London’s best shopping secrets
Think of shopping in London and you’ll probably imagine the glamour of Harrods, Harvey Nichols or Liberty- large, well known stores that are tourist attractions in their own right. But there is another side to shopping in London. Here are five of the best kept shopping secrets in this incredible city:
1. Islington Antiques
Portobello Road is famous for antiques but prices can be pretty high- it’s almost too famous! For more bargains, try the area around the Angel, Islington. The selection of antique shops is broad enough to please even the most dedicated collector.
This area is also very close to central London and easily accessible on the Tube.
Portobello Road by Garry Knight
2. Queen’s Park Farmers Market, Kilburn (Sundays only)
Although it’s a little way out of the city, the Sunday market in Queen’s Park is the perfect place to go for gourmet food and ingredients. If you’re looking for the finest of fine food and don’t want to premium prices, it’s well worth getting on the tube and stocking up here. Cakes, artisan bread, pies, and superb foodstuffs of all kinds can be bought straight from the suppliers, fresh and delicious.
3. The Jewellery Quarter, Hatton Garden
Famous for diamonds of all kinds, Hatton Garden is home to more than 50 jewellers, watchmakers, and precious stone dealers. The history of this part of old London is fascinating too, as it’s been a centre for the creation and sale of fine jewellery for hundreds of years.
Thanks to EU conventions governing the production and sale of precious stones, you can also be sure that anything you buy from a reputable Hatton Garden retailer will be responsibly sourced.
4. Art in Brick Lane
Brick Lane is better known as the home of London’s best curry houses, but there is also a thriving art scene with a collection of small galleries. It’s a great place to go when you’re trying to find the young artist who will be the next Damien Hirst or Tracey Emin.
There are also some very trendy boutiques in this area, perfect for those who like their clothing creative and at the cutting edge of fashion. Brick Lane isn’t on the Tube map, so get here by public transport use the Aldgate East station.
5. Music in Ladbroke Grove
Home to the famous Rough Trade Records amongst many others, Ladbroke Grove is the place to go for rare releases and imports, vinyl gems, or just to talk music with like-minded people. This one is an absolute must for anyone with an extensive record collection.
A former Londoner, Jess writes for gbtaxfree.com, a tax-free shopping resource for visitors to the UK.
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