Travelore Tips: Top 15 Shopping Hidden Gems In London

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Once you've ticked off London's major shopping destinations, serious shoppers should check out these more offbeat offerings for specialist boutiques and quirky curios.

1. Camden Passage, Islington

The cobblestone laneway of Camden Passage that runs parallel to Islington's Upper Street is a treasure trove of market stalls – mostly selling antiques, vintage clothes and cool products like old pub signs – as well as lots of small shops and cafes.
Don't miss: the African Waistcoat Company for bespoke vests.

2. Neal’s Yard, Seven Dials

This hidden courtyard is a must-visit for cheese and cosmetics! Here you'll find Neal's Yard Dairywith its range of delicious British farm cheeses, and the flagship Neal's Yard Remedies for organic skincare products and treatments.
Don't miss: the Seven Dials area which has regular shopping evenings with big discounts.

3. Broadway Market, Hackney

Visit Hackney's hip Broadway Market on a Saturday for 100 stalls selling food, drink, fresh produce and vintage clothing. Or go during the week when it's more sedate and you can browse boutiques such as 69B women's clothing, William Cheshire jewellery and Lock 7 bicycle shop.
Don't miss: a bite to eat or a pint at The Dove pub.

4. Bermondsey Street

The London Bridge area has had a serious makeover in recent years and Bermondsey Street is no exception. Gems here include Susie Stone bespoke women's couturier, Tin Lid kids clothes and toys and Holly & Lil for handmade dog leads, collars and pet accessories.
Don't miss: the Design Museum shop for stylish gifts and homeware.

5. Marylebone High Street

Marylebone Village contains a fantastic range of off-the-high-street retailers. Shop for cool designer homeware at Skandium, quaint tomes at Daunt Books and art deco antiques at Gallery 1930.
Don't miss: London's only dedicated button retailer The Button Queen.

6. Gabriel's Wharf

Tucked behind London's South Bank you'll find a good mix of independent shops, restaurants and bars at Gabriel's Wharf. Check out contemporary art priced from £25 to £500 at Southbank Printmakers, Wagumi's Japanese design products and Ganesha Indian homeware.
Don't miss: Oxo Tower's small shops and galleries.

7. Redchurch Street, Shoreditch

In hip Shoreditch, it's all about Redchurch Street these days! With hot menswear from Aubin & Wills,Hostem and Sunspel, as well as funky home accoutrements from Labour & Wait and Caravan, you won't be disappointed.
Don't miss: Check out nearby Brick Lane, famous for its authentic curry restaurants and vintage fashion shops.

8. Greenwich Market

Thousands of tourists flock to Greenwich's maritime attractions but many of them may miss the excellent shopping on offer in this historic area of London. The main attraction is Greenwich Market, open Tuesday to Sunday, surrounding which you'll find shops and eateries to suit all tastes and budgets.
Don't miss: Nauticalia for all of your nautical needs!

9. Shepherd Market

Situated in London's Mayfair, the charming Shepherd Market square features small art galleries, Victorian pubs and stylish boutiques. Treat yourself to a Cuban Cigar from Alfie Turmaus Tobacconist, shop for luxury leather at Bill Amberg and enjoy a traditional pub meal at Ye Grapes.
Don't miss: Le Boudin Blanc, one of London's favourite French restaurants.

10. Stoke Newington Church Street

It's easy to see why North London's "Stokey" is firmly on the cool-retail radar. As well as some awesome children's shops, there's an eclectic mix of vintage and modern fashion stores includingStrut for pre-loved designer gear, HUB for cool contemporary clothing and Askew for funky eyewear.
Don't miss: a post-retail ramble in Abney Park Cemetery.

11. King's Road

The King's Road in Chelsea has serious street cred. It was the location for popular hippy hangout The Chelsea Drugstore in the 1960s, the birthplace of punk in the 1970s (Vivienne Westwood's first shop was here) and is today enjoyed by the well-heeled Made in Chelsea set.
Don't miss: Bluebird Restaurant – a Made in Chelsea fave!

