| Burberry
21-23 New Bond Street Tel.
020 7839 5222 165 Regent Street Tel.020 7734 4060
|
Founded
in 1856 by 21 year old Thomas Burberry, the Burberry
brand now enjoys worldwide recognition and the
seemingly ubiquitous Burberry check can be found
on everything from scarves and socks to bikinis
and sun hats. Worldwide fame doesn't come cheap,
but Burberry really put itself on the fashion
map with high profile fashion shoots utilising
the likes of Kate Moss. The new flagship store
on New Bond Street offers everything the Burberry-hungry
fashionista could want, amidst stylish surroundings
and the monied culture of Bond Street and its
environs. Quintessentially British and proud.
|
| Fortnum
& Mason 181
Piccadilly Tel. 020 7734 8040
|
| Having
met in 1705, Messrs Fortnum and Mason decided to set
up shop together and the legend, that is now Piccadilly's
most famous store, began. Much patronised by the aristocracy
over the years, and still purveyor of food and wine
to the Royal Family, Fortnum's is a must-see for anyone
visiting London. It still exudes a pre-war gentility
and its gilded furnishings and exquisitely wrapped
produce will have you reaching for your purse in no
time. Famous for its foodstuff (the Food Hall is a
gastronomic treat) it also stocks womenswear, furniture
and homeware. |
| Hamleys
188-196 Regent Street Tel. 020 7494 2000 |
| Living
up to its reputation as the 'finest toyshop in the
world' is no mean feat. But Hamleys still draws the
crowds and boasts an astonishing array of more than
40,000 toys and games over its seven floors. The window
displays regularly capture the imaginations of children
young & old and the atmosphere inside is reminiscent
of a funfair. Staff eagerly demonstrate toys on the
ground floor and there are frequent events and product
launches. Your only problem will be knowing where
to start. |
| Harrods
87-135 Brompton Road Tel. 020 7730
1234 |
| Britain's
most famous store, and possibly the most famous store
in the world, it features on many tourists' 'must-see'
lists - and with good reason. Its humble beginnings
date back to 1849, when Henry Charles Harrod opened
a small grocery shop that emphasised impeccable service
over value. Today, it occupies a vast site in London's
fashionable Knightsbridge and boasts a phenomenal
range of products from pianos and cooking pans to
pets and perfumery. The Food Hall is ostentatious
to the core and mouth-wateringly exotic. At Christmas
time, Harrods boasts an enchanting Santa's Grotto
for the kids and an extensive range of festive decorations.
|
| Harvey
Nichols 109-125 Knightsbridge Tel.
020 7235 5000 |
| Once
over-shadowed by its more illustrious neighbour (Harrods)
the store has experience something of a resurgence
and is now highly rated by the fashion conscious,
who affectionately refer to it as "Harvey Nicks".
Its sleek, streamlined interiors and clean and minimalist
design allow the products to do the selling. And with
great effect. All your favourite designer labels are
here, including ultra-hip Alexander McQueen, Comme
des Garcons and Versace. Plus some beautiful homeware,
essential cosmetics and the Fifth Floor cafe with
its spectacular views across West London. If you want
glamour, then look no further. |
| Heals
196 Tottenham Court Road Tel. 020 7636
1666 |
| Beautifully
crafted, contemporary and often cutting-edge design
can be found at this 200 year old furniture store.
Renowned for its attention to detail and craftsmanship,
the Heal's trademark has become synonymous with quality.
Such quality is, needless to say, reflected in the
price tags but some pieces are worth paying that little
bit extra for! The store also features rugs, beds,
fabrics and home accessories - everything you need
to create the dream home. If you're looking for inspiration,
take advantage of the interior design service. |
| Liberty
210-220 Regent Street Tel. 020
7734 1234 |
| Since
it opened in 1875, Liberty has captured the hearts
of shoppers around the world and even spawned its
own line in fabrics, which found fame and popularity
with designers like Mary Quant and Jean Muir in the
1960s. Housed in a striking timber-framed building
on Regent Street, Liberty's dedication to innovative
design and Eastern influences reflects its founder's
fascination with Japan following the International
Exhibition of 1862. Not content with merely following
trends, Liberty regularly showcases and sponsors new
designers. Peruse designer womenswear, ogle the arts
and crafts antiques or savour the tantalising colours
and textures of numerous fabrics. |
| Marks
& Spencer 458 Oxford Street
(largest London store) Tel. 020 7935 7954 |
| This
enduring retail partnership began back in 1894 in
a small shop in Manchester, but M & S now boasts more
than 300 stores in the UK and 400 stores worldwide.
Despite flagging sales in the face of stiff high street
competition, M & S is on the way up again, having
launched a hugely successful women's range (Per Una)
late last year. It's rumoured that even the French,
famous for their lingerie, prefer to wear M & S underwear
and the store continues to be a stalwart supplier
of basic items. In addition, you'll find homeware,
children's clothes and toys, delicious food and beauty
products. The company prides itself on the virtues
of quality, service, innovation and trust. It very
rarely fails to deliver. |
| Paul
Smith 40-44
Floral Street Tel. 020 7379 7133 |
| Paul
Smith fell into fashion design when as an out-of-work
teenager his father forced him to become a runner
in a local clothing warehouse. And the rest, as they
say, is history. In 1976 he showed his first collection
under the Paul Smith label. Now he owns eight shops
in London and hundreds worldwide. Suits benefit from
impeccable cuts and finish, shirts are often bold
and colourful and he uses print and contrast to great
effect. This is a classy quality-driven venture which
has sensibly diversified into home collections, a
diffusion range and even spectacles. The shoe range
is expanding and looks set to be a huge success in
2002. |
| Selfridges
400
Oxford Street Tel. 020 7935 7954 |
| Opening
in 1909, the arrival of Selfridges in Oxford Street
marked the beginning of the street's dominance as
a shopping centre. Since then the building has been
regularly re-vamped to reflect the cutting-edge and
innovative style that is now synonymous with the store.
Its founder would be proud that it still 'offers something
for everyone' - the food halls are exciting, but not
intimidating, there is a huge choice of fashions from
high street to designer and plenty of toys, cosmetics,
stationery and homeware to tempt you. It's relatively
easy to navigate your way round the store and there
are plenty of cafes and restaurants to keep your energy
levels up! There are plans to extend the London store
in the premises opposite. New features would include
a restaurant with fabulous views across Hyde Park
and beyond. Definitely one to watch. |
London
shopping 
