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One of the lovely things about travel is returning home with some unique or special items from your stay. Here’s a guide to some of our favourite London shops where you can be sure to find something for all interests.
Anya Hindmarch: The Bespoke Shop (Pont Street)
This beautiful boutique offers a fantastic range of luxury bags and accessories which can be embossed in store with any writing or drawing you provide. It’s the perfect stop for a unique and special gift. The Bespoke Shop is part of Anya’s Village, along with Anya Life (for fun homeware and lifestyle collections), The Collection Shop (for current main collections), The Labelled Shop (for beautifully handcrafted labelled organisation systems), their pop-up concept store and The Anya Café – the perfect spot for refreshments.
Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop (Covent Garden)
Established in 1856 and a favourite shop of Robert Louis Stevenson, Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop’s range includes toy theatres, shadow boxes and puppets as well as traditional toys. A wonderful, old fashioned store full of the most adorable toys and games.
Fortnum & Mason (Piccadilly)
Fortnum & Mason offers the finest teas, coffees, preserves and grocery items which can be purchased separately or hand selected for a hamper (with shipping worldwide). If you’re planning an afternoon tea during your London stay, be sure to visit their Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon where you can choose between a traditional or a savoury afternoon tea.
GEO F. Trumper (Curzon Street)
Founded in 1875 by barber and master perfumer George Francis Trumper, this acclaimed establishment remains at its original location of 9 Curzon Street and is still furnished with its Victorian mahogany panelling and showcases. It sells its own line of luxury grooming products (which smell divine!), leather goods and cuff links, and offers treatments including hair cuts, wet shaves, massages, facials, threading, manicures and pedicures.
Heywood Hill (Curzon Street)
Founded in 1936 and once the workplace of Nancy Mitford, Heywood Hill offers a fabulous range of titles including rare, notable and scholarly books, gift boxes and a fabulous, tailored subscription package (inspired by a one-to-one reading consultation with you).
Liberty London (Regent Street)
Located next to fashionable Carnaby Street, Liberty London’s beautiful department store sells its iconic fabrics, luxury beauty items, designer clothing and homeware.
Mary’s Living and Giving (various locations)
Founded by Mary Portas, this concept store sells preloved luxury clothing and homeware in aid of Save the Children.