12. Regent's Park Road, Primrose Hill

A 10-minute walk from buzzing Camden Market, Primrose Hill is a more refined shopping experience. With quality clothing and footwear boutiques, cosy restaurants, pubs and cafes, picturesque canals and city views, you can see why it's so popular with celebs and plebs alike.
Don't miss: The original Primrose Bakery on Gloucester Avenue which has to-die-for cupcakes.

13. Chiswick High Road

South London's antidote to shopping sameness, Chiswick High Road offers independent stores as well as favourite high-street names. From antique and retro furniture at The Old Cinema and luscious chocolates at Philip Neal, you'll be able to find something original here.
Don't miss: Macken Bros meat, for Michelin-starred produce.

14. Walthamstow Market

The longest street market in London, Walthamstow Market (Tuesday to Saturday) has around 500 stalls selling mostly fresh produce and food that reflects the area's ethnic diversity. Walthamstow High Street (where the market is held) is also great for craft supplies, fabric and textiles.
Don't miss: nearby William Morris Gallery, particularly for arts and crafty types!

15. Exmouth Market

Lots of people head to Exmouth Market near London's Kings Cross for food, but it's less well known for its shops. There are some real finds here, including Bagman & Robin leathergoods, Family Treedesigner gifts and bespoke furniture at White & Reid.
Don't miss: Coffee at Caravan or a meal at Moro – after all, it would be a shame to ignore the food completely!

Travelore Tips: Top 15 Shopping Hidden Gems in London

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Once you've ticked off London's major shopping destinations, serious shoppers should check out these more offbeat offerings for specialist boutiques and quirky curios.

1. Camden Passage, Islington

The cobblestone laneway of Camden Passage that runs parallel to Islington's Upper Street is a treasure trove of market stalls – mostly selling antiques, vintage clothes and cool products like old pub signs – as well as lots of small shops and cafes.
Don't miss: the African Waistcoat Company for bespoke vests.

2. Neal’s Yard, Seven Dials

This hidden courtyard is a must-visit for cheese and cosmetics! Here you'll find Neal's Yard Dairywith its range of delicious British farm cheeses, and the flagship Neal's Yard Remedies for organic skincare products and treatments.
Don't miss: the Seven Dials area which has regular shopping evenings with big discounts.

3. Broadway Market, Hackney

Visit Hackney's hip Broadway Market on a Saturday for 100 stalls selling food, drink, fresh produce and vintage clothing. Or go during the week when it's more sedate and you can browse boutiques such as 69B women's clothing, William Cheshire jewellery and Lock 7 bicycle shop.
Don't miss: a bite to eat or a pint at The Dove pub.

4. Bermondsey Street

The London Bridge area has had a serious makeover in recent years and Bermondsey Street is no exception. Gems here include Susie Stone bespoke women's couturier, Tin Lid kids clothes and toys and Holly & Lil for handmade dog leads, collars and pet accessories.
Don't miss: the Design Museum shop for stylish gifts and homeware.

5. Marylebone High Street

Marylebone Village contains a fantastic range of off-the-high-street retailers. Shop for cool designer homeware at Skandium, quaint tomes at Daunt Books and art deco antiques at Gallery 1930.
Don't miss: London's only dedicated button retailer The Button Queen.

6. Gabriel's Wharf

Tucked behind London's South Bank you'll find a good mix of independent shops, restaurants and bars at Gabriel's Wharf. Check out contemporary art priced from £25 to £500 at Southbank Printmakers, Wagumi's Japanese design products and Ganesha Indian homeware.
Don't miss: Oxo Tower's small shops and galleries.

7. Redchurch Street, Shoreditch

In hip Shoreditch, it's all about Redchurch Street these days! With hot menswear from Aubin & Wills,Hostem and Sunspel, as well as funky home accoutrements from Labour & Wait and Caravan, you won't be disappointed.
Don't miss: Check out nearby Brick Lane, famous for its authentic curry restaurants and vintage fashion shops.

