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Latter day department store |
131-141 Kings Road Chelsea London, London SW3 United Kingdom +44 20 7351 5353 http://www.antiquarius.co.uk/ |
Antiquarius is actually a group of shops organised in a kind of "village" right on King's Road and, contrary to what its name implies, you won't find only antiques here. The green awning and characteristic facade are noteworthy and once inside there is a diverse selection of wares to choose from. You can find lingerie, inexpensive casual wear, vintage suits, Asian-inspired home accessories, collectibles (including a comprehensive selection of old movie posters) and antiques all under one roof. Prices are generally reasonable, but don't expect to come away with an armful of bargains. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Shopping and an ice rink |
Eldon Street (adjacent to Liverpool Street station) London, London EC2M 2QT United Kingdom +44 20 7505 4068 http://www.broadgateice.co.uk/ |
Adjacent to Liverpool Street station, this outside/inside centre is the epicentre of City life. Along with an ice skating rink, the Broadgate Ice Rink, the centre offers the usual range of chain stores, gyms and speciality stores for hobbies popular in this part of town (eg golf stores). Outdoor events, exhibitions and promotions take place here all the time. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Where Londoners Play |
Carnaby Street London, UK United Kingdom http://www.carnaby.co.uk |
Home to over 30 flagship stores of some of the world's top clothing companies - including Ben Sherman, Levi, Diesel, and Vans - you're sure to find everything you can possibly dream of here. With close proximity to Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Picadilly Circus, this is definitely where trend begins. However if your feet, along with your credit card, need a break, stop in one of the many cafe's that line the street for a pint or some coffee while you watch the latest fashions stroll down the street. This section of town definitely attracts people of all sorts, so keep your eyes, and your mind, open. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Mimers, market and a mechanical museum |
The Market Covent Garden London, London WC2E 8RF United Kingdom +44 870 780 5002 http://www.coventgardenmarket.... |
This area was formerly home to London's fruit and vegetable market, which has now moved down to the New Covent Garden Market in Bermondsey. Today, it is a collection of stores that sell a variety of goods, from antiques and crafts to pictures and handmade clothing. There's also an open-air cobbled area where miming and juggling acts can occasionally be found. Musicians regularly play in the pretty courtyards around the market stalls. There are also a few places to eat lunch or grab an ice cream. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Mainstream merchandise with designer surprises |
334-348 Oxford Street London, London W1C 1JG United Kingdom +44 844 561 6161 http://www.debenhams.com/ |
Debenhams' prime location and efficient shopping environment on London's Oxford Street ensures a constant influx of satisfied customers coming back to the store. Dealing in popular high-street fashion, top designers such as Jasper Conran, Maria Grachvogel and Pearce Fionda now create special collections exclusively for Debenhams at substantially more affordable prices. With an exceptionally good household section featuring own-brands alongside interior design names, as well as gifts, attractive lingerie, and flowers, Debenhams is also renowned for operating one of the best department-store wedding list services. Mail order available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fraser favourite |
224-244 Regent Street London, London W1A 1DB United Kingdom +44 870 160 7262 http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk... |
Despite being occasionally overlooked among the other illustrious West End stores, D&J is in fact a highly-esteemed major league player in department shopping. Contemporary styles for the younger woman make up the ground floor with brands such as Gas and DKNY Jeans, while more classic designs from the likes of Jasper Conran, Ronit Zilkha and Nicole Farhi are attractively displayed on the first floor. The alluringly impressive perfumery and cosmetics department includes a Clarins beauty salon and a men's grooming studio on the lower ground floor, alongside a very fine menswear department featuring classic brands and designer concessions. Choice homeware can be found at the summit of this monument to shopping, including hand-crafted items and furniture made by burgeoning designers in the Prince's Trust Scheme. Retaining a respectful calmness in an area otherwise besieged by frantic crowds of shoppers, D&J is a tastefully refined department store, expensive but wholly unpretentious. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Prettily practical |
189 Oxford Street London, London W1D 2JY United Kingdom +44 20 7494 3769 http://www.dorothyperkins.co.uk/ |
