Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
 Vintage Americana |
35 Old Compton Street Soho London, London W1D 5JX United Kingdom +44 20 7734 3477 http://www.americanretro.com/ shopping@americanretro.com |
This world of retro gadgetry, fashion and home accessories takes a look back at the American Dream with a 21st-century wink. It's a funky shopping experience presenting the original tomato-ketchup dispenser and purple chilli pepper tree lights, colourful kitchenware by Alessi, art and design books, and tacky toy town treats. In terms of retro wear, the shop still carries some classic vintage pieces, accompanied by own-brand and designer threads and accessories from the likes of Kangol, Helmut Lang, and Winky and Dutch. Bags and wallets with an urban feel, and timepieces and trinkets at a range of prices complete the look. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Catalogued convenience |
164-166 Kensington High Street Kensington London, London W8 7RG United Kingdom +44 20 7795 6983 http://www.argos.co.uk/ customer.enquiries@argos.co.uk |
It seems as though the familiar catalogue of Argos, which (seemingly) contains just about everything you could ever want, has been around forever. For those unfamiliar with the concept, the drill goes pick that blender, answering machine, stereo or anything else you want from the extensive catalogue, in-store. Record the item information, check if the stock is available on a coloured calculator-type device and take it up to the counter, where you can pick up your goods if available. Prices are generally reasonable, and all goods can now be ordered online. But Argos services do not end there. Ring and reserve, home shopping, wedding list, and interest free credit are amongst the multitude of services available. Branches are everywhere - check online or in your phone directory for your closest. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kristin Breivik |
 Photo: Kristin Breivik |
 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 |
|
Bookworm's joy |
237 Kensington High Street London, London W8 6SA United Kingdom +44 20 7937 7497 |
Stocking around 15,000 titles, The Children's Book Centre claims to be the largest children's bookshop in London. There are books for tiny tots to early teens and it's open until mid-evening, which gives the harassed parent a chance to pop in after work. There's also an excellent selection of audio and videotapes, gifts, cards and toys. The shop also runs a CBC Privilege club - after 10 purchases you'll be refunded 10 per cent of what you've spent, in the form of anything from the shop. You'll have to have kept your receipts though, obviously. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Greeting cards galore |
350 Oxford Street Unit 3 London W1N 9AD United Kingdom +44 20 7409 7145 http://www.clintoncards.co.uk |
Allegedly the biggest greeting card shop in the world, this flagship store heads a fleet of over 700 branches nationwide. Specialising in greeting cards and with over 5,000 designs on the shelves, Clinton Cards is armed for every special occasion. Soft toys and gift wrapping are also high on the list. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Kids' Store |
181 Kings Road Chelsea London, London SW3 5EB United Kingdom +44 20 7349 5800 http://www.daisyandtom.com/sto... chelsea@daisyandtom.com |
Finally Chelsea kids get a mecca of conspicuous consumerism to call their own. From the founder of Waterstone's comes a fun shopping experience for children in their single digits. Find not only toys, games and clothes here, but also a carousel, hairdressing salon and a very well stocked book department - this is a department store for children which will undoubtedly capture the hearts of many parents too. Akin to a Harvey Nichols - check out labels like Gant, Polo, Kenzo and Kent & Carey in the first floor clothing and shoes section. Regular events and activities are held, so you could make a visit here a weekly event. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
The consumer's magic kingdom |
9 The Piazza London, London WC2E 8HD United Kingdom +44 20 7836 5037 http://www.disneystore.co.uk/ |
The magic doesn't end in Disneyland Paris or DisneyWorld Florida. Oh no. Now nearly every major town has imported the American Disney theme store to its shores. You can buy a plush Mickey Mouse and friends along with appropriate clothing, accessories, videos, stationery, and drinking glasses to keep that Zipideedoodah feeling alive every day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ricardo Pineda |
 Photo: Eva  |
 Photo: manuel dünfründt |
 Photo: Hege Røkenes |
