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 Reputable Mini Cab company |
35-37 William Road, First Floor London, London NW1 3ER United Kingdom +44 20 7387 8888 http://www.addisonlee.com/abou... |
You must always be wary of mini-cabs hailed on the street; it is wise to stick to known companies or cab stands with long queues and a guy with a clipboard at the front of it. Addison Lee is one of the more reliable mini-cab companies. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fashionable hair fun |
1 Charlotte Street London, London W1T 1RB United Kingdom +44 20 7323 4679 http://www.andrewjose.com/ |
Nominated for several awards including Hairdresser of the Year, Andrew Jose's funky, fashionable salon attracts a mixed clientele. As Style Director to the Pantene Pro-V brand, you've probably seen Andrew Jose creations on the world's catwalks - oo why not let him turn you into a Kate or Naomi? Student discounts are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Scary bookshop |
49a Museum Street Bloomsbury London, London WC1A 1LY United Kingdom +44 20 7405 2120 |
Founded in 1922 by Michael Houghton, an Eastern European refugee, as an occult book shop, he also ran an occult lodge (ominously called The Order of the Hidden Masters) and one of the first occult correspondence course from these premises, while the infamous Alistair Crowley was a patron. The collection of works includes such titles as Pan, Great God of Nature andThe Goat Foot God. Still want to venture in? Well then you're either a braver soul than most, or a horny-handed servant of Lucifer. Whichever, you won't disappointed - the store has a massive collection of works on subjects ranging from paganism to ufology and the Gnostics. You have been warned. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rienk Mebius |
 Photo: Rienk Mebius |
 Photo: Rienk Mebius |
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The best place for medical books |
BMA House Tavistock Square London, London WC1H 9JR United Kingdom +44 20 7387 4499 http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/ |
BMJ stands for the British Medical Journal, Britain's most notable publication for doctors and health professionals. This shop is the most comprehensive medical bookstore in London, especially since H K Lewis has gone. As well as stocking past and present issues of the BMJ magazine, it has a wide range of textbooks on all specialities, medical journals, books for medical students, and exam-help books. A free mail order service for UK orders is also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 The outdoor specialists |
53-54 Rathbone Place London, London W1P 1AB United Kingdom +44 20 7636 6645 http://www.blacks.co.uk/ |
Blacks is one of the leading UK retailers of hip and heavy duty sportswear - the outdoor pursuit of any fresh-air enthusiast. Carrying serious leisuretime brands like Berghaus, Merrell, Lowe Alpine, Timberland, Eurohike, O'Neil and The North Face, you can count on Blacks for performance outdoor wear and footwear, as well as equipment including tents, rucksacks and sleeping bags. Branches throughout London and nationwide. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Stamp your heart out |
12 Bury Place Opposite the British Museum London, London WC1A 2JL United Kingdom +44 20 7831 4123 http://www.bladerubberstamps.c... |
Blade Rubber touts itself as having London's largest range of art rubber stamps and accessories. Take a step inside and you are whisked away to an alternative universe where every image imaginable has been imprinted on a wooden stamp. Choose from this huge range or have your own designs made up. They are far from cheap but make useful accessories, and can add a nice touch to stationery which is also sold here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: |
 Photo: Sandra Rosa |
 Photo: Les Bessant  |
 Photo: Sandra Rosa |
 Come join the party! |
Bloomsbury Square Victoria House London, London WC1B 4DA United Kingdom +44 (0)207 287 3834 http://www.bloomsburyballroom.... |
Do you want to show off that rock on your finger before you say "I do"? Is your 25th wedding anniversary around the corner? Or are you stressing over where to hold that all-important convention? Well, the new and improved Bloomsbury Ballroom has once again opened its doors to the public! Whether you're throwing a formal dinner party or a lavish cocktail bash, this mother-of-all venues will make you the star host! With plush interiors, contemporary lighting and sound systems, and a spacious setting, it leaves no room for complaints. You can also catch live performances, fashion shows, charity events and other fun shindigs here. Give the management a call for details regarding bookings, rates and upcoming events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: SUPERSWEET Digital |
 Photo: BigRayphotographics |
 Photo: Tom Jenkins |
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In the musical tradition |
16 Wigmore Street London, London W1 United Kingdom +44 20 7079 5940 http://www.boosey.com/ |
