London is a city that oozes style and culture. The many locales and creative hubs have become an incubator for fashion over the years. Back in the 60s, Carnaby Street was a hot spot for the likes of The Beatles and hippy culture, whilst Camden was a 70s hangout for punks. Guests of hotel meeting places in West End London are well placed to learn more about the city’s stylish past, and the shopping streets of London are the best place to start.
London is home to a wealth of incredible shopping opportunities. Even if you’re not in the habit of keeping up with trends and fashion, part of the experience of visiting London is to drink in its style and culture. It’s not just British culture we’re talking about, but international. London is a global hub and so its shopping destinations draw on many influences from across the world. Whether it’s designer fashion from Paris or vintage clothes inspired by 80s’ USA, guests of hotels near London West End theatres will be spoilt for choice.
This blog will explore the best shopping districts in London, focussing not only on fashion but tech, antiques and classic British brands. If you’re a guest of West End deals on hotels, our list will provide a few more bargains for your trip.
Oxford Street
The busiest high street in Europe, Oxford Street is also one of the most famous. People across the world flock to Oxford Street and its adjacent Regent Street for its many shopping opportunities. British household names John Lewis and Selfridge’s are both department stores located on these interlinking shopping streets. Flagship stores for H&M and Nike are also located here, whilst historic music venue the 100 Club is well known for its alternative music events throughout the week.
Carnaby Street
As mentioned above, guests of the Piccadilly West End Hotel Spa might know Carnaby Street from its associations with the Swinging Sixties, but it still has some of that stylish flare 60 years later. Carnaby Street is brimming with designer fashion stores and homeware, as well as kitsch cafes and at Christmas, some of the most magical festive lights in London.
Covent Garden
Another West End gem, Covent Garden has been a market area for hundreds of years. Nowadays, the sheltered stalls full of luxury items and beauty shops is just the tip of the iceberg. Delve further into the lanes of Covent Garden and you’ll find independent boutiques, cult comic book and pop culture stores and even a West End theatre or two!
Camden Market
Camden Market is famous for its affiliations with music thanks to its plethora of music venues. The likes of the Roundhouse and Camden Jazz Cafe have helped spark the careers of many famous and emerging artists, bringing a style and character to the area that is well reflected in its shopping opportunities. Camden Market offers visitors a wealth of vintage and accessory stalls, many of which reflect the style and culture of Camden’s punk and goth subcultures. Whatever your style though, Camden will undoubtedly have something for your tastes.
Brixton Market
Another famous market in London is Brixton, this time with a focus on Black British and market culture. In Brixton Village sheltered market, you’ll find a wealth of Ivory Coast accessories, jewellery, homeware and antiques, all inspired by the African culture that has been the heart and soul of Brixton since the 50s.
Kings Road
Moving into the wealthy end of London, Kings Road is home to many high end fashion brands and designers, as well as the famous department store Harrods, one of the largest of its kind in the world. For those who come to London for the designer labels, there’s no better shopping street to start on than Chelsea’s Kings Road, easily reachable from Sloane Square Tube Station.
Marylebone High Street
Another West London highlight is Marylebone High Street and its nearby St Christopher’s Place and Marylebone Lane. Indeed, this whole area is ripe for interior design, homeware, foodstuff and fashion shopping. The historic Daunt Books bookshop in Marylebone is also worth checking out, if not only for its stunning Edwardian interior. Travel fiends looking for their next adventure will love the selection of international travel books amidst the mahogany shelves of Daunt.
Brick Lane
Made famous by its industrial history and multicultural local community, you’ll find plenty of shopping opportunities amidst the curryhouses and jewish bagel shops of Brick Lane. Fashion and vintage are all the rage here, especially on its weekly market days, whilst music lovers will enjoy the vast selection of paraphernalia on offer at Rough Trade East, who are also a bar and a music venue! Art and food markets are regular staples of Brick Lane too, its reputation being one of the trendiest – and funnest – in London.
Hampstead High Street
Hampstead High Street isn’t just known for its nearby ancient woodland and swimming baths, but for its quintessentially British shopping high street too. Fancy food shops and well stocked charity shops are the anime of the game in Hampstead, whilst those looking for the best in homeware won’t be disappointed either. The village-like quality and the many bakeries, arts & craft stores, pubs and beautiful tree lined houses make this one that you needn’t buy a thing to drink in London’s culture.
Portobello Market
Another must-visit for first time Londoenrs looking to experience some of the city’s culture, Portobello Market on Portobello Road in Notting Hill is one of the most popular weekend excursions. Locals and tourists alike love exploring the rows of vintage and second hand clothing as well as antique furniture and jewellery stores here. The multicoloured houses and busy cafes and bars make Portobello Market stand out even more as a tourist attraction.
Soho
Frm LGBT focused stores to comic book and movie shops, Soho is the heart of London’s commercial and nightlife. The area is also home to the famous Liberty London, with its mock Tudor exterior as well as a Carhartt outlet store. Record hunting is also a popular pastime in Soho, where Phonica, Sister Ray and Reckless Records are just three of the shops on offer here.
