London is renowned as one of the globe's most desirable areas for shoppers, with a vast selection of stores, ranging famous emporiums to select boutiques.
Famed worldwide for its abundance of stores selling designer fashion, fine jewellery, art and antiques, Bond Street is the first stop for the discerning shopper. In the heart of the upmarket district of Mayfair, the street is one of the most glamorous locations in London and is a popular stop for global celebrities visiting the UK capital.
Walk down Bond Street admiring the stores and their world-famous brands and you will be following in the footsteps of the authors, poets and influential people that have resided there since its foundation in 1700. Previous residents have included Admiral Horatio Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton. More than three centuries later, Bond Street is the most stylish thoroughfare in London’s West End – a magnet for the rich and famous, as well as those who want to experience a modest slice of the same glamour.
A list of the stores that grace Bond Street reads like a roll call of the world’s most famous brands. Fashion lovers are spoilt for choice, with designer labels such as Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vitton, Burberry, Jimmy Choo and Ralph Lauren all represented. Those with a penchant for the fi nest jewellery will gravitate towards the likes of Asprey, Bulgari and Tiffany & Co for their elegance and luxury.
People with a passion for acquiring fine art and antiquities can spend time at one of the world’s most esteemed auction houses, Sotheby’s. While the majority of auctions focus on works of art, Sotheby’s also hosts sales of jewels, watches, wine and more.
Head a short distance north, off the beaten track for many tourists, and the delights of Marylebone Village await. Situated between Mayfair and the green expanse of Regent’s Park, the area is the setting for a collection of boutique shops, luxury stores, cafes and restaurants – many of which are situated on Marylebone High Street, the focus of the village. Despite its proximity to busy Oxford Street, the area retains its warmth and charm, creating an oasis of relative calm in an otherwise bustling city.
For patients receiving treatment within the Harley Street Medical Area, Marylebone Village is likely to become their very own neighbourhood for the duration of their stay. The area has a strong community feel and offers an incredible range of diversions, particularly for those seeking some retail therapy.
The High Street plays host to a wide array of designer stores and well-known British and international brands, as well as numerous small stores that are synonymous with the village. Among the traditional shops that attract visitors as much for their ambience as the goods they sell is Daunt Books. The bookseller occupies Edwardian surroundings and houses row upon row of books on dark oak shelves – a must for any lovers of literature.
Among the British names that have set up shop on Marylebone High Street are homeware and fashion brand Cath Kidston, men’s and women’s fashion retailer Whistles, and pottery designer Emma Bridgewater.
A more rustic experience can be found each Sunday when the Marylebone Farmers Market welcomes customers in the open air. Established in 2003, the market provides an opportunity for purveyors of fine foods – including bakers, butchers, cheese-makers and fruit and vegetable growers – to sell their wares to an enthusiastic public.
For many people, a visit to London wouldn’t be complete without calling in to one of the city’s famous department stores. Without question the most famous of the city’s stores is Harrods, situated on Brompton Road in exclusive Knightsbridge. Founded 170 years ago as a family shop in East London, Harrods now occupies seven floors with 330 departments selling everything from designer goods to the finest food and drink.
Harrods is graced by all the leading international designer brands, including 17 boutiques in its luxury womenswear department, featuring such iconic names from the world of high-end fashion as Prada, Dior and Valentino.
Another department store, Selfridges remains one of the biggest draws to London’s premier shopping street, Oxford Street. Opened in 1909 by Henry Gordon Selfridge, the store has six floors that provides 10 acres of shopping space – second only in size to Harrods as the UK’s largest retail premises. In the past decade, Selfridges has been twice voted the world’s best department store, so customers are sure to leave satisfied.
Shoppers wishing to inject a touch of sophistication into their London retail experience should head to Piccadilly, where Fortnum and Mason takes visitors into food heaven. Elegant restaurants and tea rooms take customers back in time to a traditional style of service, with staff in smart uniforms and surroundings with a sense of history.