Boosey & Hawkes is an international group whose aim is to promote music in a variety of genres across the globe. Not only do they manufacture musical instruments (including brass from Besson, strings from Höfner and woodwind from Schreiber), but they also manage 20th-century composers and provide a burgeoning music service for radio, TV and advertising. Stocking an extensive catalogue of music on CD and a vast library of printed music, the spacious and well-organised store also deals in software and interactive music, and offers a wide range of accessories and gifts. Founded in 1930, Boosey & Hawkes has established a quality world of music for professional and budding musicians and music lovers alike. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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For games enthusiasts |
369 Euston Road London, London NW1 3AR United Kingdom +44 20 7388 2404 http://www.chess.co.uk/ |
Learn all there is to know about the complex games people play at the Chess & Bridge Ltd. As well as game sets, there are all sorts of fun gifts to choose from - from themed candles and soaps to videos, software, magazines and strategy books. Chess & Bridge gives you every possible option when buying a present for a chess or bridge enthusiast, or even if you just want to learn how to play. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Cinemagic... |
13 Great Russell Street London, London WC1B 3NH United Kingdom +44 20 7637 0206 |
It's rare to find an outstanding selection of cinema books in your local bookstore. It is rarer still to find a film bookshop dedicated to the movie watcher. Cinema Bookshop is just such a place, bursting at the seams with cinema and movie-related new, used, out of print and rare books, posters, pressbooks and stills. Finding elusive film scripts, star stories, or "behind the scenes" publications has never been so joyously easy. Charming and attentive staff make this an even more pleasurable place to visit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Internet cafe and bar |
Scala House 39 Whitfield Street London, London W1T 2SF United Kingdom +44 171 681 4200 http://www.cyberiacafe.net/ |
Cyberia, one of London's first cyber cafes, is a chilled place to catch up on your emails or surf the net for your next job. Have a glass of wine or a pint while you are at it - the cafe is fully licensed and also serves a range of sandwiches, salads and teas. Its 16 workstations offer Internet access, Microsoft Office and graphics software. You can also get printing and scanning done here. The friendly staff are always eager to help and training sessions for groups can be organised. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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to/from north & north-east of England |
Euston Road London, London NW1 2ND United Kingdom +44 20 7222 1234 |
For trains to/from the north and north-west of England. Suburban train to/from Watford. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrea Rota |
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All the goodies |
48 Great Russell Street London, London WC1B 3BP United Kingdom +44 20 7637 3679 http://www.fancythatoflondon.c... |
Fancy That Of London is a name known all over London. It has been serving the city since the 1970s. This Museum Store outlet is located next to the British Museum, and is easily accessible from Tottenham Court Road underground station. Come by to check out a variety of gift items, souvenirs and tea. You can buy show pieces, soft toys, bags, books, bottle openers, clocks, caps, spoons, tea trays, wallets, and stationery. The store also offers branded tea and sundry items under GBP1. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Mountains of plays and theatrical texts |
52 Fitzroy Street London, London W1T 5JR United Kingdom +44 20 7387 9373 http://www.samuelfrench-london... |
Darlings! What a wonderful little boutique! If you're an actor or a theatre buff then French's Theatre Bookshop is the place for you. Samuel French is one of the UK's leading play leasing agents and publishers, so this bookshop has a fantastic range of plays on sale, as well as many theatre-themed books. The latter include technical books, biographies, audition material, and texts on make-up, puppetry and mime. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Gaming galaxy |
116-128 Oxford Street 116-128 Oxford Street London, London W1D 1LT United Kingdom +44 20 7436 0839 http://uk.games-workshop.com |
Die-hard gamers (which include the friendly staff) congregate here at all times of the day, their conversation usually revolving around the Games Workshop Hobby. Grim games and brutal battles between mystical races of Orcs and Elves take place in the fantasy realm of "Warhammer World". Enter the Games Workshop and enter a new universe, with figures to paint and collect, battlefield scenery and tabletop games sets such as Mordheim and Gorkamorka for you to join the fight for glorious survival and vengeful supremacy. Introductory gaming sessions and creative workshops are also regularly organised, and a mail order service is available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Suppliers of gay literature |
