London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [199]
Books and Prints
Grosvenor Prints.
London’s largest collection of 17th- to early-20th-century prints includes a good selection of rare, early Americana. The main emphasis is on London views and architecture as well as sporting and decorative prints. It’s an eccentric collection, with prices ranging from £5 into the thousands. | 19 Shelton St., Covent Garden | WC2N 9JN | 020/7836–1979 | www.grosvenorprints.com | Closed Sun. | Covent Garden.
Stanfords.
When it comes to encyclopedic coverage, there is simply no better travel-book and map shop on the planet. Stanfords is packed with a comprehensive selection of map and travel-book series. Whether you’re planning a day trip to Surrey or an adventure to the South Pole, this should be your first stop. | 12–14 Long Acre, Covent Garden | WC2E 9LP | 020/7836–1321 | www.stanfords.co.uk | Covent Garden.
Clothing
Paul Smith.
British classics with colorful and irreverent twists define Paul Smith’s collections for both women and men. Beautifully tailored men’s suits in exceptional fabrics might sport flamboyant linings or unusual detailing. Women’s lines tend to take familiar and traditional British ideas and turn them on their heads with humor and color. Accessories, including wallets, scarves, diaries—and even a soccer ball—in his signature rainbow stripes make great gifts. There are several branches, including a Notting Hill mansion at 120–122 Kensington Park Road; a small, funky outpost at 13 Park Street near Borough Market; a vintage furniture shop at 9 Albemarle Street in Mayfair; and, not far away, a sale shop at 23 Avery Row. There is also a shoes and accessories shop on Marylebone High Street. | 40–44 Floral St., Covent Garden | WC2E 9TB | 020/7379–7133 | www.paulsmith.co.uk | Covent Garden.
Clothing: Women’s Wear
Koh Samui.
Named for a Thai island resort, this shop stocks designer clothes for the kind of hip young woman who thinks nothing of flying there for a week’s detox at the drop of a hat. On the rails are the likes of Marc Jacobs, Matthew Williamson, and Balenciaga, plus hot young design talent and select vintage pieces. | 65–67 Monmouth St., Covent Garden | WC2H 9DG | 020/7240–4280 | Covent Garden.
Office.
Inexpensive but imaginative takes on catwalk looks are the stock in trade at this popular chain. Styles for men and women feature trend-conscious shapes and funky patterns and finishes. Upscale sibling stores Poste (10 South Molton St.) and Poste Mistress (61–63 Monmouth St.) stock cutting-edge designer shoes for men and women, respectively. | 57 Neal St., Covent Garden | WC2H9PP | 020/7379–1896 | www.office.co.uk | Covent Garden.
Orla Kiely.
This Irish designer is probably best known for her bags and wallets with the signature leaf print, but her appealingly simple retro-tinged prints (cars, mugs, leaves, abstracts) grace everything from dresses to lamp shades—all showcased in this airy flagship store. If you want something a little less busy, her line of clothing is a safer bet. | 31 Monmouth St., Covent Garden | WC2H 9DD | 020/7240–4022 | www.orlakiely.com | Covent Garden.
Toys
Fodor’s Choice | Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop.
This independently owned Covent Garden Piazza shop carries on in the tradition of its founder and namesake, who sold “theatrical sheets” for toy theaters from the mid-19th century to his death in 1937. Robert Louis Stevenson was a fan who wrote, “If you love art, folly, or the bright eyes of children, speed to Pollock’s.” Magical toy theaters (most of the antique theaters or toy scenery now costs a fortune, if even available, but there are some nice “new” reproductions that are reasonable in cost) are the main stock in trade, but nostalgic puppets, mechanical toys, and paper dolls are also available. | 44 The Market, Covent Garden | WC2E 8RF | 020/7379–7866 | Covent