London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [196]
Department Stores
Fodor’s Choice | Liberty.
With a wonderful black-and-white mock-Tudor facade, Liberty is a peacock among the chain-store pigeons on Regent Street. In the 19th century, Liberty’s designers, leaders in the art nouveau and aesthetic movements, created classic fabric and home-furnishing designs. Those Liberty prints are still world famous today, and grace fashionable goods, from silk kimonos to embossed leather bags, wallets, and photo albums. Inside, the store is a labyrinth of nooks and crannies stuffed with goodies. The carpet and furniture departments are worth a look even if you’re not buying. The jewelry and accessories departments contrast the unusual and bohemian with deluxe international labels. Fashion, for men and women, focuses on high quality and beautiful fabric. | Regent St., Mayfair | W1B 5AH | 020/7734–1234 | www.liberty.co.uk | Oxford Circus.
Thomas Goode.
This spacious luxury homeware shop has been at the same smart Mayfair address since 1827. The china, silver, crystal, and linens are either of the store’s own design and manufacture or are simply the best that money can buy. Originally, customers here were mainly international royals and heads of state. The store still holds three royal warrants, but anyone who can afford it can have their own bespoke set of china. TIP If such luxury is beyond you, visit anyway for the shop’s archive of antique plates and those designed for royalty, including a pattern for Charles and Diana’s wedding. | 19 S. Audley St., Mayfair | W1K 2BN | 020/7499–2823 | www.thomasgoode.co.uk | Green Park.
Food
Charbonnel et Walker.
Britain’s master chocolatier since 1875, this Mayfair shop specializes in traditional sweets (violet and rose-petal creams, for example) and has been serving up beautifully packaged, high-quality chocolates long before most of the fashionable new brands appeared.TIP Some of their “drawing room” boxes are real works of art, and their drinking chocolate—coarsely grated fine chocolate in a tin—is worth carrying home in a suitcase. | One the Royal Arcade,28 Old Bond St., Mayfair | W1S 4BT | 020/7491–0939 | www.charbonnel.co.uk | Closed Sun. | Green Park.
Jewelry
Asprey.
Exquisite jewelry and gifts are displayed in a discreet and very British environment at the “global flagship” store, designed by Lord Foster and British interior designer David Mlinaric. The setting oozes money, good taste, and comfort. If you’re in the market for an immaculate 1930s cigarette case, a crystal vase, a lizard-bound diary, or a pair of pavé diamond and sapphire earrings, you won’t be disappointed. Bespoke jewelry is available as well. | 167 New Bond St., Mayfair | W1S 4AY | 020/7493–6767 | www.asprey.com | Green Park.
Garrard.
Formally known as “Garrard, the Crown Jeweler,” this is the company that, since Queen Victoria’s day, has set the Kohinoor diamond into more than one royal crown. Many of the company’s jewels can be found in the Tower of London. Today, the focus is on diamonds and precious gems in simple, classic settings, and the store also sells silver accessories. Although some collections such as Knightrider and the Wings line (featuring winged hoop earrings and pendants) are definitely bling, tradition rules, and you can still drop in to pick up a jeweled tiara. | 24 Albemarle St., Mayfair | W1S 4HT | 0870/871–8888 | www.garrard.com | Green Park.
Shoes
Beatrix Ong.
This young designer trained under Jimmy Choo, and her collection is just as sexy and bold. Her Burlington Arcade shops sells a ready-to-wear collection of strappy sandals and stilettos, and brides-to-be are also well catered to. | 200/206 Regent St., Mayfair | W1B 5BN | 020/979–1100 | www.beatrixong.com | Oxford Circus.
Georgina Goodman.
Former fashion