hand clothing, accessories, organic food and paintings – go early on Sunday. Brushfield Street E1, near Liverpool Street Station.