66 Marchmont Street London WC1N 1AB United Kingdom +44 20 7278 7654 http://www.gaystheword.co.uk |
The largest lesbian and gay bookshop in the UK, Gay has an enormous range of literature from the profound to the frivolous. As well as non-fiction work covering such issues as safe-sex and how to tell your parents that you're gay, they have a wide variety of fictional titles, from detective novels to romance and erotic fiction. They also have an unrivalled selection of philosophical, historical, political and other scholarly works. Staff will also recommend books, all of which they have read and enjoyed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: robby-T |
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Creative chain |
61-62 Eastcastle Street London, London W1W 8NQ United Kingdom +44 20 7580 1030 / +44 20 7580 1911 http://www.aland.co.uk/ |
Alan D salons are amongst the best quality and highest regarded in the UK. And while not quiet as famous as contemporaries such as Charles Worthington or Nicky Clarke, with shows in Indonesia and hair experts from all around the world plying their trade here, their creative, wearable styles are second to none. What's more, if you want their expert advice, but can't afford the final cut, consultations are available free of charge. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Memories under an umbrella |
53 New Oxford Street Hazelwood House London, London WC1A 1BL United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7836 4731 http://www.james-smith.co.uk |
James Smith & Sons displays a wide array of umbrellas at its store. Rain or shine, use one of James' colourful designs and make an all new style statement. From large to small and cheap to expensive, this shop has a shade for all. Whether it is taking a romantic walk with your love on a bright, sunny day or dropping your kids off to school when it is pouring, James Smith & Sons deserves to feature in all sweet memories. Check the website for more information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Malcolm Edwards |
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Real clothes for real women |
120 Oxford Street Unit G6, The Plaza London W1 9DF United Kingdom |
Starting out as a wholesale knitwear basement in the heart of the 1970's London rag trade, Jeffrey Rogers is now a popular high street chain offering affordably fashionable outfits. Knitwear, dresses, jackets and skirts come in styles that work just as well in the office as on a night out. Pleasantly less busy than most other shops on Oxford Street, you can take your time to browse through the basics in just about every colour under the sun. Synthetics are a speciality, but overall it's good value for money and there's even a 10 per cent student discount. Visit sister franchise Rogers & Rogers,which features similar styles for the fuller figure. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Superheroes |
237 Shaftesbury Avenue London, London WC2H 8EH United Kingdom +44 20 7836 5630 http://www.comicana.com/ |
Formed in 1995 from the merger of two comic book manics, uniting 50 year's collecting experience and 20 year's comic book retailing history, this Central London shop stocks comicana galore from American to Japanese, superheroes to superfreaks, funny to far-out. Specializing in high-grade material, it thrives on a well-founded notoriety for collectible back-issues, all valued and graded in keeping with market trends. Comics include A Bizarro, Akira, All-Star comics, Batman, Captain America, Dragonball, Fantastic Four, Marvel comics, X-Men, and Star Trek, complemented by a selection of action figures and original artwork. Secure mail order (minimum £5 before shipping & handling costs) and an excellent "Wants List" service, to track down that elusive title, are also in operation. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gary Sassaman |
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The new edge of teen fashion |
36-38 Great Castle Street Oxford Circus London, London W1W 8LG United Kingdom +44 20 7927 0214 |
Part of the Arcadia retail group, Miss Selfridge mainly caters for the budding party animal and teen trendster. The Miss Sixty retro-futuristic range hangs alongside street wear and girlie chic in the gaudy pink-hearted palace that is the new flagship store, with a slightly more personal and fun approach to fashion than shopodrome neighbour Top Shop. Even if you're over the 20 mark, it's often worth a peek for quick-fix trends. Look out for the kitsch, furry photo-frames and cushions - great presents! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John Keogh, jv21.com |
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Trains, planes and automobiles |
202 High Holborn London, London WC1V 7BD United Kingdom +44 20 7405 6285 http://www.modelzone.co.uk/ |
