LONDON - England 2012 and the Best of Wales - page 158

Emporium A quick trip over the river to Greenwich takes you to this classy
vintage shop. Men fare slightly better for browsing (the best stuff for women is
secreted in protective covers), but the accessories cabinet is an Aladdin's cave of
treasures. 330-332 Creek Rd., SE10. & 020/8305-1670. DLR: Cutty Sark.
Marshmallow Mountain Marshmallow Mountain is pricier than most vintage
boutiques—that'll be the rent for the swanky shop location—but there's some excel-
lent buys to be found. It seems to cater better for summer wear, with funky sunglasses
and cotton dresses, but it's a lively little vintage shop with friendly staff. Unit G5, Kingly
Court, W1. & 020/7434-9498. www.marshmallowmountain.com. Tube: Oxford Circus.
Rokit There are three locations for this small chain, but the most central and best
stocked is in Covent Garden. The trick here is to browse at leisure, looking for that
perfect item. That's when vintage shopping really becomes fun. You'll find the best
buys in leather, denim, and '70s' fashions. 42 Sheldon St., WC2. & 020/7836-6547. www.
rokit.co.uk. Tube: Covent Garden. Other locations throughout London.
DEPARTMENT STORES
Contrary to popular belief, Harrods is not the only department store in London. The
British invented the department store, and have lots of them. A lot are upscale, but you
can usually still find a bargain in most. They're also getting better at catering for a younger
shopper, and the concessions and food halls are generally the best instore sections.
Fenwick of Bond Street Fenwick (with a silent “ w ”), dates back to 1891. It's a
stylish store that offers a large collection of (slightly conservative) designer womens-
wear. The perfume and toiletries are excellent if you're looking for something unique,
although it comes at a price. An extensive selection of lingerie in all price ranges is also
sold. 63 New Bond St., W1. & 020/7629-9161. www.fenwick.co.uk. Tube: Bond St. or Oxford Circus.
Fortnum & Mason Catering to well-heeled clients as a full-service depart-
ment store since 1707, Fortnum & Mason is better than ever. Offerings include one
of the most exciting delicatessens in London, as well as stationery, gift items, porce-
lain, and crystal. The perfume section offers unique and rare items, all available for
smelling. You'll find the items here traditional, elegant, and pricey. 181 Piccadilly, W1.
& 020/7734-8040. www.fortnumandmason.com. Tube: Piccadilly Circus.
Harrods Harrods remains a London institution, but it's not as cutting edge as it
once was. For the latest trends, shop elsewhere; but, it's as entrenched in English life
as Buckingham Palace and racing at Ascot, and is still an elaborate emporium. Buyers
are trying to become more on trend, and they've added a pet emporium so you can
purchase diamond collars for your pooch and gold food dishes for your kitty (there's
even a few pets to cuddle). You'll also find a traditional barber, a jewelry department,
and a fashion department for younger customers. 87-135 Brompton Rd., SW1. & 020/8479-
5100. www.harrods.com. Tube: Knightsbridge.
John Lewis This department store remains one of the most trusted outlets in
London. Their motto is that they have never knowingly undersold, and they mean it.
There are always great bargains here, and homewares are where they excel. Whatever
you're looking for, ranging from Egyptian cotton towels to clothing and jewelry, you'll
find it. 278-306 Oxford St., W1. & 020/7629-7711. www.johnlewis.com. Tube: Oxford Circus. Other
locations throughout London.
Liberty This department store has a lot to thank the vintage trend for. Sud-
denly, it's the most popular place in town, without even needing a revamp. It's celebrated

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