London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [194]
Antiques
Grays Antique Market.
Open every Saturday from 11 to 5, Grays boasts more than 100 dealers under one roof, specializing in everything from Sheffield plate to Asian antiquities (although the majority of stalls focus on jewelry). Bargains are not impossible, and proper pedigrees are guaranteed. Also try Grays in the Mews around the corner—it has less-expensive merchandise, including the large Biblion bookshop and excellent vintage clothing at Vintage Modes. | 58 Davies St., Mayfair | W1K 5LP | 020/7629–7034 | www.graysantiques.com | Closed Sun. | Bond St.
Books and Stationery
Maggs Brothers Ltd.
How could any book lover resist a shop with such a deliciously Dickensian name? In a Georgian townhouse in one of Mayfair’s elegant squares, Maggs was established in 1853, and is one of the world’s oldest and largest rare-book dealers. Shop staff act as advisers to important collectors, but they are, nonetheless, friendly and helpful to all interested visitors. | 50 Berkeley Sq., Mayfair | W1J 5BA | 020/7493–7160 | www.maggs.com | Closed weekends | Green Park.
Simon Finch Rare Books Ltd.
This unpretentious dealer spans all periods, from Babylonian tablets to modern first editions. English history and literature, medical texts, and photography are among the eclectic specialties. | Floors 1–4,26 Brook St., Mayfair | W1K 5OQ | 020/7499–0974 | www.simonfinch.com | Closed weekends | Bond St.
Smythson of Bond Street.
Hands down, this is the most elegant stationer in Britain. No hostess of any standing would consider having a leather-bound guest book made by anyone else, and the shop’s distinctive pale-blue–page diaries and social stationery are thoroughly British. Bespoke stationery sets come with a form and a sample so that recipients can personalize their gift. Smythson also produces a small range of leather handbags and purses. There are branches on Sloane Street within Harvey Nichols, Harrods, and even at Selfridges. | 40 New Bond St., Mayfair | W1S 7PS | 020/7629–8558 | Bond St., Green Park.
Waterstone’s.
For book buying as a hedonistic leisure activity, the monster-size store near Piccadilly Circus caters to all tastes. Sip a gin-and-tonic or get a bite while browsing through a book and admiring the view from the top floor until 9 pm at the 5th View Bar & Food. Waterstone’s is the country’s leading book chain, and they’ve pulled out all the stops to make their flagship as comfortable and relaxed as a bookstore can be. | 203–206 Piccadilly, Mayfair | SW1Y 6WW | 020/7851–2400 | www.waterstones.com | Piccadilly Circus.
Clothing
Burberry.
A few years ago, Burberry was the victim of its own success, with the company’s ubiquitous plaid appearing on everything from baseball hats to baby strollers and bikinis. These days, the brand has cultivated a more rock-and-roll image, thanks to its poster boy and creative director, Christopher Bailey, whose designs now include fetish-y boots and sexy leather jackets perfect for any catwalk. The raincoats are still a classic buy, along with the plaid scarves in every color imaginable. If you’re up for a trek, there’s a huge factory outlet in Hackney on Chatham Place with clothing for men, women, and children, as well as accessories, at half price and less. There are also branches at Brompton Road in Knightsbridge and Regent Street in Soho. | 21–23 New Bond St., Mayfair | W1S 2RE | 020/3367–3000 | www.burberry.com | Piccadilly Circus.
Fodor’s Choice | Dover Street Market.
Visiting this six-floor emporium isn’t just about buying; with its arty displays and eccentric mix of merchandise, it is as fascinating as any gallery. The creation