Dorothy Perkins is a great high-street provider of feminine fashions. With a plentiful supply of must-have basics such as pretty, trimmed cardigans, fitted shirts, casual trousers and T-shirts, they also stock a wide selection of accessories including scarves, bags, jewellery and swimwear on the ground floor. The range changes according to the season, but shoes wander in at between £30-£100 a pair. Formalwear can be found upstairs in the shape of tailored suits and versatile mix-and-match items that are ideal for the office, and the brand also deals in exclusive designer collections by Whistles and Edina Ronay, incorporating all the prints and colours to create the latest key look. Consciously catering for every female form, you'll find stylish ranges for petite and larger sizes up to 20 as well as a maternity collection. And with pretty lingerie and nightwear at equally pretty prices, that's your entire wardrobe sewn up. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Ever popular Bond Street emporium |
63 New Bond Street London, London W1A 3BS United Kingdom +44 20 7629 9161 http://www.fenwick.co.uk/ |
Although not one of London's more famous department stores, its location on Bond Street and well-chosen collections of hats, clothes and accessories makes Fenwicks a real favourite with the most immaculately dressed of Londoners. John Smedley, French Connection, Whistles and Shu Uemera all have concessions here. Also, sticking true to its roots as a hair accessories boutique, Fenwicks is the perfect place to visit if you need to find something special to do with your hair for a big night out. Alternatively, if you just fancy a break from shopping, why not grab a revitalising coffee and piece of cake from its restaurant, which is reasonably priced compared to most cafes in the area. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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An English shopping experience |
181 Piccadilly London, London W1A 1ER United Kingdom +44 20 7734 8040 http://www.fortnumandmason.com/ |
Here, amongst Fortnum & Mason's luxurious surroundings, the British Empire lives on. Small and always heaving with tourists, Fortnum and Mason is much more than just the Queen's grocer. With full carpeting and chandeliers, department store shopping takes on a whole different meaning. F&M's packaging is traditional and elegant, and is free when you buy any gift (except food, which is a pity, as the Food Hall is F&M's highlight) and there's a vast selection of own-brand teas, coffees, wines and provisions to choose from. Also, make sure you stop to see the curious fountain by the doors. But F&M is most famous for its inimitable hampers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The one and only |
87-135 Brompton Road Knightsbridge London, London SW1X 7XL United Kingdom +44 20 7730 1234 http://www.harrods.com/ |
This is one of London's most prestigious shopping venues and serves as a glittering tribute to opulent and stylish things. Owned by Mohammed Al Fayed, each floor scales the heights of designer fashion clothing and accessories, luxury furniture, cosmetics, fine jewelery and classic toys. If you are in a hurry, you can have a complimentary Harrods personal shopper assist you. This Knightsbridge palace has 19 cafés and restaurants, an online casino and a pet department. Harrods's own brand provisions make perfect presents; you can have your purchases delivered anywhere in the world. In the basement, Al Fayed has erected a small gilded tribute to Princess Diana and his son Dodi who died tragically in August 1997. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Harrods' sister-concern |
102 Brompton Road London, London SW3 1JJ United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7730 1234 |
This offshoot of Harrods, bang opposite the real thing, is a convenience store for groceries and more. You can shop for ingredients or readymade meals—it's all here under one roof. Fournil de Pierre and Krispy Kreme outlets are housed here. You will also find an oxygen bar, dry cleaners, and florists. The store hopes to draw crowds to its takeaway joints and franchised fast food outlets. It simply can't get more convenient than this! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The late Princess Diana's favourite store |
109-125 Knightsbridge London, London SW1X 7RJ United Kingdom +44 20 7235 5000 http://www.harveynichols.com/ |
The chic and modern Knightsbridge Harvey Nichols store was a real favorite with the late Princess Diana. Harvey Nicks (as it's known) concentrates mainly on selling beautiful designer clothes, and the indecisive or time-pressed can even book a personal shopper to assist them free of charge. All you have to do is tell them what you're looking for and your measurements and they'll pick out the stores' most suitable selection. Other departments include the ground floor perfumery, the fourth floor Aveda Spa, the Fifth Floor Café and Bar, Yo! Sushi. If that isn't enough, you can take some exquisitely packaged goodies away from the food hall. Perch at the espresso bar or browse through the organic and vitamin section, where you can use the touch screen computer for health food information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Stylish riverside shopping and restaurant complex |
20 Hay's Galleria Tooley Street London, London SE1 2HD United Kingdom +44 20 7940 7770 http://www.haysgalleria.co.uk |
This commercial development, formerly known as Hays Wharf, was opened in 1987 and today is a bustling, charming place to enjoy al fresco lunches, great views and both original and high street shops. The Hays Galleria is also home to the Hays Gallery which features fine art from modern and new artists. Special events are often held here, including the fireworks shows on Guy Fawkes' Day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Never knowingly undersold |