8. Greenwich Market

Thousands of tourists flock to Greenwich's maritime attractions but many of them may miss the excellent shopping on offer in this historic area of London. The main attraction is Greenwich Market, open Tuesday to Sunday, surrounding which you'll find shops and eateries to suit all tastes and budgets.
Don't miss: Nauticalia for all of your nautical needs!

9. Shepherd Market

Situated in London's Mayfair, the charming Shepherd Market square features small art galleries, Victorian pubs and stylish boutiques. Treat yourself to a Cuban Cigar from Alfie Turmaus Tobacconist, shop for luxury leather at Bill Amberg and enjoy a traditional pub meal at Ye Grapes.
Don't miss: Le Boudin Blanc, one of London's favourite French restaurants.

10. Stoke Newington Church Street

It's easy to see why North London's "Stokey" is firmly on the cool-retail radar. As well as some awesome children's shops, there's an eclectic mix of vintage and modern fashion stores includingStrut for pre-loved designer gear, HUB for cool contemporary clothing and Askew for funky eyewear.
Don't miss: a post-retail ramble in Abney Park Cemetery.

11. King's Road

The King's Road in Chelsea has serious street cred. It was the location for popular hippy hangout The Chelsea Drugstore in the 1960s, the birthplace of punk in the 1970s (Vivienne Westwood's first shop was here) and is today enjoyed by the well-heeled Made in Chelsea set.
Don't miss: Bluebird Restaurant – a Made in Chelsea fave!

12. Regent's Park Road, Primrose Hill

A 10-minute walk from buzzing Camden Market, Primrose Hill is a more refined shopping experience. With quality clothing and footwear boutiques, cosy restaurants, pubs and cafes, picturesque canals and city views, you can see why it's so popular with celebs and plebs alike.
Don't miss: The original Primrose Bakery on Gloucester Avenue which has to-die-for cupcakes.

13. Chiswick High Road

South London's antidote to shopping sameness, Chiswick High Road offers independent stores as well as favourite high-street names. From antique and retro furniture at The Old Cinema and luscious chocolates at Philip Neal, you'll be able to find something original here.
Don't miss: Macken Bros meat, for Michelin-starred produce.

14. Walthamstow Market

The longest street market in London, Walthamstow Market (Tuesday to Saturday) has around 500 stalls selling mostly fresh produce and food that reflects the area's ethnic diversity. Walthamstow High Street (where the market is held) is also great for craft supplies, fabric and textiles.
Don't miss: nearby William Morris Gallery, particularly for arts and crafty types!

15. Exmouth Market

Lots of people head to Exmouth Market near London's Kings Cross for food, but it's less well known for its shops. There are some real finds here, including Bagman & Robin leathergoods, Family Treedesigner gifts and bespoke furniture at White & Reid.
Don't miss: Coffee at Caravan or a meal at Moro – after all, it would be a shame to ignore the food completely!

10 Of The Best Luxury Food And Wine Brands In London

London is a true haven for many of the world’s top food and wine brands. It is a dream city for all food shopping lovers as well as a great place for hotels and restaurants to supply their customers with the finest produce. Here is a selection of the best food and wine brands in London. Feel free to comment below if you have any further recommendations to add to this list.

Champagne Laurent-Perrier

Champagne Laurent-Perrier, first established in 1812, is one of the most reputable Champagne Houses that is family-owned and present in London. This luxury brand uses traditional methods to handcraft a range of fine champagnes, driven by its pedigree for constant innovation. This Champagne in London displays its awareness of preserving the environment with environmentally friendly methods used to keep over 150 hectares of vines that the brand owns.

Champagne Laurent Perrier is available at top London department stores Harrods and Fortnum & Mason.

