London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [182]
BEST FIND FOR YOUR BEST FRIEND
For something affordable in these neighborhoods, pick up a beautifully packaged bottle of Grapefruit or Vintage Gardenia perfume at Jo Malone. A box of luxury correspondence cards from Smythson is another classic gift.
REFUELING
Chic ladies sip lattes and nibble on goat-cheese tarts or a salad Niçoise at Aubaine, a simple yet elegant French café and boulangerie. For something more substantial, tuck into a hearty meal at Admiral Codrington, a gastropub known as “The Cod” to the locals. You can’t go wrong with an order of crispy fish-and-chips served with chive butter, or salmon and crab cakes, all washed down with a pint of beer or a glass of wine.
WHAT YOU’LL WANT
Best of the British
Harvey Nichols. The capital’s best department store is a must.
Jimmy Choo. Every woman needs a pair of sexy, sky-high Jimmy Choos.
Pringle of Scotland. There’s nothing dowdy here. The traditional plaids still crop up, but the latest designs are edgy and cool.
Vivienne Westwood. Her World’s End boutique, with the crazy clock outside, is where it all started.
Trendsetters
All Saints. Limited stock and fresh-from-the-catwalk designs here mean original looks—you won’t be walking around looking like everyone else.
Austique. For the überfeminine London shopper, look no further than this two-floor boutique on the King’s Road, which offers chic dresses and accessories.
Bruce Oldfield. Come for an Oscar-worthy couture gown or a glam wedding dress.
Marie-Chantal. For exclusive baby and children’s clothing fit for a prince or a princess.
SPOTLIGHT ON ST. JAMES’S AND MAYFAIR
If you love old-fashioned tailoring and shops that seem unchanged since Victorian times, then hit one of the many traditional shops in St. James’s and Mayfair.
Mayfair is one of the most elegant places to shop in London—not only because of the big-name designers who have their flagships here, but because the cobblestone streets and hushed atmosphere add to the exclusivity. Serious fashionistas can make their way through Nicole Farhi, Armani, Versace, and Ralph Lauren on Bond Street and New Bond Street before heading to tiny South Molton Street, which is home to Browns and plenty of great shoe stores. But for shoppers who aren’t as big on the latest catwalk fashions, spend an afternoon on St. James’s Jermyn Street, which has a lost-in-time quality and carries on the tradition of producing high-quality handmade shirts, hats, and suits. The area is also home to Savile Row—synonymous with handmade suits—and also the place where Prince Charles and rocker David Bowie have had their clothing made. If your budget won’t stretch for a suit or a pair of shoes, head to the food section of Fortnum & Mason to stock up on beautifully packaged teas or jams.
Top of Chapter | London Maps Contents
BEST TIME TO GO
Because this area covers some of the most exclusive shopping streets in the capital, don’t expect huge crowds. South Molton Street can get a bit busy, whereas the area surrounding Jermyn Street is relatively quiet. Many of the independent stores are closed on Sunday.
BEST FIND FOR YOUR DAD
Long-established shirt maker Hilditch & Key makes bespoke and ready-to-wear dress shirts. Alternatively, for something a bit less expensive, pick up a formal shirt from Thomas Pink or Charles Tyrhwhitt.
REFUELING
Nicole’s restaurant in the basement of the Nicole Farhi shop is ideal for a quick lunch between purchases. The two-story restaurant was designed by Ms. Farhi, as was the menu, which features modern British cuisine with a California twist. For the quickest service, head to the upper level; reservations are recommended for the more formal dining room. Or pop in for a glass of wine at the 1707 Wine Bar inside Fortnum & Mason. The elegant lower level is part of the recent 300th-birthday expansion and is one of four restaurants in the Queen’s grocery store.
WHAT YOU’LL WANT
Designer Chic
b store. Models flock here for the ever-changing stock of clothing and accessories by emerging talent.
Browns.