London’s hot shopping spots

London is one of the best shopping destinations in the world; its iconic department stores, retailers ranging from luxury to high-street to vintage to the downright quirky, plus its abundance of independent stores, food traders and drinks emporiums have always been crowd-pleasers. Never a city to stay still, the capital’s shopping scene continues to evolve, with boosts to its major shopping hubs happening right now and over the next couple of years. And the beauty of London is that there are still smaller shopping havens to discover along with the big guys.

The Big

West London

Already officially open, the huge shopping destination that is Westfield London has boosted its shopping and entertainment capabilities by another colossal 740,000 square feet/68,748 square metres! Many new shops and restaurants are already welcoming customers, but the openings will continue into the autumn. New stores include the ever-popular Primark, Heal’s, Boden, Space NK, Adidas and H&M, which also boasts the first-ever in-store H&M nail bar, in partnership with Go Gorgeous London. Also new to Westfield is sister company to Zara, Stradivarius, with its huge range of fashion choices for young women.

North London

Like it predecessors in Shoreditch, east London and Croydon, south London, Boxpark will be popping up in Wembley at the end of this year. Featuring its signature black and white look – although housed in a permanent building rather than shipping containers – this will be a food lovers’ shopping heaven; you’ll find some of the best independent and established food traders from across London, and around the world here, and look out for pop-up specials along the way. Boxpark Wembley will also be hosting more than 200 events throughout the year (large-scale events will find a home at its 2,000-capacity arena), turning it into both a cultural and foodie destination.

Just before then, autumn 2018 will see the unveiling of a monumental new shopping experience in the capital. A collection of warehouses of a former Victorian coal store has been reworked into an incredible architectural feat to create the retail destination Coal Drops Yard. Top names that have announced they will open there include Paul Smith, Lost Property of London, Cheaney, Sweaty Betty, Cubitts, Space NK, Manifesto as well as Tom Dixon; the design brand will not only open a flagship store, but a restaurant and café too.

South London

Battersea Power Station will reopen as a retail and leisure destination in 2020, creating the third largest retail destination in central London. Think high-end and contemporary shopping experiences in a jaw-droppingly awesome location. International brands will be stocked in stores throughout the Power Station’s two historic turbine halls; Turbine Hall A – a gorgeous Art Deco creation built in the 1930s – will house the Premium Collection, while contemporary, cutting-edge brands will find their home in Turbine Hall B, a building completed in the 1950s.

Discover these secret shopping neighbourhoods

Gabriel’s Wharf, South Bank

Just behind the South Bank is hidden treasure Gabriel’s Wharf, a cornucopia of independent shops, bars and restaurants. International contemporary style and handmade designs dominate the lines; think colourful and creative knitwear, such as that available at Joanne Plumb, where each garment is individually handmade. You’ll also find a superb collection of accessories shops in the wharf; Studio Hop creates fun and chic contemporary designs, while the team at Vendula London produces distinctive accessories with a funky twist. Shopping at Gabriel’s Wharf means discovering something unique to take home – this is not about high-street finds.

Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden

Turn down one of the ‘dials’ of Covent Garden’s Seven Dials neighbourhood, and find yourself in the secret, multi-coloured courtyard that is Neal’s Yard. Logically it’s home to the well-known organic skincare products from Neal’s Yard Remedies and just around the corner you can buy delicious British cheese from Neal’s Yard Dairy. But it’s also the place to stock up on sumptuous Sicilian delicacies at deli and wine bar Casanova & Daughters, as well as have your hair and nails done at the brilliantly named Hair by Fairy. An ‘English coffee house’, Jacob the Angel, has recently opened in the yard, created by the people behind its neighbouring restaurant The Barbary. Jacob the Angel is a blessing for those with a sweet tooth – fill up on its treats such as mini coconut cream pies and peanut butter blondies. 

Connaught Village, Hyde Park

A short stroll from Hyde Park is the luxury retail quarter of the Hyde Park Estate, Connaught Village, a shopping retreat of independent retailers that line the Georgian streets with their pretty pastel-coloured shop fronts. It’s here you can buy gorgeous luxury products, whether you’re looking for fine wine, eye-catching fashion or art. Fashionistas will love the selection of high-end, unique women’s clothes stores; blending culture with fashion, Kokoro London designs its ready-to-wear collection in London – in collaboration with internationally renowned artists – and produces them in Japan using luxury fabrics and traditional printing techniques. Looking to pick up a piece designed by a rising star of the fashion world? Check out The Place London for Women, where you’ll find exquisite printed fabrics from British print designer Alice Archer, flawless accessories from Diana Broussard and elegant products from fragrance designer Azzi Glasser.

Camden Passage, Islington: Boasting a treasure trove of shops and stalls dedicated to vintage clothes, antique stores, retro chic and cute cafés, Camden Passage is a 17th-century, cobblestoned passageway close to Angel Underground station (and not part of Camden Market!). It’s a fantastic place to find something out of the ordinary; vintage vinyl and classic comics at Atomic, antique and vintage porcelain at Caroline Carrier, art nouveau and art deco jewellery at Esme but also contemporary boutiques such as ladies clothing store Victoria Beau and independent concept store S120.

Marylebone High Street

Just to the back of the shopping frenzy that is Oxford Street is the retail paradise of Marylebone High Street. As it’s a little off the beaten track it means it’s quieter yet has bags of character and fabulous shopping. High-end boutiques, such as Matches Fashion, LK Bennet and Comptoir des Cotonniers are neighbours of trendy homeware store Skandium, as well as the only retail store for buttons in the capital, The Button Queen, classic furniture designs at The Conran Shop, artisanal Belgian chocolate at Pierre Marcolini and the wonderful independent bookstore, Daunt Books. Turn the corner onto Chiltern Street and buy from the myriad of beauty products found at the 200-year old, fantastically stocked pharmacy John Bell & Croyden. Nearby Moxon Street is where to go for foodie treats – cheesemonger La Fromagerie, butcher’s The Ginger Pig and Rococo Chocolate all have a home here.

Redchurch Street, Shoreditch

Chic boutiques sit side by side with vintage shops and all manner of independent stores at Redchurch Street in central Shoreditch, located just around the corner from Shoreditch High Street. Check out Labour & Wait and Hostem for cutting-edge menswear, and Nudie Jeans for all things denim. Stock up on cosmetics from Aesop and A.P.C or shops for contemporary interior luxuries at stores Monologue and Klaus Haapaniemi & Co.