Modelzone used to be a Beatties store - and as any true modelling fan will tell you, Beatties is a big name in modelling. However, model collectors need not worry as Modelzone has even more selection that the store did when it was Beatties. Classic airplanes, cars and train kits can be purchased with all of the details and accessories. New stock is delivered all of the time. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Vivid vintage posters |
1 Colville Place London, London W1T 2BG United Kingdom +44 20 7637 7441 http://www.mpag.co.uk |
Stocking a vibrant and varied range of vintage movie posters, charting cinematic history through the ages and genres, the gallery features advertising artwork and artefacts from Victorian times, the 1930s and film noir through to posters displaying photographic and computer aided design today. Proprietor Tim Maddison is admirably knowledgeable and always knows how to track down the best material. These precious and spectacular souvenirs of film advertising and magical movie history are the elixir of any movie poster collector or connoisseur. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Phil Gyford |
 For the elite |
5 Cavendish Square London, London W1G 0PG United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7079 5000 http://www.no5ltd.com/ |
No. 5 Cavendish Square is one of London's little-known gems, tucked away in a secluded neighborhood. Those aware of this all-encompassing club lounge about amid velvet and mahogany interiors, complete with Louis XIV furniture. The snazzy restaurant can accommodate up to 80 patrons, with private dining facilities, two bars and a cigar bar too! International cuisine with Italian flavors are served up here. The pretty terrace garden is open during summer, while the decadent downstairs hall, with its glorious staircase, serves as the party zone in colder weather. Should you become too enamored with the place to leave, you could well make a night of it by staying in one of their eight extravagant suites. Meeting rooms with audio-visual equipment are always on standby. Is it any wonder that several well-known Hollywood stars choose to hit the spot when in town? Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Chasing rainbows |
213-215 Tottenham Court Road London W1P 7PS United Kingdom +44 20 7467 6200 http://www.paperchase.co.uk/ |
Feel like a kid in a candy shop at this flagship Paperchase three-level paper and goodies emporium. Not only is there a lot of paper - stationery, cards, wrapping paper, tissue paper, notebooks, diaries and gift sets - but there are also personal organizers, albums, frames, home and office accessories and seasonal stock. It's always a madhouse during Christmas. Don't forget artists' materials and paper on the top floor; even if you're not an artist, you can check out the cute art students and maybe pick up a sheet of two of the beautiful natural fiber handmade paper. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jess Sawrey |
 Photo: Jess Sawrey |
 Photo: emilym |
 Photo: Gilad Aharoni |
 Photo: verdeka |
 Photo: Irit Caspi |
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Computer books |
11 Sicilian Avenue Bloomsbury London, London WC1A 2QH United Kingdom +44 20 7831 0022 |
In this computer literate age, we had to include a book shop that sells books, journals and magazines relating to computer programmes, packages and companies - good thing the 'PC' doesn't stand for politically correct. PC Bookshop began in 1991 and stocks over 6,000 PC titles. Even academics and arty people can't ignore technology - the proof is this shop's location in the heart of Bloomsbury. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Bakery treats you can't miss |
196 Tottenham Court Road The Heal's Building, Central London London, London W1 United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7580 3451 http://www.peytonandbyrne.co.uk/ |
Designed like a typical old-time cake shop, the Peyton and Byrne is one bakery that will leave you regret-free for abandoning your diet! Rainbow hued cakes, pastries and tarts beckon from the shelves while the fragrance of freshly baked breads and biscuits reduce you to putty. Meaty pies and sandwiches are great for a nice wholesome Brit snack. Pick up preserves, tea, coffee and more from their in-house brand. No frou-frou and frills, just a lot of feel good comfort food.... Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Tan |
 Ragdolly Anna and Friends |
1 Scala Street London W1T 2HL United Kingdom +44 20 7636 3452 http://www.pollockstoymuseum.com |
Model railways, teddy bears, puppets, dolls' houses and dollies are all at home in the many rooms of the two four-storey 18th century houses that make up Pollocks Toy Museum. The museum is most famous for its collection of Victorian model theaters as its namesake, Benjamin Pollock, was one of the last publishers of toy theatre sheets. A trip here makes an educational and fun day out for adults with a soft spot for nostalgia. Not to mention, children will love seeing the weird and wonderful toys of the past that have now been replaced by Pokemon and playstations. Take a look at the ventriloquists' dolls, lead miniatures and puppets, then go and buy some at the toyshop next door. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Big is beautiful |
