London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [179]
TIP Bargain hunters who know their gems head for Hatton Garden, London’s traditional diamond center. It’s lined with small, independent dealers. For a selection of unusual designer jewelry under one roof, try Liberty, Selfridges, or Fenwick. Widespread chain Links of London is a good bet for classic sterling silver and gold pieces, especially charm bracelets and cufflinks, and Melissa McArthur Jewellry is a fantastic little shop in Chelsea for purchasing beautifully handmade earrings or a necklace—all for prices that won’t leave you gasping.
MUSIC
Although their supremacy is increasingly challenged by Internet downloads, global megastores such as HMV and Zavvi (formerly Virgin Megastore) are still busy. There are also specialty stores galore for cutting-edge music mixed by club DJs, and for stocking up your own collection of good old-fashioned vinyl.
TIP Consider that CDs cost anywhere from 10% to as much as 50% more in the United Kingdom than they do in North America. So look for the kind of music you really can’t find at home. Long-standing independent record-shop enclave Berwick Street, in Soho has seen some recent closures, but several shops remain, including the wide-ranging Sister Ray (Nos. 34–35), and Vinyl Junkies (No. 94), and there are more dotted in surrounding streets. Camden Market is also good for a browse through secondhand and independent music stores.
SHOES
It’s no accident that Manolo Blahnik, the luxury shoe designer, made his name in London and still lives here. Audrey Hepburn, Kate Moss, and even the Sex and the City girls have all worn Manolos. Blahnik still trades from his original shop in Chelsea, just off the King’s Road, hidden away on Old Church Street. Jimmy Choo is another “native son” who began his career quietly in London’s East End before Tamara Mellon turned his name into a global luxury brand. The British capital is still a hotbed of shoemaking talent: Georgina Goodman, Beatrix Ong, and Rupert Sanderson are some of the most exciting names of the moment. Stop in at one of the King’s Road branches of Office, Kurt Geiger, or Dune for British-designed shoes at slightly more affordable prices.
STATIONERY AND GRAPHIC ARTS
Whether you’re looking for monogrammed calling cards or a pretty box of note cards to bring back as a gift, you’re in luck. At the top of the range is Smythson, where many a socialite and celebrity have their personal stationery made, while shops like Paperchase are crammed with brightly colored notebooks and writing accessories.
TOYS AND MODELS
If you’re traveling with kids in tow, there are plenty of shops that cater to children. Forget about taking them to check out the latest game system; London is the place to shop for traditional toys like soldiers, puppets, teddy bears, and those divinely wonderful toy theaters from Pollock’s that have been delighting children ever since the days of Queen Victoria.
BRING A BIT OF ENGLAND HOME
To avoid panic-buying a bulk pack of Cadbury chocolate or a “My sister went to London” T-shirt at Heathrow, it’s wise to plan your gift purchasing with care.
For everything under one roof, unique department store Liberty is hard to beat—here, you’ll find everything from exquisite Miller Harris fragrances by British perfumer Lyn Harris to small leather goods embossed with the famous Liberty prints.
Fortnum & Mason is also a good bet for traditional offerings, such as leather-covered hip flasks and its beautifully packaged biscuits, teas, and unusual condiments.
For the men back home, consider some traditional shaving cream from Geo. F. Trumper.
The museum shops are also bursting with original gift ideas, from Brit Art books and posters at Tate Modern to double-decker bus models and Tube-map mouse mats at the recently refurbished London Transport Museum in Covent Garden.
For truly unique items, check out the craft showrooms listed under Applied Arts and Handicrafts.