London shopping
London is no less famous for shoppers than Milan or Paris. The British capital became one of the centers of world fashion in the 19th century, at the end of which the refined style of the London dandy, sung by Pushkin, appeared. In the 1960s in London, the popular and still style “casual” (casual) is born – comfortable and fashionable casual wear. Later, London fashion was filled with the names of many world-famous designers – from Vivienne Westwood, who created the punk style, to the modern fashion maestro, Alexander McQueen. Haute Couture Week, which has been held annually in London for almost 20 years, presents the shows of the world’s best designers.
In addition to designer boutiques, clothing, footwear and accessories stores, there are many other equally interesting stores in London offering excellent goods for every taste.
The main shopping areas of London:
Oxford Street (Oxford Street) – a long shopping street, where are located: trading houses “Selfridges” (Selfriges), “Debenhams” (Debenhams) and “John Lewis” (John Lewis), popular brand stores Thor Shop, Zara, Next, accessories store Tie Rack, the famous English store of natural toilet cosmetics Body Shop.
Regent Street – home to the elegant Liberty store, House of Cashemire, which sells wonderful cashmere products, the excellent Whittard Tea shop, and the large Hammleys toy store.
Knightsbridge – It is here, on Brompton Road, that the world-famous Harrods trading house, founded in 1861 by Charles Digby Harrod, is located. The seven floors of the elegant building house more than 300 different departments offering first-class products. The services of Harrods are used by members of the royal family.
Sloane Street – boutiques of leading design houses are located on this street: Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Tod’s, Kenzo and others.
Piccadilly is London’s economic heartland, home to some of the city’s oldest shops, such as Fortnum and Mason, famous for its exclusive food and fine clothing. Also in the area are: John Lobb shoe boutique, James Lock hat shop, Floris perfume store, Berry Bros & Rudd liquor store and the famous Simpson trading house. ).
Bond Street is a prestigious street with more than 400 high-end antique shops and art salons, luxury jewelry stores such as Tiffany and Cartier, as well as boutiques of the world’s leading fashion designers, such as Valentino, Chanel or Lagerfeld.
The best restaurants in London
London is also popular among gourmets who appreciate exclusive and fine cuisine combined with elegant surroundings. Among the many London restaurants, the most famous are:
Marcus Wareing (Wilton Place Knightsbridge) is an elegant contemporary European restaurant located in the Berkeley Hotel, awarded two Michelin stars, as well as the best restaurant in London in 2011, the best restaurant in the United Kingdom, as well as the winner in three other categories – for the best chefs of London (for the third year in a row), the best dessert (warm chocolate with salted caramel was recognized as such) and the best food.
Gordon Ramsay ( 68 Royal Hospital Road) – a great restaurant of the famous English culinary specialist and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay, awarded three Michelin stars.
Viajante (Patriot Square) – This East London restaurant has been voted the best “new restaurant” in the city. Here you can taste innovative dishes from the Portuguese chef Nuno Mendez.
Le Gavroche (43 Upper Brook Street) is an award-winning French restaurant founded by celebrity chef Albert Roux and awarded three Michelin stars.
Alan Ducasse – The restaurant of the world famous chef Alan Ducasse is located in The Dorchester and has been awarded three Michelin stars.
Chez Bruce (2 Bellevue Road) is a Michelin-starred restaurant voted Londoners’ favorite place in 2011.
The Wolseley (160 Piccadilly) is a luxurious restaurant-cafe located in the center of London, on Piccadilly Boulevard, was founded by famous restaurateurs Chris Corbin and Jeremy King. The restaurant offers a traditional menu of old European cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere.
La Poule au Pot (231 Ebury Street) is a charming French restaurant, voted the most romantic in London.
Nobu (19 Old Park Lane) is a Japanese fine dining restaurant opened by Robert De Niro and renowned Japanese chef Nobuyuki Matsuhis. The restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star and is a popular restaurant among world celebrities.
Hakkasan (8 Hanway Place) is a superb Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant founded by legendary restaurateur Alan Yau MBE for services to the restaurant industry.
The Ivy (1-5 West Street) is a legendary restaurant founded in 1917 by restaurateur Mario Gallati. The excellent dishes of this restaurant attract distinguished guests, including Hugh Grant, Christina Aguilera and Madonna.
Sketch (9 Conduit Street) is a restaurant with a club atmosphere founded by celebrity French chef Pierre Gagnier and English restaurateur Murad Mazuz. The menu of the restaurant includes dishes of European, Moroccan and Indian cuisines, and the premises, which differ in different styles, are a dining room, a tea room and a bar-club.
