Department Store shopping in London
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
A
Harrods
It’s garish and stylish at the same time, and sure to leave you reeling with a consumer-rush after you’ve spent a few hours within its walls. Harrods is an obligatory stop for many of London’s tourists, always crowded and with more rules than an army barracks. And despite the tacky elements (a wax figure of proprietor Mohammad Al Fayed and a memorial fountain to Dodi and Di), you’re bound to swoon over the spectacular food hall and impeccable 5th-floor perfumery. Harrods 102, across the street, contains a luxury food shop and several casual restaurants.
reviewed
-
B
Fortnum & Mason
London’s oldest department store celebrated its 300th birthday in 2007 by not yielding to modern times (its staff are still dressed in old-fashioned tailcoats) and keeping its glam food hall supplied with its famed food hampers, cut marmalade, speciality teas and so on. Downstairs is an elegant wine bar designed by the man behind the Wolseley. Clothes, gifts and perfumes occupy the other six floors.
reviewed
-
C
Selfridges
Selfridges loves innovation – it’s famed for its inventive window displays by international artists, gala shows and above all an amazing range of products. It’s the funkiest and most vital of London’s one-stop shops, with labels such as Boudicca, Luella Bartley, Emma Cook, Chloé and Missoni; an unparalleled food hall; and Europe’s largest cosmetics department.
reviewed
-
D
Peter Jones
The slightly more upmarket brother of John Lewis, Peter Jones is now competitive with Selfridges and Harvey Nicks. Upmarket china, furnishings and gifts are its forte, though it stocks accessories and cosmetics, too. The Top Floor (and that’s where it’s at) is a restaurant-cafe-bar with stunning views.
reviewed
-
E
Harvey Nichols
This is London’s temple of high fashion, where you’ll find Chloé and Balenciaga bags, London’s best denim range, a massive make-up hall with exclusive lines, great jewellery and the fantastic restaurant Fifth Floor, with a three-course set lunch from £19.50.
reviewed
-
F
Liberty
An irresistible blend of contemporary styles in an old-fashioned mock-Tudor atmosphere, Liberty has a huge cosmetics department and an accessories floor, along with a breathtaking lingerie section. A classic London souvenir is a Liberty fabric print.
reviewed
-
G
John Lewis
John Lewis ‘Never knowingly undersold’ is the motto of this store, whose range of household goods, fashion and luggage is better described as reliable rather than cutting edge. Strong points include its fabrics department.
reviewed
-
H
Marks & Spencer
Rising from the years of being synonymous with ‘quality knickers’ M&S has pulled its socks up with some fabulous fashion lines.
reviewed