Rococo Chocolates

Rococo Chocolates offers a variety of unique chocolates that challenge one’s perceptions of how chocolate should be. In 1983, Chantal Coady was determined to change the way that chocolate was being retailed in a conservative manner more towards inspiring engagement of the senses. This new approach has helped to spread the joy of chocolate far and wide as Chantal has been recognised by major institutions including the Wall Street Journal and the Academy of Chocolate.

Rococo Chocolates are located at Motcomb Street as well as Moxon Street in Central London.

Primrose Bakery

One of London’s most original and loved cupcake shops is Primrose Bakery. It offers a great place to relax after a tiring day of shopping with a loved one or a friend. Choose from the ever growing menu on offer as well as the exclusive weekly and monthly specials such as Cocktail Cupcakes or Pink Lemonade.

Make sure you pop in to sample the selection that this luxury cake shop in London has to offer at either its Gloucester Road or Tavistock Street location.

Alexeeva & Jones

Offering a wide range of luxury chocolates that have been handmade from some of the world’s finest producers, Alexeeva & Jones is a real ‘Salon du Chocolat’ in the capital. Customers can relax in elegant surroundings while being served by some of London’s top chocolate enthusiasts. A wide selection of chocolate offerings are available from 20 different chocolatiers from around the world.

Alexeeva & Jones is located in the exclusive Notting Hill area of London, why not call by.

King’s Fine Food

King’s Fine Food was set up in 2004 by Laura King to supply the finest foods with the best service at affordable prices. Foods are sourced from all over the world to supply many of London’s best restaurants as well as a selection of delighted private clients. In fact, this top food supplier is Britain’s largest importer of fine caviar!

King’s Fine Food is based in Hanworth in West London.

Lalani & Co

Some of the most popular limited edition teas around are housed as part of the Lalani & Co Collection. Coming from a family-run garden, each tea comes in a small batch. Vintage teas and vintage pickings are collected here by many of London’s top restaurants as well as tea connoisseurs and private clients.

Lalani & Co is based in the heart of the city of London on Pall Mall.

Fiona Cairns

Over 25 years ago, Fiona began to make cakes in her kitchen. She used the finest ingredients to combine top design with fabulous flavours, a practice that is still implemented today. Each luxury cake is baked at Fiona Cairns bakery in Leicestershire for many top food retailers including Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, Waitrose, Selfridges and The Conran Shop. Bespoke cakes can also by created by request.

Fiona Cairns was even asked to bake a cake for the globally watched Royal Wedding in 2011.

AWC

Current CEO Stephen Williams established the luxury wines and spirits merchant, AWC over 35 years ago. This top wine company based in Marylebone in the centre of London supplies restaurants, hotels and individuals around the world with the finest wines and spirits around.

AWC also has a sales office based in Asia.

William Curley

Suzue and William Curley are revered for creating some of the finest chocolate, desserts and patisseries in the capital city of the UK. Each of their handmade chocolate delights are produced by their exclusive team of top chefs at their kitchen in Twickenham, London. William has worked with some of the top patissiers and chefs in the industry such as Raymond Blanc, Pierre Koffman and Marc Meneau. William Curley even has its own exclusive Chocolate Members Club for all lovers of chocolate in London.

This top chocolatier in London is based at 98 Ebury Street in Belgravia.

BB Bakery

The traditional French “Salon de Thé”, BB Bakery, brings the best of French baking to the heart of London. It’s appealing offerings are served in a comfortable environment where you can relax and enjoy some delicious afternoon tea while catching up with a family member or an old friend.

BB Bakery is present at Covent Garden while it also offers a unique Routemaster bus experience, where one can savour the luxury bakery’s tasty delicacies while soaking in the history and atmosphere of a typical afternoon in Central London.

If you feel that any of London’s top food and wine brands have been missed, please recommend them by commenting below.

Contributed  by Marta Miklinska, Digital Marketing Manager at 5ive Star London.  www.aluxurytravelblog.com

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