While I know it sounds touristy, this combination of fun things to do in west-central London do not seem at all like that to me. I suppose it's because few people go to a bookstore while they're on a vacation; they usually do this before they leave, usually to pick up books on the places they'll be visiting!
The first place, though, I learned about by reading a book, Jane Austen Ruined My Life by Beth Pattillo. If you're looking for a fun, light read, perhaps for while you're on vacation, check it out -- even my husband liked it!
Hatchards
With a Piccadilly location, right across the street from the Royal Academy and made up of 5 floors, broken into subject matter sections, Hatchards is the proud 300-plus year-old (only the Cambridge bookstore is older) supplier of books to the monarchy and holder of three royal warrants. Besides the history, though, Hatchards is a wonderful place to lose yourself for an afternoon, as you wander the stacks, leafing through the different books that interest you. A great plus: you can go to Fortnum & Mason next door with your purchase for tea!
Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason is one of the places we enjoy visiting every time we come to London, even if we go only to look. It's as though we need to go there to get our bearings and, once we've been there, we're again in Britain.
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| Fortnum & Mason |
The more time you spend in F&M, the more you learn just how varied and extraordinary its offerings are. There are teas and foods from around the world, as well as clothing, toiletries, household goods, fine wines, home furnishings, and this is just naming a few. This video (above) will give a better idea of what you may find when you visit. In this case, seeing really is believing!
Right next door is the Piccadilly Arcade, home to some of London's finest retailers, including Santa Maria Novella Apothecary, the makers of the wonderful soaps and lotions you now do NOT have to travel to Florence to enjoy. There are also fine men's toiletry items, bespoke tailors and women's clothing, artbooks and other luxuries to be found, so a walk down its cool, marble paved passageway is a treat, especially on a rainy day. Not to be missed: the skull and crossed swords motif dressing gowns and socks at New & Lingwood's twin shops at the end of the arcade!
Another neighbor is Burlington Arcade, which offers up additional temptations in the form of antiques, silver, shoes, jewelry and fashion for discerning shoppers. When you are done going down one side, why not turn around and take a careful look at the other?
Be sure to stop at both arcades - you won't want to miss the beauty of their window displays!
Jermyn Street
If you believe every man in your life has all he needs to be a gentleman, then you haven't taken a walk down Jermyn Street.
The shops on Jermyn Street present the epitome of the groomers' art: special bristle brushes and shaving soaps, magnifying mirrors, strops, single edge razors, scissors of surgical fineness - they are all to be found in Jermyn Street at Taylor of Old Bond Street.
And while there, don't forget to pick up some finely made shirts and suits, an old world map, perhaps a piece of fine art or an antique sextant or globe -- these are all available in the various shops along Jermyn Street, which is happily as quiet as it is refined. This site provides a current list of the retailers located on the north and south sides of the street. I doubt it's changed in many years.
Another neighbor is Burlington Arcade, which offers up additional temptations in the form of antiques, silver, shoes, jewelry and fashion for discerning shoppers. When you are done going down one side, why not turn around and take a careful look at the other?
Be sure to stop at both arcades - you won't want to miss the beauty of their window displays!
Jermyn Street
If you believe every man in your life has all he needs to be a gentleman, then you haven't taken a walk down Jermyn Street.
The shops on Jermyn Street present the epitome of the groomers' art: special bristle brushes and shaving soaps, magnifying mirrors, strops, single edge razors, scissors of surgical fineness - they are all to be found in Jermyn Street at Taylor of Old Bond Street.
And while there, don't forget to pick up some finely made shirts and suits, an old world map, perhaps a piece of fine art or an antique sextant or globe -- these are all available in the various shops along Jermyn Street, which is happily as quiet as it is refined. This site provides a current list of the retailers located on the north and south sides of the street. I doubt it's changed in many years.
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