 Photo: Michelle Kessler |
 Photo: Ruben Olague |
 Upscale toy shop for posh tots |
23 Walton Street Knightsbridge London, London SW3 United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7589 3795 http://www.dragonsofwaltonstre... sales@dragonsofwaltonstreet.com |
This is a great destination for godparents trying to win their godchild's parents' affection. There are no techni-coloured, slightly ridiculous, fluffy things here; expect the most tasteful Beatrix Potter toys, elegant blankets, nursery accessories, personalized clocks and custom-made toy boxes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Easy as ABC |
160-161 Kensington High Street London, London W8 United Kingdom +44 20 7581 5764 |
Kids can be kept happy in the play area while you look for things to stretch their imaginations as well as their minds. You'll find all manner of things to keep children entertained, while building their IQ's at the same time. With everything from books to climbing frames being sold here, there are dozens of great present ideas. Computer-aided educational toys and fun-size kitchen centres are among the favourites. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Teddy bears' picnic |
Regent Street London, London W1F 7PA United Kingdom +44 870 333 2455 http://www.thebearfactory.co.uk/ bfenquiries@bearfactory.co.uk |
"If you go down to the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise...", but not perhaps as big as the giant model of a great British Mini Cooper car suspended from the ceiling in the Regent Street branch of the English Teddy Bear Company. Home to an endearing and enormous selection of classic teddy bears of all shapes and sizes, the toys are traditionally handmade here in rural England. All made to original patterns, each one has fully jointed limbs and more to the point, they each have their own individual personality. You won't find any antique toys but there are unique limited edition teddy bears for purchase. With clothes and accessories for both bears and humans, they make great presents for children, collectors and lovers of all things cute and cuddly. Gifts range from under £5 to over £500 for the one-off teddies. It's a magical world of fluff and fun. 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 |
|
Celebrating childhood |
198 Regent Street London, London W1R 5DF United Kingdom +44 20 7494 1110 |
The Gymboree chain specializes in beautiful clothing for children up to the age of seven. Featuring detailed trims and charming styles, this quality boutique can outfit your tiny tot in coloured T-shirts, fleece sweaters, floral capri trousers and chi-chi twinsets. The child-friendly store also stocks a range of kid-size accessories as well as toys, including play balls and educational trinkets. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
World-famous toy wonderland |
188-196 Regent Street London, London W1B 5BT United Kingdom +44 870 333 2455 http://www.hamleys.co.uk/ hamleys@hamleys.com |
Bang in the bustling heart of London, Hamleys made its name as the world's finest toyshop. Seven floors of traditional soft toys, dolls, crafts and collectibles now cohabit with the latest plastic monsters, computer games, moving displays, talking books and a haunted staircase. Although some detractors think there's been a lack of innovation and creativity in recent years, Hamleys has undergone extensive refurbishment for a more up-to-date appeal in an attempt to maintain its reputation as the world's best. Their 240 years of toy emporium experience haven't gone amiss, and although you might find items that are significantly dearer than in some high street chains, Hamleys is a frivolously fun place for the young and the young at heart to while away the day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Adrian R |
 Photo: Travis Nicholson |
 Photo: April |
 Photo: Daniel |
 Photo: Ben Sutherland |
 Photo: Penny Jones |
 Photo: Ben Sutherland |
 Photo: Olu Oni |
 Photo: Anna |
 Photo: chocolatenpoudre |
 Photo: Terri Powell |
 Photo: Sutha Kamal |
 Photo: Simon Zapletan |
 Photo: immy ashby |
 Photo: nikiya2789 |
 Photo: simon curran |
 Photo: Francesco Crippa |
 Photo: Lynx:) |
 Photo: kleborp |
 Photo: Brian Gallagher |
|
Superheroes |
237 Shaftesbury Avenue London, London WC2H 8EH United Kingdom +44 20 7836 5630 http://www.comicana.com/ sales@comicana.biz |
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 |
|
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 info@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 |
 Revered London auction house |
