Covent Garden is a historic district that is famous for its street performers, shops, restaurants, bars and theaters. The most well known attraction in the area is the Royal Opera House. Before it became the capital’s premiere destination for entertainment and leisure, Covent Garden served as the largest fruit and vegetable market in England. Currently, the Apple, East Colonnade and Jubilee markets are held in the piazza area. Visitors can browse through antiques, artwork, jewelry and clothing that can be found among the market stalls.
This is one of London's most prestigious shopping venues and serves as a glittering tribute to everything opulent and stylish. Owned by Mohammed Al Fayed, each floor scales the heights of designer fashion clothing and accessories, luxury furniture, cosmetics, fine jewelry and classic toys. Adding to that, this Knightsbridge palace has multiple cafes and restaurants, an online casino, a designer shoe salon, and a pet department. A complimentary Harrods personal shopper will even assist you if you are in a hurry. Harrods' own brand provisions make perfect presents, and you can have your purchases delivered anywhere in the world. Also note, in the basement, Al Fayed has erected a small gilded tribute to Princess Diana and his son Dodi, who died tragically in 1997.
Selfridges is one of the best (and best known) department stores, not just in the city, but the world. A store from which customers have come to expect only the best, at Selfridges you can find branded clothing, accessories, cosmetics, eatables and so much more. When you take into account the quality and variety of services and products it offers, it is really no wonder that this high-end store has become one of London's attractions.
The chic and modern Knightsbridge Harvey Nichols store was a favorite of the late Princess Diana. Harvey Nicks, as it's affectionately called, concentrates mainly on selling beautiful designer clothes. The indecisive or time-pressed can even book a personal shopper to assist them free of charge. Other departments include the ground floor perfumery, the fourth floor Beyond MediSpa and the Fifth Floor Café and Bar. If that isn't enough, you can take some exquisitely packaged goodies away from the food hall. Perch at the espresso bar or browse through the organic and vitamin section, where you can use the touch screen computer for health food information.
Alfies Antique Market is the destination for those who love to collect vintage items. Choose from a plethora of collectibles like period clothing and Victorian jewelry, fascinating china, glassware, silverware, ceramics and many more articles, that have over the years appealed to celebrity clientele and locals alike. Alfies' team of seventy five antique specialists are available to help you find the perfect hostess gift or make that distinct addition to your antique collection.
One of the most popular bookstores in London, John Sandoe Books Ltd., located in Chelsea, was established in 1957. Boasting thousands of books on various genres such as arts, politics and literature to name a few, every inch of the store is covered with printed masterpieces. If you've been searching for a hard-to-find book, John Sandoe is probably the only place you'll find it. Open all week, this bookstore is great for adults as well as children.
This lifestyle shop continues the trend of East meets West, but with good reason, since its owners are two French-Cambodian sisters. Everything is very pretty at Aimé, from the cult French labels and girlie clothes to the simple Asian-inspired home accessories such as vases and candles. For the height of Parisian chic, go for the Isabel Marant pieces. Other must-have labels stocked include APC, Claudie Pierlot, Les Prairies de Paris, Antik Batik, Serge Thoraval and Aurélie Bidermann. For intricate, high-end fashion, this is the place to go.
This high-end retailer is a favorite with sophisticated, older women who need something formal yet original for weddings, garden parties and such occasions. Jackets and trousers are beautifully cut and evening wear follows the same principles of style and understated elegance. The store also has other branches at various locations.
This boutique is the kind of place that, as a child, you couldn't wait to frequent when you grew up. The romantic decor of this milliner features elegant furniture and antique mirrors, beautifully complementing her feminine creations. If you are tall, opt for a wide-brimmed straw hat; if not, choose from a variety of oh-so-pretty creations, including tiaras. Be sure to call first, because entrance is by appointment only.
Patrick Sandberg stocks a wide selection of 18th and 19th Century English furniture and works of art, covering both the Georgian and Regency periods, with a particular specialization in antique dining room furniture. Items on display include period mahogany, rosewood and satinwood furniture, console tables and bookcases. The pieces on offer are selected for authenticity, fine design, rich color and figurine, with an emphasis on good, original condition. Patrick Sandberg can provide a worldwide delivery service, searches for specific pieces, and complete antique-based interior decoration schemes for homes and offices.
Robert Dickson and Lesley Rendall are dealers in fine late 18th and early 19th century antique furniture and art. They specialize in the English Regency style of 1800-1830, particularly in antique lighting, chandeliers, candelabra and lamps. They offer a comprehensive range of furniture from bookcases to screens and mirrors, and their shop has two floors of fine antique pieces. If you know what you're looking for, the shop will be happy to have a chat and supply you with photos of stock if you can't travel in to London to browse in the shop.
Established in 1959, Fairman Carpets is a fourth-generation family business dealing in fine contemporary carpets, rugs and kelims from Iran, Nepal and India as well as a selection of Persian nomadic, Caucasian, Turkish, Tibetan, Chinese and Indian antique rugs. This leading London gallery also stocks many antique accessories for the home. The Fairmans are happy to deal with private clients, professional designers and decorators, and also offer cleaning services, valuations, and an underlay and repair service. They can also take individual designs and turn them into designer 'woven art'.