Shopping in London

Shopping in London
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London Department Stores
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Aside from the large array of goods for sale, many London department stores offer a number of additional services such as restaurants, cafés, food halls, hair and beauty salons and gift/wedding list ordering. Most also sell their own gift vouchers.
And, although some of the companies listed below have other outlets around the country, we've concentrated on their flagship London stores to keep things simple. All of the websites listed below do, however, have a store locator. Also bear in mind that other branches may be smaller with a more limited product range.
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Debenhams
334-348 Oxford Street, W1C 1JG, Tel: 0844 561 6161, Open: 9.30am-8pm Mon-Tue, 10am-8pm Wed, 9.30am-9.00pm Thu, 9.30am-8.00pm Fri, 9am-8pm Sat and 12pm-6pm Sun, Tube: Bond Street, All major credit cards accepted, Show MapHas a major presence on the UK high street, whilst also recently expanding abroad to the Middle East and Central Europe. As their main London branch, the store boasts a good range of products, which also represent good value for budget conscious shoppers.
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Fortnum and Mason
181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER, Tel: 020 7734 8040, Website: http://www.fortnumandmason.co.uk/ (offers online ordering), Open: 10am-6.30pm Mon-Sat, Sun 11am-5pm (Food Hall and Patio Restaurant only, Tube: Piccadilly Circus, All major credit cards accepted, Show MapFortnum and Mason's offers visitors a sense of England's past with traditional high-quality goods and services. Moreover, having been in business since 1707, it provides items by appointment to the Queen and Prince of Wales. Known primarily for its famous food hall, the shop offers traditional English favourites including teas, relishes, chutneys and preserves. So, if you're after a true (edible) souvenir of England, you may find it here! What's more, for some items, such as luxury hampers and teas, they'll even arrange global delivery (especially for goods which may impact upon your baggage allowance). On the store's upper floors you'll also find fashions and items for the home, while elsewhere, the Fountain Restaurant on the lower ground floor serves light meals and ice-cream sundaes (of some repute) with St. James's restaurant offering traditional afternoon tea. Customer service here acts as a benchmark for others to follow.
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Harrods
87 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge SW1X 7XL, Tel: 020 7730 1234, Website: http://www.harrods.com/ (offers online ordering), Open: 10am-7pm Mon-Sat, Sun (3/11 until 23/12) midday-6pm, Tube: Knightsbridge (take "Harrods" exit), All major credit cards accepted, Show MapWhen most people think of shopping in London they first think of Harrods. Without doubt, it's a fantastic (albeit pricey) place to shop which, despite losing its Royal Warrants, retains an international reputation for quality. Spread over seven floors, highlights include the Egyptian Room and marvellous food halls (simply stunning). If you do plan to visit, make sure you dress sensibly as the store operates a dress code of sorts. A failure to observe it may mean you're politely escorted off the premises by one of the Harrods' security officers.
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Harvey Nichols
109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ, Tel: 020 7235 5000, Website: http://www.harveynichols.com/ (online ordering not available), Open 10am-7pm Mon and Tue, 10am-8pm Wed-Fri, 10am-7pm Sat, noon-6pm Sun, Tube: Knightsbridge, All major credit cards accepted, Show MapOnce the place to shop for budding socialites and "it" girls everywhere (Selfridges is apparently top dog now) Harvey Nichols - or Harvey Nicks to aficionados - primarily sells fashions from renowned designers such as Paul Smith and Yohji Yamamoto, along with other top-notch designer labels. In addition, there are extensive beauty and home furnishing departments, as well as a high class food hall. The store's famous 5th Floor restaurant is equally chic, offering the ladies of Knightsbridge a chance to catch up on some serious celebrity gossip.
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House of Fraser
318 Oxford Street, W1C 1HF, Tel: 020 7529 4700, Website: http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/ (no online ordering), Open: 10am-7pm Mon-Tue, 10am-8pm Wed, 10am- 9pm Thu-Fri, 9.30am-7.30pm Sat, normally closed Sun (but Xmas opening hours may apply), Tube: Bond Street, All major credit cards accepted, Show MapAlthough The House of Fraser trades under a number of different guises - Army and Navy, Dickins and Jones etc. they have their flagship store on Oxford Street. Stocks a good range of designer brands, although prices can be high.