120 Oxford Street Unit G7, The Plaza London W1N 9DF United Kingdom |
Rogers & Rogers is literally next door to sister store Jeffrey Rogers. Both are part of a franchise whose aim is to provide "real clothes for real women on real budgets", Rogers & Rogers specializes in designs for larger ladies. The styles are similar to those in Jeffrey Rogers - simple, smart and versatile - but cater exclusively to sizes 16-24. It's a good place to shop if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle that tends to dominate most other shops on Oxford Street. A 10 per cent discount is available for students. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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African music HQ |
74-75 Warren Street London, London W1T 5PF United Kingdom +44 20 7387 5550 http://www.sternsmusic.com/ |
Whether after some South African Isicathymia or some Nigerian Yoruba, African music lovers will be hard-pressed to find a better source for than Stern's African Record Centre. The shop, which is tucked just behind Euston station, boasts an extremely impressive collection of African and Latin American tunes. Big names like Ladysmith Black Mambazo are stocked alongside lesser-known and regional artists, like the Durban All Stars and The Manhattan Skylarks. If you have a specific artist in mind, don't bother scouring the world music shelves of the big music chain stores, come here first. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bring your pics |
6 Euston Station Colonnade London, London NW1 2DY United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7383 4811 |
This national chain are devoted to developing your beloved snapshots with care - and at a cheap price. A standard roll of 24 will be processed overnight and ready for you shiny and new the next day. This convenient Euston station location means you can drop it off before work and pick it up the next day without missing a beat. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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London's Famous Black Cabs & Others |
Throughout the city London, London United Kingdom +44 020 7230 1631 (Customer Service) http://www.london-taxi.co.uk/ |
London's black cabs are easily recognizable. When the sign above the windscreen is lit up and displays the words 'For Hire', or 'Taxi', the cab is available. Black cabs have a meter and a minimum charge and each has an individual registration number which you should note if you have cause for complain. All should now be wheelchair accessible. Licensed black cabs are the only taxis you should hail in the street. The other option is to go with the Radio Taxis (+44 20 7272 0275) or Dial-a-Cab (+44 20 7426 3420). There are many minicab firms in the capital, but the sector is unlicensed and their services vary wildly. It is illegal for minicabs to tout for business on the street and it's not safe to get in those that do. They should always be booked by phone in advance or on the spot in a cab office. Lone women may want to call Lady Cabs (+44 20 7272 3300) with women-only drivers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: CasketCoach |
 Okay to Laugh Aloud |
35 Little Russell Street London, UK WC1A 2HH United Kingdom +44 020 7580 8155 http://www.cartooncentre.com/ |
Only a rugby toss away from The British Museum, this is a great place to soak in Britain's quintessential sense of humour. With over 750 cartoons and caricatures, a library of 2500 comics, and 4000 books on the genre, the London Cartoon Museum is a must see for young and old. Spanning from 18th Century to present day comics (Tony Blair and the Queen are fair game), this museum illustrates a comprehensive look at history, through the comic's perspective. Remember, don't hold back the chuckles; laughing aloud is encouraged! Be sure to check out the hilarious greeting cards and books in the museum's gift shop, where London Pass holders will receive a 10% discount. Check website for rolling exhibitions. Admission: FREE for London pass holders, students, and those under 18; GBP3 for adults. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Spiritual specialists |
10 Bloomsbury Way Bloomsbury London, London WC1A 2SH United Kingdom +44 20 7405 5284 |
Visualization of deities is an essential part of Buddhist meditation. Which is why the Tibet Shop only sells high quality statues and thangkas - Buddhist paintings - and avoids cheap tourist creations that have many errors compared to the original texts. Because of the political situation, making Buddhist artworks is illegal in Tibet, so all of their statues and paintings are handmade by Tibetan, Bhutanese and Nepalese artists in exile in Nepal. They also sell jewelry, clothing, meditation tapes and incense to help up the spirituality quota of your loft apartment. Donations to the Free Tibet campaign and for Buddhist activities at the Dharma Centre in Finland are welcomed. Review © 2007, Wcities |