Oxford Street London, London W1A 1EX United Kingdom +44 20 7629 7711 http://www.johnlewis.co.uk/ |
John Lewis prides itself on being 'never knowingly undersold'. In fact it is a last remaining bastion of a reassuringly good value and quality shopping experience. The tastefully understated store is a godsend for all life's essentials, being amply stocked in all departments which are manned by knowledgeable and obliging staff. After-sales service is also top-notch. The four floors cover everything from fabrics to furniture, electricals to evening wear and bridal lists to books. Of particular note is the underrated electronics department, stocking an extensive range of computers, phones, faxes, TVs, video and audio equipment, all offered with sound advice, solid guarantees, and competitive prices. The own-brand fashion designs are perhaps more practical than cutting edge, but there is a worthy collection of childrenswear including school uniforms. John Lewis excels in home furnishings, with enough scope to refurbish and accessorise your entire house with made-to-order and made-to-last designs. Haberdashery and fabrics also come highly commended and the store provides an impressive array of services including free wedding lists, lingerie fittings, furnishing advisory service, and deliveries. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Glamour is the word |
Regent Street Soho London, London W1B 5AH United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7734 1234 http://www.liberty.co.uk |
Liberty used to be a haven for a sophisticated English clientèle, as well as tourists and those on the hunt for exquisite fabrics for dressmaking. It has however transformed into a hotspot for designer wear and cosmetics. The building itself is of significant historical beauty with its striking mock-Tudor facade and a splendid galleried oak staircase inside. The arts book section is accompanied by a snug cafe serving tremendously fattening cakes. Antiques, a bridal section and home ware can be found in the basement, contemporary jewelery and Liberty specialty accessories are at ground level, and there are laudable sections for cosmetics, gifts and designer fashion labels for both men and women. In recent years, Liberty has become quite a mecca for up-and-coming as well as more creative designers, including Kostas Murkurdis, Martine Sitbon and Issy Miyake. The fabrics and textiles department remains second to none and the excellent home furnishings and crafts are strikingly varied. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Techno-teens' favourite |
13 Coventry Street London, London W1D 7DH United Kingdom +44 09068 1100 http://www.troc.co.uk/ |
The Trocadero first started life as a tennis court in the 18th century. Since then, it can safely be said that things have changed somewhat. Today, it is London's most-visited entertainment complex, filled with shops, restaurants and high-tech attractions, including Funland - the world's leading indoor entertainment centre, incorporating rides, simulators, high-tech video games, dodgems and a ten-pin bowling alley. Other mass magnets are the Pepsi Max Drop Ride, Madame Tussaud's Rock Circus, an Internet Exchange and the UGC blockbuster cinema and Metro arthouse screen on Rupert Street. This mixed bag of shops, cafés, restaurants and entertainment is geared largely towards tourists and is a huge hit with British visitors from outside London, families, and above all hungry teen hordes. Shops include high street hotspots like the Body Shop and HMV, and fast food abounds with the likes of Ed's Easy Diner, Planet Hollywood and the Rainforest Café. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Quality institution of British shopping |
59 Putney High Street London, London SW15 1SP United Kingdom +44 20 8788 2544 http://www.marksandspencer.com |
Affectionately known as Marks & Sparks, this is undoubtedly a British shopping institution. There can't be a single man, woman or child in the UK who doesn't own something from M&S, especially from their famous underwear selection. The appeal of the chain lies in its conservative approach combined with quality and value. While critics have pointed out that M&S has been slow to absorb new trends, they have responded by hiring younger and hipper designers like Julien Macdonald and Katharine Hamnett to create exclusive collections. The new Autograph section within selected stores is their answer to designer/boutique shopping. Quality and convenience foods are also a strong point. Branches nationwide and overseas. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Entertainment Paradise |
County Hall, Riverside Buildings Westminster Bridge Road London SE1 7PB United Kingdom +44 20 7967 1067 http://www.namcostation.co.uk |
Namco Station is a virtual Babylon of electronic entertainment. The Thunderdome-evoking facility is jam-packed with every hot new arcade game and a panoply of virtual-reality simulation machines. Go skiing, racing, street fighting, boating, footballing and more - all within steps of Waterloo Station. If virtual entertainment isn't your cup of tea, Namco Station offers actual entertainment as well. Throw a strike or two at the Techno Bowling lanes, or shoot some American pool in the billiards hall. Corporations are encouraged to hold their corporate events here, but the public is always welcome. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Breath of fresh air |