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John Lewis
278-306 Oxford Street, W1A 1EX, Tel 020 7629 7711, Open: 9.30am-7pm Mon-Wed, 9.30am-8pm Thu, 9.30am-7pm Fri/Sat, closed Sunday, Tube: Bond Street, All major credit cards accepted.Another big high-street player, John Lewis's motto "never knowingly undersold" has helped them to remain popular in an increasingly competitive marketplace. And, as employees effectively have a stake in the business, you're likely to notice higher standards of customer service than in some other stores.
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Marks and Spencer
458 Oxford Street, W1N 0AP, Tel: 020 7935 7954, Website: http://mands.at/earthtrip?CTY=37&LID=mands&DURL=http://www.marksandspencer.com/gp/redirect.html?partner=buyat&location=&extid=apba&extid=apba, Open: 9am-9pm Mon-Fri, 8.30am-7.30pm Sat, 12pm-6pm Sun, Tube: Marble Arch, All major credit cards accepted, Show MapBack in 2000, Marks and Spencer had been in the news for all the wrong reasons. A profits decline and sharply falling sales eventually gave rise to a huge revamp of its stores and fashion ranges to make them more 'now'. Although, initially at least, the changes met with mixed reaction, it seems that M & S is back in favour once again. Of course, the popularity of M & S's food halls has never been in doubt, as queues at lunchtime will confirm. So, if you fancy a picnic in nearby Hyde Park, buy your lunch before midday to avoid the rush.
There are two Marks and Spencer stores on Oxford Street. The biggest (and best) is the Marble Arch branch at the street's Western end (just across the road from Selfridges).
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Selfridges
400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB, Tel: 08708 377 377, Website: http://www.selfridges.co.uk/, Open: 10am-8pm Mon-Fri, 9.30am-8pm Sat, 12pm-6pm Sun, Tube: Bond Street/March Arch, Show MapHaving undergone a major transformation over recent years, Oxford Street's most famous store is now an even better shopping experience, and one that's certainly hard to beat (anywhere) in London. Boasting designer labels for both and women, plus excellent home furnishings, electrical, children's and book departments, the sheer range of goods on offer is overwhelming. Of course, prices are higher than elsewhere in London, but for tourists visiting, it's a great way to begin a West End shop.
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Ladies Fashion Stores
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Agent Provocateur
6 Broadwick Street, W1V 1FH, Tel: 020 7439 0229, Website: http://www.agentprovocateur.com/, Tube: Oxford Circus. Undoubtedly a favourite with the boys, Agent Provocateur is famous for its outlandish (and kitsch) underwear designs. With everything from leopardskin-print bras to a little something in mesh, you'll also find the shop has an extravagant range of marabou-trimmed mules on offer. Prices reflect Provocateur's enviable reputation.
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Alexander McQueen
4-5 Old Bond Street, W1S 4PD, Tel: 020 7355 0088, Website: http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/, Tube: Oxford Circus. Eye-catching London emporium belonging to the innovative (and still very young) British designer, which showcases his talent for producing razor-sharp, well-constructed tailored suits, skirts and gowns. Managing to be theatrical, provocative and flattering (often at the same time) London's bad boy of fashion has arguably not yet reached the peak of his creative powers. However, with an eyewear and jeans collection to compliment his already dramatic clothing ranges, McQueen's star is still firmly in the ascendancy.
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Chanel
167/170 Sloane Street, SW1X 9QF Tel: 020 7235 6631, Website: http://www.chanel.co.uk/, Tube: Knightsbridge. Reinvented by Karl Lagerfeld, the House of Chanel is still the aspirational label that most women (regardless of age) want in their wardrobes. As well as classic Chanel suits, you'll find fragrances, shoes, make-up and fashion/designer bags at this flagship London store.
