Shop London

Knightsbridge, Belgravia and Kensington

• Knightsbridge
• London, SW1X 7XL

Harrods

• 87-135 Brompton Rd., SW1
• tel:020/8479-5100
• Visit website
• London, SW3 1JJ

"The Corner Shop", as Knightsbridge locals call it, is probably the most famous store in the world, selling everything from its ubiquitous green-and-gold branded carrier bags (its best selling item) to a 12.5kg solid gold bar, its latest ultimate luxury accessory. It may not have all the latest fashions these days (look opposite in Harvey Nichols to find those) but it's not far behind and for all but the hardest to please shoppers it's usually a great experience. Harrods began on its present site in 1849 as a small grocer's shop. These days 15 million customers per year come to explore its 7 floors and 4.5 acres. Don't miss the daily cornucopia in the fabulous Food Halls and return by night to see its famous terracotta façade, illuminated by 13,500 lightbulbs.

Bluebird

• 350 King's Rd., SW3
• tel:020/7559-1000
• Visit website
• London, SW3 5UU

Munch Cafe

• 208 King's Road
• tel:44 20 7751 5700
• London, SW3 5XP

Tom's Delicatessen

• 226 Westbourne Grove
• Notting Hill
• tel:44 20 7221 8818
• Visit website
• London, W11 2RH

Portobello Road Market

• Portobello Road
• tel:+44 20 7229 8354
• Visit website
• London, W11

Since 1837 Portobello Road has hosted a market of some sort or another. Made famous by the movie Notting Hill, the market will not disappoint despite attracting serious crowds. Known prodominently for antiques found at the south or Notting Hill Gate end of the market, there are several sections worth a peak although finding a bargain might be an option. After the antiques, jewelery and souevnirs the market thins as people bail out on Westborne Grove, but keep going and you'll find colourful fruit & veg stalls and mouth watering street food vendors. The third section is fashion, both new and second hand, which extends along the street under the motorway. Don't forget to go behind the stalls where you'll find nifty little shops. Oh and don't forget to take a camera!
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Covent Garden Piazza

• Covent Garden
• Visit website
• London, WC2E 8RD

Sheltered beneath a beautiful Victorian iron-and-glass structure that once held England's largest fruit and vegetable market, (now relocated to Nine Elms, just south of the river) are the shops and restaurants that make up the heart of Covent Garden. Its famous piazza  is the only area of London licensed for street entertainment and all performers are quality-checked before they are allowed to perform. There's a nice buzz to the place (we particularly like the buskers and craft stalls) even if it is quite touristy and at peak times gets uncomfortably busy.


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