London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [188]
Music
Rough Trade East.
Whereas some London record stores are struggling, this veteran indie-music specialist seems to have gotten the formula right. In 2007 it opened this spacious new East End branch that’s as much a hangout as a shop, complete with a stage for live gigs, a café, and even Internet access. | Dray Walk, Old Truman Brewery,91 Brick La., Spitalfields | E1 6QL | 020/7392–7788 | Liverpool St.
SHOREDITCH
Markets
Columbia Road Flower Market.
Just a quick walk from Brick Lane, this 52-stall market is about as pretty and photogenic as they come. Flowers, shrubs, bulbs, trees, garden tools, and accessories are sold wholesale while the local cafés are superb. | Columbia Rd.,ShoreditchE2 7RG | Sun. 8–2 | Old St. (Northern Line).
BELGRAVIA
Accessories
Lulu Guinness.
Famous for her flamboyantly themed bags (think the satin “bucket” topped with roses or the elaborately beaded red snakeskin “lips” clutch). Guinness also showcases vintage-inspired vanity cases, shoes, beauty products, and bed linens in this frilly little shop, which is just as whimsical as her designs. | 3 Ellis St., Belgravia | SW1X 9AL | 020/7823–4828 | www.luluguinness.com | Closed Sun. | Sloane Sq.
Philip Treacy.
Treacy’s magnificent hats are annual showstoppers on Ladies Day at the Royal Ascot races and regularly grace the glossy magazines’ society pages. Part Mad Hatter, part Cecil Beaton, Treacy’s creations always guarantee a grand entrance (remember Sarah Jessica Parker at the London premiere of the Sex and the City movie?). In addition to the extravagant, haute couture hats handmade in the atelier, ready-to-wear hats and bags are also for sale. | 69 Elizabeth St., Belgravia | SW1W 9PJ | 020/7730–3992 | www.philiptreacy.co.uk | Closed Sun. | Sloane Sq.
CHELSEA
Accessories
The Shop at Bluebird.
The “concept store” has officially arrived in London. The brainchild of the couple behind popular womenswear brand Jigsaw, this 10,000-square-foot space in the old Bluebird garage brings together fashion, furniture, books, and music—all chosen for style and originality. It’s worth visiting for the displays alone, which change regularly, although the funky ceiling-light installation of more than 1,000 bulbs seems to be a constant feature. After browsing, unwind with a treatment at the on-site spa or join the ladies who lunch at Terence Conran’s restaurant in the same complex. TIP It’s a good 20-minute walk from the nearest Tube station at Sloane Square, so catch a No. 11 or No. 22 bus along the King’s Road. | 350 King’s Rd., Chelsea | SW3 5UU | 020/7351–3873 | www.theshopatbluebird.com | Sloane Sq.
Books
Green & Stone.
This fabulous cave of artists’ materials, papers, art books, easels, and mannequins is one of the longest-running shops on the King’s Road, with a distinguished arts pedigree. It began life in 1927 as part of the Chenil Gallery, under the directorship of Augustus John and George Bernard Shaw. At the current location since 1934, it also has a framing service, antique paint boxes, and artists’ tools. | 259 King’s Rd., Chelsea | SW3 5EL | 020/7352–0837 | www.greenandstone.com | Sloane Sq.
Clothing
Austique.
For fans of such feminine brands as Shoshanna, Alice + Olivia, or Mara Hoffman, look no further than Austique. Situated along the trendy King’s Road, this sophisticated boutique, which debuted in 2004 by sisters Linda Lopes and Katie Canvin, is home to a gorgeous array of dresses, lingerie, jewelry, and accessories for the ultimate fashionista. It’s almost impossible to leave empty-handed. | 330 King’s Rd., Chelsea | SW3 5UR | 020/7376–4555 | www.austique.co.uk | Sloane Sq.
Brora.
The knitwear is cozy, but the taste temperature is cool in this contemporary Scottish cashmere emporium for men, women, and kids. There are dressed-up camisoles, sweaters and cardigans, adorable baby ensembles, plus noncashmere items such as picnic blankets and scarves. There are branches in Notting Hill, Marylebone, Islington, as well as Wimbledon. | 344 King’s Rd., Chelsea |