London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [183]
Dover Street Market. Alongside Alber Elbaz and Alaïa fashion, expect to see art exhibits and one-off events at this concept store.
Paul Smith. Known for his classics-with-a-twist, his furniture and curio shop has the same quirky design ethos.
Old Made New
Burberry. Once dowdy, this landmark label is now super-chic thanks to Christopher Bailey, the designer who’s made this into the British Gucci.
Liberty. All the great Art Nouveau and Aesthetic Movement textiles and accessories are still lovingly crafted here for today’s Mrs. Dalloways.
Gieves and Hawkes. Grand bespoke suits of yore and custom-tailored uniforms (for Prince William) keep young the grand old craft of British menswear.
SPOTLIGHT ON SOHO AND COVENT GARDEN
Soho and Covent Garden house a plethora of independent boutiques and some of the best High-street chain stores including Zara, H&M, and Oasis. A three-floor Banana Republic, a favorite American outpost, is now along Long Acre.
Although some never make it past the covered market area of Covent Garden (which is fine for a browse through the stalls), it’s best to venture off onto one of the smaller streets in the area. Neal’s Yard is an idyllic alcove for all things vegetarian and bohemian while Seven Dials, known as Covent Garden’s “Hidden Village” for shopping, is bound to provide ample opportunities for worthwhile purchases. Monmouth Street, part of Seven Dials, is easily one of the best areas for fashionable boutiques. Some of the bigger names in fashion, such as Ted Baker, Radley, and Agnes B, have set up shop on the pretty, cobblestone Floral Street, and Earlham Street is a happy mishmash of stalls and shops, which includes the trendy but affordable Urban Outfitters. Brighten your day with some fresh flowers at the low-key Wild Bunch.
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BEST TIME TO GO
It’s almost always crowded, so go with the flow—or get there early in the morning.
BEST FIND FOR YOUR ANGLOPHILE FRIEND
Couldn’t make it to Scotland this trip? Leave room in your luggage for a bottle or two of single-malt whisky from Milroy’s of Soho, on Greek Street, which stocks whiskies from every distillery in Scotland. Or stop by the Tea House on Neal Street, which sells more than 100 varieties of tea along with pots and mugs to make the perfect brew and the perfect gift.
REFUELING
Wahaca serves up delicious yet inexpensive dishes inspired by Mexican street food. The wait for a seat is worth it, and you’ll have money left over to continue shopping your way through Covent Garden. If you’re looking for a caffeine jolt, head to Monmouth Coffee, which roasts all its own beans and boasts some of the best coffee around, or pick up some delectable cheese to nibble on from the nearby Neal’s Yard Dairy.
WHAT YOU’LL WANT
Toys R Them
Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop. Billionaires buy the antique toy theaters on sale in this legendary and historic emporium, while the rest of us adore the new paper reproductions, complete with doll-house sets for The Mikado.
Hamleys. Santa Claus’s London pied-à-terre, this is the city’s biggest toy store, and heaven to most children.
Quirky Cool
Paul Smith. Taking the classics and giving them a Smith twist, with rainbow stripes, Mona Lisa eyes, and flamboyant linings, is one sure way to give any fashionplate their creds.
Topshop. A fashion mecca for all that is young, stylish, and fun, this is half runway, half department store, and not surprisingly was founded by superstar Kate Moss.
Books and Prints
Stanfords. With the British long known as fabled explorers, it is little wonder London boasts one of the greatest travel book shops anywhere.
Foyles. Five floors of every title imaginable, this bibliophile’s wonderland has everything from art history to opera scores.
SHOPPING PLANNER
TOP SHOPS
Dover Street Market. Run by Comme des Garçons designer Rei Kawakubo, this concept store is a combination art gallery and department store, and also hosts design retrospectives.
Hamleys. With floor