London is such a beautiful place to be during the festive season and if you are here during this time, it’s a wonderful opportunity to purchase gifts for your loved ones. This year we have asked our team to tell us their favourite shops which we have compiled into this guide.
Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop, Covent Garden, WC2E 8RF.
In 1856 Benjamin Pollock opened his first shop, selling goods inspired by his interest in toy theatres. It was frequented by Charlie Chaplin and loved by author Robert Louis Stevenson who noted ‘If you love art, folly or the bright eyes of children, speed to Pollock’s’. Benjamin Pollock’s in Covent Garden really is an absolute treat. Its range includes toy theatres, shadow boxes and puppets – wonderful gifts for theatre lovers of any age!
Floris, Jermyn Street, SW1Y 6JH.
England’s oldest retailer of fragrance and toiletries is still family owned and run today by the 8th and 9th generation of the family. They were established at this address from 1730! A perfect stop for all things fragrant, for both men and women. The interior is especially noteworthy, with cabinets from the Great Exhibition of 1851.
Forman & Field, Stour Road, E3 2NT.
Forman & Field are a gourmet food supplier who assemble the most mouth-watering hampers. Their breath-taking range includes artisan British high-quality fish, grass-fed meats, rare breed poultry and artisan cheese.
Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly, W1A 1ER.
Just a short walk from Hertford Street will bring you to the historic Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly. Wander around the most beautiful shop as you select the finest grocery items for your hand-picked hamper (or choose one which has been ready prepared). Their conserves are an absolute treat so be sure to take some home for yourself too!
Hamleys, Regent Street, W1B 5BT.
Hamleys, which has been located on Regent Street since 1881, covers six floors and has the most impressive and comprehensive range of traditional and modern toys for all ages.
Harrods, Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL.
Established in 1849 as a grocers when the area was a small village on the outskirts of London, it continues to sell fine food and drink as well as designer clothing and homewares. At Christmas time the shop is adorned with a staggering 12,000 lights. It looks so beautiful; it will take your breath away!
Hatchards, Piccadilly, W1J 9LE.
We completely adore Hatchards, our local (and London’s oldest) bookshop, which was established in 1797. Visit their website whilst planning your visit as they have devised the most helpful recommendations list, categorised by genre. They also have a fabulous range of signed books and first editions – the perfect gifts for book lovers!
John Lewis, Oxford Street, W1C 1DX.
John Lewis is a fabulous department store with the most incredible selection of toys, homeware, luxury perfumes and cosmetics, and clothing. They also produce a wide range of hampers suitable for all tastes.
Liberty London, Regent Street, W1B 5AH.
This beautiful Tudor style building, when bedecked in festive lights, epitomises Christmas in London. The historic emporium, with its own line of iconic fabrics, is the perfect place to find luxury beauty items, designer clothing and homeware.
Neal’s Yard Remedies, Covent Garden, WC2H 9DP.
Visit apothecarist Neal’s Yard flagship boutique to find the finest organic beauty products, herbs, teas, remedies and aromatherapy oils, beautifully presented in their iconic classic blue packaging.
Queens of Mayfair, Queen Street, W1J 5PH.
We are so incredibly lucky to have this fabulous coffee shop on our doorstep which ethically sources the finest (and some of the rarest) coffees from around the world. Their beautiful hampers are an absolute must for coffee connoisseurs!
How about creating a gift using a selection of items from different shops? Many now provide sustainable, and often beautifully decorated, reusable packaging which can be repurposed for presenting your own tailormade hamper of goodies.