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Evans
538/540 Oxford Street, W1C 1LS, Tel: 020 7499 0434, Website: http://www.evans.co.uk/ Tube: Oxford Circus. Popular store offering fashionable fuller-figure clothes for women. With casual tops, shirts and blouses from £15, skirts £20 and dresses £25, Evans represents excellent value for budget conscious shoppers. Though by no means at the cutting-edge of the fashion, it's still easy to put together a stylish look, accessorize and receive a colour consultation all in one visit.
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Gucci
34 Old Bond Street, W1S 4QL, Tel: 020 7629 2716, Website: http://www.gucci.com/, Tube: Green Park. After a few rocky years, Gucci is now very much back on form, not just creatively but financially too, having expanding their global fashion empire to include YSL and (most) recently Paris couturier Balenciaga. Under the guidance of Domenico De Sole and Tom Ford, Gucci has also re-acquired its reputation for being the chicest of labels, epitomizing style, class and of course, wealth. Gucci's flagship London store carries the company's range of clothes, shoes, bags, and watches, as well as a well-conceived collection of housewares. Also at 18 Sloane Street (Tel: 0207 235 6707), 9 Royal Exchange and Harrods.
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Mango
8-12 Neal Street, WC2H 9PU, Tel: 020 7240 9312, Website: http://www.mango.es/, Tube: Covent Garden. Slick, striking and highly wearable, Mango represents some of the best value contemporary fashions currently around. With an eye-catching presence in Covent Garden, the Spanish based company looks set to go stellar, boasting a range that's both well-priced and immaculately tailored. If you haven't yet discovered Mango, then treat our review as a public service broadcast and get down there!!
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Miss Sixty & Energie
31-32 Great Marlborough Street, W1F 7JB, Tel: 020 7434 3060, Website: http://www.misssixty.com/, Tube: Oxford Circus. Extremely fashionable, jeans, T-shirts and beachwear. Previously voted by the Evening Standard as being one of the places for young women to shop in London.
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Miss Selfridge
36-38 Great Castle Street, Oxford Circus, W1W 8LG, Tel: 020 7927 0214, Website: http://www.missselfridge.co.uk/, Tube: Oxford Circus. As part of the successful Arcadia Group, Miss Selfridge specialises in trendy, affordable women's clothing (mostly in smaller sizes). Aimed primarily towards a more youthful market, ranges rely heavily on Lycra, with a good selection of trousers, tops and dresses. As the store also does a roaring trade in accessories, it's a good place to shop if you're on a tight budget or simply looking for a bargain.
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Monsoon
5-6 James Street, WC2 8BH, Tel: 020 7379 3623, Website: http://www.monsoon.co.uk/, Tube: Covent Garden. Popular, distinctive fashions with a strong ethnic flavour. As well as a clothing range that includes everything from denim to lightweight linen, Monsoon also boasts an extensive collection of homewares. Just the thing if you're planning to create an instant North African or Asian look on a budget. Kids get a look in too, with a tasteful, albeit traditional range of casualwear including party dresses.
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Mulberry
41-42 Bond Street, W1 2RY, Tel: 020 7491 3900, Website: http://www.mulberry.com/, Tube: Bond StreetAs the epitome of traditional English fashion, Mulberry carries a wide-range of high quality clothing, as well as stylish accessories, fabrics and furnishings. Shoulder and clutch bags are a real strongpoint, although with the company traditionally positioning itself as an upmarket brand, nothing much here is particularly cheap. Of course, Mulberry's home furnishings are as reliable as ever, with elegant paisleys, stripes and Cornelli tapestries making up the bulk of their fabric and wallpaper ranges.
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Nicole Fahri
158 New Bond Street, W1 9PA, Tel: 020 7499 8368, Website: http://www.nicolefarhi.com/, Tube: Bond StreetNow very much a 'lifestyle' label, Nicole Fahri's New Bond Street store not only boasts her trademark softly-structured clothes, but menswear, eyewear and home furnishing ranges too. For the autumn you'll find Fahri using black and brown to great effect, with sharp tailored knee and ankle-length skirts, and a great range of boots and leatherwear. And, if you need to grab lunch straight after your shop, her flagship store also includes a seriously trendy eatery (accessed via a winding staircase down to the basement).