A41 Finchley Road London, London NW3 6LU United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7794 7716 http://www.o2centre.co.uk/ |
A bright, modern entertainment centre, O2 (as in Oxygen) rises above the ethnic food shops and general drabness of this part of Finchley Road. Along with a Warners Village an 8-screen multiplex cinema, and a free-to-view aquarium, O2 is home to restaurants and shops such as Books Etc, Pizza Hut, Babe Ruth's, Ed's Diner, Zuccato, and the Esporta Health Club. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A piece of Asia |
399 Edgware Road London, London NW9 0JJ United Kingdom +44 20 8200 0009 |
Formerly known as Yaohan Plaza, this mall (completely unknown to most Londoners) focuses on Asian goods from Japan, China, Vietnam and Indonesia. For hard-to-find food ingredients this is foodie heaven, and you'll find excellent noodles, vegetables and fish as well. If you dont want to cook it yourself, the food court is a great place for a cheap and easy meal. Try Atami for bentos (Japanese lunchboxes) for a fiver, Noto Ramen for noodles, and Noto Sushi for sushi. The mall has everything from shops selling crockery and tableware to Hello Kitty merchandise, Asian magazines, hairdressers, video stores and a games arcade. It's a great place to explore an Asian getaway within London itself. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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London's Busiest Street |
Oxford Street London W1 United Kingdom +44 20 7462 0689 http://www.oxfordstreet.co.uk/ |
Visiting Oxford Street is essential on any trip to London. Towards the end of the 18th Century it was bought by the Earl of Oxford and soon after this, Oxford Street started to become popular for shopping. When Debenhams and Selfridges opened in 1909 the street became the place to go for good quality shops. It now has over 600 shops and there are over 200 bars, cafes and restaurants in close walking distance as well as many other places of interest. Many of the more popular stores consider their branch in Oxford Street to be the flagship store and the one where they have their special openings and promotions. - Caroline Collard Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Top Shopping |
2 Greycoat Place London, London SW1P 1SB United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7222 4345 http://www.peterjones.co.uk/ |
A big name after Harrods and Selfridges, this department store is one of the more traditional shopping hubs in the city. After undergoing an extensive nip n'tuck, the venue has emerged as a chic hotspot for locals. An adults-only brasserie, strategically situated next to the fashion section caters to hungry bellies after a spree. Besides, the kid-friendly cafeteria with amazing views from the top floor will placate your noisy brood. From furnishings to electrical appliances and gifts to beauty products, this comprehensive spot has it all— but at a price, so don't expect any bargains here! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Shopping Galore |
Royal Exchange Buildings London EC3V United Kingdom http://www.theroyalexchange.com/ |
With luxurious panache, the Royal Exchange proudly provides you with all of your shopping needs - and then some. Whether you desire clothes, jewelry, art, fashion accesories, lingerie, or just a good drink and a meal, you can find it here. Founded in 1565 by Sir Thomas Gresham, the Exchange was originally touted as a centre of economic commerce. Fortunately, it has not functioned solely in that capacity since 1939, when it ceased being a haven for stock brokers and grew into the oasis of retail materialism that it is today. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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All things to all people |
400 Oxford Street London, London W1A 1AB United Kingdom +44 0870 837 7377 http://www.selfridges.co.uk/ |
Selfridge's ranks alongside Harrods as being one of the grandest department stores in London. The merchandise is of the highest caliber and impressively wide ranging, yet it retains a level of accessibility to all. Selfridges' main claim to fame is its Beauty Hall – the perfumery and cosmetics department, which is now Europe's largest. Besides the usual goods you'd expect to find, it has a cigar section, an area called Spirit for the young crowd and a Leading Edge that sells gadgets. The food hall boasts of a luxurious spread of International food – fresh pasta, Indian food, Middle Eastern sweets. There's a Jane Packer flower boutique and the Yo Sushi! conveyor belt is just one of the store's many restaurants. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Cream of the Creative Crop |
91 Brick Lane London, London E1 6NB United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7770 6016 http://www.trumanbrewery.com/ |
This is where creativity begins in London. In The old Truman Brewery, some of the top retailers like Nike, Diesel and Sony work alongside some of the most respected fashion designers, architects, and recording studios in the business. Here, with over 200 stores at your disposal, you're able to shop, dine, and get a glimpse of some of the most cutting edge trends in one of the most central locations in London. If you decide to feel creative yourself, the Brewery also offers exhibition space, but book early as these spaces are highly sought after. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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