London Shopping
The neighbourhood of South Kensington, bordering on Knightsbridge and Chelsea, is popular for both well-known luxury brands and intimate boutiques. The Ampersand Hotel staff can point you towards what’s hot, what’s not and the inimitable London addresses Kensington locals try to keep to themselves.
Harrods
No visit to London is complete without a jaunt around this world-famous palace of a department store. With over 300 departments and 32 restaurants, there is something for everyone here, from furs to picnic hampers. The Food Hall and Christmas departments are musts. At 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge. Four-and-a-half acres of retail indulgence, set over seven floors, make Harrods the definitive London luxury shopping experience. Decadent food and cosmetics halls, the popular Urban Retreat beauty salon, ten restaurants and a host of in-store services, make visiting Harrods a memorable occasion for everyone. Open 10am to 8pm Monday to Saturday & 11.30am to 6pm Sunday.
Harvey Nichols
Like a younger, cooler kid sister to nearby Harrods, Harvey Nichols is eight fabulous floors dripping with exclusive fashion, beauty and lifestyle. A one-stop-shop for international luxury, you can come here to shop or recharge at the Fifth Floor Café. At 109-125 Knightsbridge. Known affectionately to Londoners as Harvey Nicks, this is where the serious fashionista stocks up on contemporary and international collections, designer shoes and the world’s leading beauty brands. In-store Style Concierges, two spas and a Hersheson’s blow-dry bar polish the experience. Open 11am to 7pm Monday to Wednesday, 11am – 8pm Thursday – Saturday & 11.30am to 6pm Sunday.
Wholefoods Market
Wholefoods is the place to find organic food in Kensington. The largest of the hit American brand’s UK stores, the range includes great regional cheeses, handmade chocolates, organic meats and all things wholesome. There’s also a good cafe upstairs. At 63-97 Kensington High Street, The Barkers Building.
The Conran Shop
There is no better temple to great international design. Set in the deco-fabulous Michelin House building, here’s where to find Eames chairs, Original BTC lighting, Philippe Starck knick-knackery and other contemporary classics for your home and garden. At 81 Fulham Road.
The ultimate indoor shopping destination for food, fashion and fun
When you visit Westfield London White City you will find find the best in fashion and luxury retail, dining, leisure and entertainment for all the family, all under one roof only 15 minutes away with a taxi.
Home to more than 350 shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, entertainment venues and things to do, Westfield London is the ultimate destination for London’s best day out.
The Library
Gentlemen of a sartorial bent will love this luxury outfitters, its pared-back, industrial-style interior offsetting a carefully curated selection of contemporary menswear. Labels to look out for include Dries Van Noten, Julius, and Carol Christian Poell. At 268 Brompton Road.
Caramel Baby & Child
Parents who like their kids logo-free will love the Caramel style. Relaxed and understated in a muted palate, the range reflects a very British kind of cool, from tweed princess coats and dusky pink cashmere cardies, to soft leather booties and loose cotton grandad shirts. At 291 Brompton Road.
Stella McCartney
This is the second London store for the queen of British fashion. Alongside luxury ready-to-wear, kids, accessories, jewellery and fragrances, you’ll find the adidas by Stella McCartney range. At Brompton Cross, 91-97 Fulham Road.
V & A Shop
Gone are the days when the museum shop sold a novelty pencil sharpener. Inspired by its world-class collection, the V&A leads the way in stocking some of the coolest gifts in town, from kitsch egg-cups to fabrics featuring designs from the archives. Cromwell Road.
The Monogrammed Linen Shop
The leading luxury linen shop in London, this Chelsea stalwart is known for its fine lace and embroidery, Egyptian cotton, linens and silks, cashmere and luxury nightwear. Choose from the in-house range or create your own bespoke monogrammed linen. At 168-170 Walton Street.
