Know Before You Go: Guidance for travel in Great Britain and Northern Ireland
From 6 - 8 January 2018, London Fashion Week Men’s will come to town, showcasing the latest in top British menswear design. The capital will host catwalk shows, presentations, designer showrooms, and events organised throughout the week.
But, of course, London doesn’t just do menswear well. Shopping in the capital is exciting and diverse. There is truly something for every style and budget – from bespoke luxury to high street bargains, vintage markets to independent stores. Here is an introduction to the city’s distinct shopping areas, and a mere few of the top shops to check out.
Central London
Oxford Street: This iconic retail hub is home to more than 300 shops and flagship stores.
Regent’s Street: arching from Oxford Circus to Piccadilly Circus, this elegant street is home to some of London’s oldest, most famous shops.
Carnaby: step under the iconic arched Carnaby Street sign to this funky area between Regent Street and Oxford Street with over 100 shops – a mix of boutiques, shoe and denim brands and heritage brands like Dr Martins – plus bars and restaurants to recharge in.
Covent Garden: one of London’s prettiest, most diverse shopping areas. Check out arts and crafts at Covent Garden Market and King Street for classy brands like Sandro and Jo Malone London. Deviate from the mainstream in bohemian Neal’s Yard, a brightly painted courtyard lined with vegan cafés and home to ethical beauty brand Neal’s Yard Remedies for the last 30 years. Seven Dials is a network of seven atmospheric streets lined with international fashion brands stores, boutiques and beauty salons.
West London
Portobello Road Market, Notting Hill: an unmissable London shopping experience and one of the most famous street markets in the world. It’s easy to spend hours browsing along this mile of shops and stalls selling vintage clothing, rare antiques, gifts, souvenirs, and street food. The market is in full swing on Saturday – arrive by 11:30am to avoid the crowds.
Knightsbridge: this glitzy area of London is synonymous with luxury.
North London
Camden Market: actually a series of adjoining markets, you’ll find a maze of stalls and some of the most unusual shops in London here, with punk clothing and tattoo parlours aplenty. Full of atmosphere, the markets are open every day and busiest at the weekends. Browse home decor, boho fashion, crafts and trinkets, jewellery, books and vintage in the original Camden Lock Market. The adjoining Stables Market, a former horse hospital, has 700 stalls selling wares ranging from antiques to alternative fashion.
East London
Shoreditch: now a shopping destination in its own right, Shoreditch is renowned for vintage outlets alongside big brands, designer boutiques, indie labels and eclectic gift shops.
Box Park: this ‘pop-up shopping mall’ housed in shipping containers is a mix of contemporary lifestyle stores and cafés.
Brick Lane: this buzzing area has become as famous for its shopping as its curries! Sunday UpMarket in the Old Truman Brewery is a mélange of 140 creative traders, and lauded as one of London’s best markets for new designers.
Spitalfields: Old Spitalfields Market is a vibrant hub for creative traders. On Saturdays and Sundays it’s packed with stalls, including new designers and mouth-watering street food.
Columbia Road Market: short walk from Spitalfields, Columbia Road becomes an oasis of foliage and flowers every Sunday, and has 60 independent shops - from art galleries to garden shops - as well as pubs, delis and cafés to refuel in.
Hackney Walk: a large new discount fashion district featuring savings of up to 70 per cent on brands including Burberry, Nike, and cult shoe brand, UGG.