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Oasis
13 James Street, WC2E 8BT, Tel: 020 7240 7445, Website: http://www.oasis-stores.com/, Tube: Covent Garden. Specialising in young female fashions at reasonable prices, the company boasts the very latest romantic designs for their Autumn collection, along with a good range of footwear, jewellery and perfume.
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Prada
43-45 Sloane Street, SW1X 9LU, Tel: 020 7235 0008, Website: http://www.prada.com/, Tube: Knightsbridge. Oh so sexy fashion, at oh so knee-buckling prices! However, if you happen to be an A-list celeb, lottery winner or plain ol' credit card junkie, then Prada's upcoming collection of 50s inspired fashions is likely to appeal. Indisputably chic suits, dresses and pencil skirts are matched by a range of bags and accessories. It's enough to set even Gucci lovers drooling!
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Accessories
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Anya Hindmarch
15-17 Pont Street, SW1X 9EH, Tel: 020 7838 9177, Website: http://www.anyahindmarch.com/, Tube: Sloane Square. Elegant, if occasionally off-the-wall designs from one of Britain's finest bag makers. Best known for her luxurious but simple handbags, Hindmarch also sells an extensive range of clutch bags, shoulder bags and wash bags. Available in a whole host of colours, styles and fabrics (including satin and leather) exclusivity and envious looks are both guaranteed. Also stocked at Harrods.
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Shoe Shops
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LK Bennett
130 Long Acre, WC2E 9AA, Tel: 020 7379 1710, Website: http://www.lkbennett.com/, Tube: Covent Garden/Leicester Square. From humble beginnings at a small shop in Wimbledon, LK Bennett has grown to become a multi-million pound footwear business, stocking all manner of ladies shoes including loafers, high heels, mules, and boots. The company's Covent Garden branch also stocks a good range of clutch, hand and shoulder bags.
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Stores For Men
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Benson & Clegg
9 Piccadilly Arcade, SW1Y 6NH, Tel: 020 7491 1454/020 7409 2053, Website: http://www.bensonandclegg.com/, Tube: Piccadilly Circus/Green Park. Situated inside the pleasant Piccadilly Arcade, Benson & Clegg are a traditional mens outfitters, with a distinctly English (but highly appealing) line in shirts, suits and neckwear. Of course, exquisite tailoring and top-notch material is never cheap, so expect to pay over £1,659 for a bespoke suit.
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Browns
24-27 South Molton Street, W1K 5RD, Tel: 020 7514 0016, Website: http://www.brownsfashion.com/, Tube: Bond Street. A smart Soho based shop which boasts top British, Italian, US and Japanese designers among its menswear collection. As well as a good range of casual and more formal clothing, Browns also stocks a range of leather goods and accessories. What's more, if you're after bargains, the company operate a permanent sales outlet (Labels for Less) on the same street (at No. 50).
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Duffer of St George
34 Shorts Gardens, Covent Garden, WC2G 9AP, Tel: 020 7836 3722, Website: http://www.thedufferofstgeorge.com/, Tube: Covent Garden. Popular Covent Garden fashion emporium selling a wide variety of stylish clothes. Divided into two 'own brand' categories, Duffer carries sportswear, and 'shield' formal wear including shirts, ties and handmade Italian suits (from around £400). Cargo pants, sweatshirts, bags and a new footwear line also stocked.
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Ermenegildo Zegna
37-38 New Bond Street, W1S 2RU, Tel: 020 7518 2700, Website: http://www.zegnaermenegildo.com/, Tube: Bond Street. Still a family owned business, although the success of this Italian based company has led to world-wide expansion. Outstanding craftsmanship is definitely the watchword here, with a collection that includes casualwear, dress shirts, knitwear and jackets. Made to measure suits and the cheaper off-the-peg "Napoli" range both feature first-class fabrics and razor sharp tailoring. A range of leatherwear and accessories completes what is a very appealing collection.
