shopping
The little black book of
Christmas
Where to shop for the best presents this Christmas
shopping
Elias & Grace
Primrose Hill Westfield London A mall like no other, Westfield is a huge space dedicated to shopping. Its less high street stores can be found in The Village, where you can pick up a pair of party shoes from Jimmy Choo, a bag from Dior and dresses from Missoni’s diffusion line M Missoni. And if your eyes are bigger than your biceps, there is a hands-free shopping service so you don’t have to cart all your bags around with you. You can also book a chauffeur to take you home. Westfield has a wide range of children’s stores such as Atelier de Courcelles for designer collections from the likes of Burberry, Chloé and Escada; and for practical and cute check out Swedish clothing line Polarn O. Pyret. Don’t miss: Swap the pushchair for a “kiddy car” – the novelty mini vehicles will help keep the little ones entertained (and mobile) as you whizz from shop to shop. recharge: There are branches of much-loved London restaurants, Busaba Eathai and Wahaca.
Walton Street
Camden Passage
Bond Street
Penhaligon’s
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Made up of New and Old Bond Street, the area is a who’s who of designer labels including Bottega Veneta and Christian Dior. If you’re in the market for something sparkly, Chopard and Tiffany can oblige. Upmarket stocking fillers can be found at Smythson with its traditional diaries and stationary. Don’t miss: Burlington Arcade – the covered shopping street dates back to 1819 and looks
beautiful when lit up for Christmas. The arcade’s Ladurée tearoom, with its brightly coloured macaroons, is too hard to resist. Pop in for a gift hamper. For perfume-lovers, Penhaligon’s offers some of the finest, all of which come in gorgeously old-fashioned bottles. recharge: Pop in for a festive afternoon tea at Claridge’s just around the corner on Brook Street, where Christmas carols are performed at weekends.
images: visit london
Burlington Arcade
Islington’s eccentric Camden Passage is famous for its antiques but it is also home to a selection of fab shops such as Felix and Lily’s for tots with attitude. Pop in to Paul A Young’s chocolate shop for his award-winning sea salted caramels – or a love it or hate it Marmite truffle. For a more unusual present try the Japanese Gallery for affordable Japanese prints. Don’t miss: Just around the corner is Bobbin Bicycles, which, sells gorgeous vintage-style bikes and stylish (yes, stylish) cycling hats. RECHARGE: Pop in for pancakes or eggs benedict at the cool cafe The Breakfast Club.
The Walton Street enclave provides a more intimate shopping experience, where you can hop from one luxe store to the next. Dragons of Walton Street has gorgeous hand-painted children’s furniture – for Christmas gifts, there are clocks, original canvas watercolours and piggy banks. For a stylishly pregnant Christmas, Blossom Mother and Child has perfect party-wear. And finally, pick up the kids’ Christmas Day outfits at Marie Chantal. Don’t miss: Independent wine shop Jeroboams is the place to stock up on your festive tipples – ask in advance if you can have a glass of wine and some charcuterie in the cellar! recharge: Have lunch at The Enterprise, a posh pub in disguise as a country house. They serve fantastic sausage and mash.
Dragons of Walton St
With its village-like feel, Primrose Hill is a relaxing place to shop. If you’re looking for original gifts, head to Shikasuki for vintage accessories. For book-worms, Primrose Hill Books is a real treasure trove of hard-tofind titles, and has a large selection by local authors. For your winter wardrobe, Pamela Shiffer stocks the likes of coveted Italian brand Maliparmi and Oui for funky knits. Elias & Grace is a must for chic clothes for kids. Don’t miss: Pick up some gifts for make-up lovers and treat yourself to a massage at the Victoriana-inspired boutique, Lost in Beauty. It also has theatre mirrors where you can experiment with different make-up looks. recharge: Delicious Sardinian food can be found at Primrose Hill favourite Sardo Canale.
Marylebone Village Marylebone is firmly on the foodie map with the likes of The Ginger Pig, La Fromagerie, and kitchen store Divertimenti, which sells everything you might need to knock up Michelin star-worthy creations. Scarves are a Christmas gift staple but go for a twist and call in at Australia’s accessory label Mimco. For gorgeous children’s shoes try Papillon, and for clothes, French fashion house Bonpoint has a stylishly traditional range for kids. Don’t miss: Shop at the Cabbage & Frocks market every Saturday. recharge: The Providores’ tapas room has a great brunch menu, which includes dishes such as chorizo with sweet potato. 43