Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Some of the best boutiques in London are also here. The independent shopping
scene thrives; this is an area where people want to be unique, but still look expensive
and groomed. Expect one-off, vintage-style dresses, quirky homewares, and more
than a handful of retro record shops. Stick to Portobello for the antiques, but head to
Westbourne Grove and Ledbury Road for the boutiques.
The area is also full of organic and fancy food stores, with Whole Foods having its
flagship home here. They take their food very seriously in West London: It does come
at a price, but the quality is good so make sure you pick up a few bits.
West London is also home to two American-style shopping malls. Westfield takes up
residence in Shepherd's Bush, and Whiteleys sits in Bayswater. They're huge, they have
everything, and they're busy. If it's raining and you still want your high-street shops, then
head here. Just don't expect to find anything special or out of the ordinary.
The City & East London
The financial district itself doesn't really offer much in the way of shopping—espe-
cially at the weekend, when everything tends to be shut. However, a new shopping
center, One New Change, is attracting a rich crowd for its luxury goods. It's opposite
the eastern end of St. Paul's Cathedral. You'll also find a handful of tailors in the area,
and there are several high-end brands in the nearby Royal Exchange (www.the
royalexchange.com; Tube: Bank). However, unless you're often suited up for work, it's
really not a shopping destination by itself.
Continue your adventure farther east on Commercial Street (Tube: Liverpool
St./Train: Shoreditch High St.). This is where you'll find the best vintage shops in the
city. They're on almost every corner, and new ones seem to appear every day, alongside
pop-up stores just here for the weekend. Make sure you hit Absolute Vintage and
the smaller Blondie ( p. 157) around the corner, on the way to the antiques market
in Spitalfields (p. 152).
A short stroll north, Columbia Road is more than just a flower market; in many
ways, the main attractions are the artist studios that line the street. Head up every
single one of those staircases you see. If the door is open, you're allowed in. You'll find
artists at work and shops like Jessica Chorley, 158a Columbia Rd. ( &   07708/921550;
www.jessiechorley.com; Train: Shoreditch) selling handmade notebooks and jewelry.
Once you're done with the studios and shops— Ryan Town sells fabulous papercuts—
everything at the flower market will be going cheap come 3pm.
Markets
London can't quite compete with the flea markets of Paris, but it does increasingly
hold its own. London's markets are smaller, more niche, and perhaps slightly too
expensive—but they are lots of fun. Take cash with you (and keep it somewhere safe),
as most markets are a bit of a walk from any ATMs. Then do your best not to be
tempted by all the wares on offer. Do haggle. Most items can be bought for cheaper
than their price tag, if you're willing to negotiate. Round things down, ask for some-
thing for nothing, and get a bargain.
Borough Market One of the largest outdoor food markets in the world,
selling a mammoth variety of delectables from across the globe. Best buys are the
more unusual items and British-reared meats, rather than standard food market fare,
which is aimed at tourists with money to burn. The market is open Thursday 11am
to 5pm, Friday noon to 6pm, and Saturday 9am to 5pm. Try to avoid on a Saturday
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