25-26 Albemarle Street London, London W1S 4HX United Kingdom +44 20 7318 4010 http://www.phillipsdepury.com/ nbains@phillipsdepury.com |
While it may not have the same notoriety as Sotheby's and Christie's, Phillips is highly respected and revered and generally regarded as one of London's most prominent auction houses. Founded in 1796 by the flamboyant Harry Phillips, it has catered to some of the world's most notable dignitaries in its 200-odd year history, including Marie Antoinette, Beau Brummel and Napoleon. It merged with de Pury and Luxembourg and focuses on traditional sales such as paintings, furniture and coins, rather than vintage collectibles; but does, however, include antique toys, cars and the like in its lots at times. Call for viewing times. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Ragdolly Anna and Friends |
1 Scala Street London W1T 2HL United Kingdom +44 20 7636 3452 http://www.pollockstoymuseum.com pollocks@btconnect.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 |
|
Famed Auction House |
34-35 New Bond Street London W1A 2AA United Kingdom +44 20 7293 5000 http://www.sothebys.com |
"From its 1744 origins as a book dealer to its 21st Century incarnation as one of the world's most famous auction houses - along with Christie's - Sotheby's has always been a synonym for prestige, quality and expertise. Although recent sales have included a Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil, Russian space capsules and a 60-year-old piece of wedding cake, Sotheby's attentions are still largely focused on more traditional auction fare, such as works of art, jewellery and - yes - books. But don't get too excited with artist Edouard Manet's impressionist painting Jeune Fille Dans un Jardin, selling for over $20 million, you'll really need to save those pennies. Viewing is during the week, but also by appointment and on some weekends." Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michelle Olivieri |
 Photo: Levent Ali |
|
World's Longest Running Dr. Who Store |
4 Station Parade High Street N London E6 1JD United Kingdom +44 20 8471 2356 http://www.thewhoshop.com/ info@thewhoshop.co.uk |
The Who Shop is essential visiting for any Dr. Who fan. It was originally opened in 1984 and is the longest running Dr. Who store in the world. It is very easy to find being right opposite East Ham Underground station. With the current explosion of interest in Dr. Who, the shop sells an enormous range of goods including children's costumes (Cyberman, Dalek etc.), models, books, DVDs, bedding, clothes, prints, postcards, posters, toys and much more. They now have an online store as well and regularly ship goods to America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand as well as across the UK. - Caroline Collard Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Fencing for all - novice thru master |
Norman Street Finsbury Leisure Centre London, London EC1V 3QN United Kingdom +44 7951 41 4409 http://www.sallegadaski.com |
Informal and friendly fencing club which offers variety of classes for beginners and advanced fencers. Fencing equipment for beginners is provided. You can work one to one with the master, join a group lesson or indulge in free fencing. Atmosphere is very friendly and a pub drink after the session is a must. Admission is GBP20 per month. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Small treasure trove |
53 Godfrey Street Chelsea Green London, London SW3 3SX United Kingdom +44 20 7352 1718 |
Toy shops like this are dying out - kids today seem to prefer video games to soft toys, Japanese gadgets to dolls, and this tiny independent store is now of more interest to collectors than children. Offering the best of traditional teddy bears, dolls, figurines, puppets and soldiers, some rare models of modern toys, such as Beanie Babies, can also be found. Merrythought, Deans, Gund, Muffy Vanderbears, Julip and other small British makers are stocked. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Miniature department store for pretty piglets |
34 Kings Road Chelsea London, London SW3 4UD United Kingdom +44 20 7259 9620 http://www.trotters.co.uk/ trotdirect@aol.com |
Rather like a smaller version of Daisy & Tom, this store offers books, games, clothing, shoes and a hairdressers, all of which are aimed at 0-11 year olds. The clothing is good old practical stuff - you won't find any miniature leather trousers here, though the odd Ralph Lauren or Kenzo outfit can be found. Kids will find the book and toy corner appealing, giving you some time to peruse the collections. Although there's no mail order service, you can supplement purchases by ordering from the web site. Review © 2007, Wcities |