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Gieves & Hawkes
1 Savile Row, W1S 3JR, Tel: 020 7434 2001, Website: http://www.gievesandhawkes.com/, Tube: Piccadilly Circus.A Savile Row tailor in the finest tradition, with bespoke suits that have been brought bang up to date with the company's new casual range called, appropriately enough 'Gieves'. Traditional English cuts are alive and well though, with a range that's both large and immaculately tailored.
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Hackett
137-138 Sloane Street, SW1X 9AY, Tel: 020 7730 3331, Website: http://www.hackett.co.uk/, Tube: Sloane Square. Our American cousins go mad for Hackett apparently. And it's easy to see why. Traditional English style at affordable prices, means you'll be able to kit yourself out from head to toe and still not have to re-mortgage the house. As well as bespoke suits, there's a good range of casualwear (including Hackett's trademark polo shirts and jumpers), underwear, socks and a whole host of accessories. The company's own website gives an idea as to what's stocked, although it's by no means a substitute for visiting Hackett's impressive flagship store. Multiple stores around London.
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Harvie & Hudson
77 Jermyn Street, SW1Y 6JE, Tel: 020 7930 3949, Website: http://www.harvieandhudson.com/, Tube: Green Park. If you've a penchant for unique or expensive shirts, then Harvie and Hudson should be high on your list of "must visits" for a London shopping trip. Ready-to-wear shirts are (relatively) well-priced, although if you're after bespoke tailoring expect to pay upwards of £100. A fine selection of fabrics, styles and colours (including solids and stripes) makes for a rewarding outing. With a further outlet on Jermyn Street at No. 96/97.
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High and Mighty
The Plaza, 120 Oxford Street, W1D 1LT, Tel: 020 7436 4861, Website: http://www.highandmighty.co.uk/, Tube: Oxford Circus. This store caters for taller and larger men, selling its own range of suits, shirts, trousers, underwear and shoes as well as designer items from Prada, Valentino and Feraud. With other stores in Knightsbridge and Edgware.
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H Huntsman & Sons
11 Savile Row, W1S 3PS, Tel: 020 7734 7441, Website: http://www.h-huntsman.com/, Tube: Piccadilly Circus. Established in 1849, H Huntsman is another of the traditional English tailors located on London's famous Savile Row. With a number of Royal Warrants to its name, you're unlikely to be surprised at the cost of the company's bespoke suits. However, for those after 'cheaper' options, ready-to-wear suits and jackets are also available.
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Davies and Son (Incorporating James & James)
38 Savile Row, W1S 3QE, Tel: 020 7734 1748, Website: http://www.jamesjames.co.uk/, Tube: Oxford Circus. Although the hub of the Davies and Son's operation is centred around a quaint shop in London's Savile Row, the company also offer an online ordering service for custom-made suits (all £800). For bespoke tailoring you're talking serious money, especially for handmade suits. However, with the same attention to detail given to every garment sold, Davies and Son make for a good tailoring choice if you're looking for a top-notch suit.
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Kilgour
8 Savile Row, W1S 3PE, Tel: 020 7734 6905, Website: http://www.8savilerow.com/, Tube: Green Park. Savile Row tailor offering a bespoke service as well as ready-to-wear suits and accessories. Prices from £800 to over £2800 (for three-piece suits made at Savile Row). Very expensive, but worth every penny if you can afford it.
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Steven Hitchcock
13 New Burlington Street, Savile Row, W1S 3BG, Tel: 020 287 2492, Website: http://www.stevenhitchcock.co.uk/, Tube: Green Park. Uses the soft tailoring technique to produce comfortable, well styled suits. All are hand finished with prices from £1,895 (shirts from £100 and ties £39).
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Top Man
36/38 Great Castle Street, W1W 8LG, Tel: 020 7636 7700, Website: http://www.topman.co.uk/, Tube: Oxford Circus. Top Man offers decent tailoring and casualwear at highly affordable prices. Of course, we're not saying that your average £150 Top Man suit is a match for the latest Italian designs, but the store nonetheless provides younger men with an opportunity to look good, without ratcheting up their credit cards to unprecedented levels. A gargantuan (and modern) store on London's most famous shopping street.
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