London Business City Guide: London shopping
London’s shopping districts are vibrant and varied. Oxford Street is mainly high street chains, but nearby Mayfair has classier craftsmanship. Fancier fare is also found in the exclusive boutiques of Knightsbridge and the renowned tailors on Savile Row. The city is home to some of the world’s best-known names in shopping, like Harrods and Fortnum & Mason. Speciality shops throughout the city deal in everything from chocolate to out-of-print books. For new books, London offers the largest bookshop in Europe. There is indeed something for everyone here, if you know where to find it.

London shop reviews

Harrods
87–135 Brompton Rd
Knightsbridge
020-7730 1234
London's world-famous emporium of everything – from designer clothing to fancy food. Decor is impressive, particularly the anachronistic Egyptian escalator. Open till 7pm, closed Sunday.

Savile Row
Savile Row
Mayfair
Various
Home to London’s finest tailors, you’ll find anything from handmade business suits to Highland kilts. Top stitchers include John Kent and Davies & Son.

Twining & Co.
216 The Strand
Covent Garden
020-7353 3511
Located on the site of the original Twinings tea shop, all varieties are on offer here, including herbal and iced brews. Closes early (4.30pm).

Fortnum & Mason
181 Piccadilly
Mayfair
020-7734 8040
Less renowned than Harrods, but equally elegant. Offering everything an upmarket department store should, including their own brand of fine foods and three separate restaurants.

Waterstone's
203–206 Piccadilly
Mayfair
020-7851 2400
Europe’s largest bookshop carries pretty much every subject under the sun. Smaller branches dotted throughout the city, too. Open late till 11pm (except Sunday).

Selfridges
400 Oxford Street
Oxford Street
08708-377 377
Already one of the biggest on bustling Oxford Street, plans are afoot to expand the six-storey department store with even more wares and wears. Open daily till 8pm.

Stanfords
12–14 Long Acre
Covent Garden
020-7836 1321
Everything for the literate trekker and traveller. The best possible place for UK and international maps, travel guides and globes. Open till 7.30pm weekdays.

Liberty
210–220 Regent St
Mayfair
020-7734 1234
Not your usual department store. Famed for fabrics and artful interiors, Liberty purveys a comprehensive range of unique and distinctive designer goods. Open late Thursday (8pm).

Tower Records
1 Piccadilly Circus
Mayfair
020-7439 2500
The best place for mainstream and speciality CDs. Videos, DVDs and vinyl, too. Staff are particularly knowledgeable and friendly. Open till midnight (except Sunday).

Charbonnel
1 Royal Arcade, 28 Old Bond St
Mayfair
020-7491 0939
Charbonnel & Walker are Britain's master chocolate-makers. Established in 1875, they offer a range of scrumptious confections in elegant packaging for every occasion. Closed Sunday.