You’ve made it all the way to London for a well-deserved holiday, and you’re looking to splurge. It’d be ridiculous to expect you to return home empty-handed, and why should you, when there are just so many things to buy? In 2016, London was named the “cheapest place to buy luxury goods in the world”, so there’s no time like the present to spend. If you’re at a loss at where to start, here’s a friendly two-part series guide to the best of shopping in London.
What to shop:
Burberry
Known for the pattern of their iconic brown checks, Burberry is the ultimate luxury British Brand. Founded over a hundred years ago by Thomas Burberry, the brand proves that english sensibility never goes out of style. Burberry is also quite the trend-setter, having kicked off waves of the elegant trench coat silhouette, Scottish check (of course!) and the popularity of the gabardine. More Recently the brand signed the G7 fashion pact in 2019, committing to producing sustainable pieces so you can shop guilt-free.
The brand’s main flagship store can be found on Regent Street. Opened in 2012, the retail space accommodates the brand’s apparel lines for men, women and children, and has two floors. The location boasts state of the art technology, with screens equipped with sensors allowing customers to identify the make of any item and browse through polished runway looks for inspiration. The location also hosts weekly art and music events that customers are welcome to attend.
Paul Smith
Founded by Sir Paul Smith, this high-end brand is a favourite for menswear, though the brand does have a line for women as well. Its simple yet quirky design is symbolic of the brand’s vision, “classic with a twist”, with influences from both high fashion and strict formalwear. The understated polo with a multicoloured zebra on the breast, the eye-catching graphic t-shirts are all signatures of Paul Smith. The standout brand strikes the careful balance between wearable and creative when it comes to clothing, allowing you to express yourself comfortably.
The flagship store in Mayfair was specifically designed to capture this aesthetic. Though unassuming on the outside, its walls were made of bespoke cast iron, and inside there are three themed rooms, emulating a funhouse. One of the three rooms holds over thirty thousand dominoes, stacked up to form walls! Paul Smith also does furniture, which is on display at the flagship store
Cath Kidston
Kitschy meets cute when it comes to British brand Cath Kidston. When it was first launched by designer Cath Kidston in 1994, the brand focused on hand-stitched tea towels and furniture, a bit of a niche market. Now Cath Kidston is known for well-crafted wallets, sturdy bags and umbrellas, all adorned with adorable patterns, hailed as “modern vintage”. Whilst the aesthetic may not be for all, the brand definitely does not compromise on quality, If you have your eye on one of the playful prints, you’ll find the prices are much easier to swallow in London than anywhere else.
The Cath Kidston stores in London offer UK exclusives that will be perfect to commemorate your stay, or buy as a gift for loved ones back home. Tote bags dotted with London’s iconic pigeons, wearing various disguises, notebooks featuring illustrations of the Queen taking the underground, and wallets with the royal guards emblazoned on them are just a few items at Cath Kidston up for sale. The brand also offers a sizable range of children’s and women’s apparel.
Lush
Bath lovers rejoice! Lush Cosmetics does indeed hail from the land of crumpets, afternoon tea and the Queen. The brand hit the world stage in 1995, with a commitment to fresh, handmade products that are also cruelty-free. Since then, Lush has gained a cult following, impressing beauty and environmental enthusiasts alike. Such strict quality control often comes with a high-price tag, but the prices in London are definitely much cheaper in comparison, so you can splurge on classic lush favourites, including their bath bombs and face masks without counting pennies!
The brand also offers many UK exclusives that have yet to make it across shores, namely the line of Lush makeup including concealers, lipsticks, foundation and highlighters as well as seasonal bath-bombs, shampoos and bath melts that are all UK exclusives, so be sure to grab them during your stay! Lush also offers bundles of gifts that range from fifteen to thirty pounds, making it an ideal souvenir for those who love to pamper themselves.
Some other notable British brands include Superdry, Crabtree and Evelyn, Jo Malone and Doctor Martens. Most European luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Prada will also be cheaper than back home, due the waiving of import tax, so it’s worth checking them out if you aren’t planning on travelling to the rest of Europe.
Where to shop:
Harrods
Harrods is truly the height of luxury. The department store has over three hundred departments dedicated to the usual children, men and women sections as well as bridal wear, pet accessories and furniture. Whilst prices may be exorbitant, with high end brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and Off-White calling Harrods home, a visit to Harrods is an experience in itself. A whole day can be spent marvelling the extensive shop displays, and there are services like the beauty salon and spa to indulge in. Up to 300,000 customers visit Harrods on a daily basis, making it the most popular shopping destination in London for tourists.
The service standard is impeccable and what truly sets Harrods apart. There are personal shoppers to pick out a new wardrobe, bespoke tailoring services to make sure everything fits just right, tea tailors and even on-site optometrists to help conduct that eye test you’ve been putting off for years.
The lower levels of the department store are where you can find the food halls. There you’ll find fresh cheeses, the department store’s butchery and Harrods’ famed wine and spirits room. You can get the chance to pick up a food hamper and sample Harrods’ finest selections or even tailor your own, complete with bespoke tags that will make for the perfect gift. The food hall also has food bars and eateries so ingredients can be prepared on the spot, the Harrods’ oyster bar is world famous- half a dozen shucked oysters served with champagne and Harrods beer later and you’ll forget you’re even in a department store.
loHarrods also has a total of 23 restaurants that serve as dining options. With menus offering anything from high tea to pub grub, you’ll be spoilt for choice when mealtime rolls around. Kama by Vineet offers Indian food by Michelin star chef Vineet Bhatia, Chai Wu serves up tasty Chinese dishes with a modern twist. If you’re just looking for somewhere to rest your feet, try The Harrods Cafe on the third floor for the signature ‘Braffles’, a hybrid brunch treat that combines brioche and waffles, and is exclusive to Harrods.
The department store also sells goods from it’s in-house brand Harrods which has stores worldwide, including a small branch at Heathrow airport. As a brand, Harrods sells lines of luxury hampers, cups, teddy bears and even handbags.
