London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [198]
Food
Berry Bros. & Rudd.
Although wine is sold in British supermarkets and there are decent High-street chains for wine (like Oddbins and Nicolas), try Berry Bros. & Rudd for special bottles and a unique shopping experience. A family-run wine business since 1698, “BBR” stores its vintage bottles and casks in vaulted cellars that are more than 300 years old. The shop is quirky yet charming and the staff is extremely knowledgeable—and not snooty if your budget isn’t huge. | 3 St. James’s St., St. James’s | SW1A 1EG | 020/7396–9600 | www.bbr.com | Closed Sun. | Green Park.
Fodor’s Choice | Fortnum & Mason.
Although it’s the Queen’s grocer, this store is, paradoxically, the most egalitarian of gift shops. It has plenty of irresistibly packaged luxury foods, stamped with the gold “By Appointment” crest, for less than £5, which make ideal gifts. Try the teas, preserves (unusual products include rose-petal jelly), condiments, chocolate, tins of pâté, Gentleman’s Relish (anchovy paste), or a box of Duchy Originals oatcakes—like Paul Newman, the Prince of Wales has gone into the retail food business. Fortnum’s celebrated its tercentenary in 2007 with a major refurbishment—although the impeccably mannered staff still sport traditional tailcoats. The gleaming food hall spans two floors, and there’s also a sleek wine bar designed by David Collins. The rest of the store is devoted to upscale gifts, toiletries, and house wares, and there are four more restaurants to choose from, including an indulgent ice-cream parlor. Afternoon tea is also offered at each one of the restaurants. | 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s | W1A 1ER | 020/7734–8040 | www.fortnumandmason.com | Green Park.
Paxton & Whitfield.
This is the most venerable of London’s cheese shops, in business for more than 200 years. The fabulous aromas come from some of the world’s greatest cheeses, including many British and French varieties, stacked on straw on refrigerated shelves or laid out on a marble-top counter. Samples are set out for tasting. British ham, pâtés, condiments, preserves, and wines are also stocked, and the staff will advise on the best bottle to complement your cheese. | 93 Jermyn St., St. James’s | SW1Y 6JE | 020/7930–0259 | www.paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk | Closed Sun. | Piccadilly Circus, Green Park.
Toys
The Armoury of St. James’s.
The fine toy soldiers and military models in stock here are collectors’ items. Painted and mounted knights only 6 inches high can cost more than £1,200 (though figures start at a mere £7.50 for a Beefeater). Besides lead and tin soldiers, the shop has regimental brooches, porcelain figures, military memorabilia, and military antiques. | 17 Piccadilly Arcade, St. James’s | SW1Y 6NH | 020/7493–5082 | www.armoury.co.uk | Closed Sun. | Piccadilly Circus, Green Park.
COVENT GARDEN
Household
Cath Kidston.
If you love chintz and bright patterns, then stop by Cath Kidston. Her signature look is bright, girly prints—ginghams, polka dots, and miles and miles of roses—pasted over everything in sight, from ceramics and bed linens to fine china, stationery, and doggie beds. There are several clothing and nightwear lines for women and children, along with handbags, totes, and cosmetic bags. Everything in this shop is basically a canvas for Kidston’s sugary prints. | 28–32 Shelton St., Covent Garden | WC2H 9JE | 020/7836–4803 | www.cathkidston.co.uk | Covent Garden.
Market
Covent Garden has craft stalls, jewelry designers, clothes makers, potters, and other artisans who congregate in the undercover central area known as the Apple Market. The Jubilee Market, toward Southampton Street, is a bit kitschy (printed T-shirts and the like), but on Monday the selection